CA1334297C - Well tubing liner system - Google Patents
Well tubing liner systemInfo
- Publication number
- CA1334297C CA1334297C CA000592035A CA592035A CA1334297C CA 1334297 C CA1334297 C CA 1334297C CA 000592035 A CA000592035 A CA 000592035A CA 592035 A CA592035 A CA 592035A CA 1334297 C CA1334297 C CA 1334297C
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- liner
- tube
- plastic
- flanges
- flange
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Expired - Fee Related
Links
Classifications
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E21—EARTH DRILLING; MINING
- E21B—EARTH DRILLING, e.g. DEEP DRILLING; OBTAINING OIL, GAS, WATER, SOLUBLE OR MELTABLE MATERIALS OR A SLURRY OF MINERALS FROM WELLS
- E21B17/00—Drilling rods or pipes; Flexible drill strings; Kellies; Drill collars; Sucker rods; Cables; Casings; Tubings
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E21—EARTH DRILLING; MINING
- E21B—EARTH DRILLING, e.g. DEEP DRILLING; OBTAINING OIL, GAS, WATER, SOLUBLE OR MELTABLE MATERIALS OR A SLURRY OF MINERALS FROM WELLS
- E21B17/00—Drilling rods or pipes; Flexible drill strings; Kellies; Drill collars; Sucker rods; Cables; Casings; Tubings
- E21B17/02—Couplings; joints
- E21B17/04—Couplings; joints between rod or the like and bit or between rod and rod or the like
- E21B17/042—Threaded
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
- F16L—PIPES; JOINTS OR FITTINGS FOR PIPES; SUPPORTS FOR PIPES, CABLES OR PROTECTIVE TUBING; MEANS FOR THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
- F16L57/00—Protection of pipes or objects of similar shape against external or internal damage or wear
- F16L57/06—Protection of pipes or objects of similar shape against external or internal damage or wear against wear
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
- F16L—PIPES; JOINTS OR FITTINGS FOR PIPES; SUPPORTS FOR PIPES, CABLES OR PROTECTIVE TUBING; MEANS FOR THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
- F16L58/00—Protection of pipes or pipe fittings against corrosion or incrustation
- F16L58/18—Protection of pipes or pipe fittings against corrosion or incrustation specially adapted for pipe fittings
- F16L58/182—Protection of pipes or pipe fittings against corrosion or incrustation specially adapted for pipe fittings for screw-threaded joints
Abstract
A well tube liner system includes rigid, self supporting plastic liners inserted within well tube sections and including end flanges adjacent opposed ends of the tube sections for sealing against each other and against a connecting collar when the tube sections are drawn axially together during assembly of the tube sections. An auxiliary spacer corresponding in general configuration to the flanges is provided for insertion between the flanges of liner sections to maintain the flanges in axially spaced apart and sealed condition to compensate for worn threads while retaining the same liner sections.
Description
WFI.L TUBING LINER SYSTEI~i Back~round of the Invention This invention relates to a system for applying a plastic liner to oil field country tubulors, such as well tubing, and a joint formed by such tubing incorporating the plastic liner. 2~ore particularly, flanges attached 5 to the liner have both radial and circumferential sealing surfaces to positively prevent fluid in the well tubing from contacting either the interior of the tube or a connecting collar.
Well tubing has have been utilized for many years to provide a flow path for fluids passing to and from the well reservoir. The well tubes 10 are inserted into a well that has been drilled and are used to inject fluids into the well reservoir to raise pressure and fluid levels, and to remove oil or gas frorn the completed well. The fluids cause abrasion and deterioration of the tubes and the collars connecting them. Therefore, it is well known to provide tubes with a liner in order to minimize the 15 abrasion and the deterioration of the tube. The liner may take the form of a layer of cement or a plastic coating applied to the interior surface of the tube. The interior of the tube may also be coated or covered with other materials which are relatively inert to the fluids passing through the well tube.
A series of tubes are typically attached together end to end by collars which threadingly engage adjacent ends of the tubes. The ends of the tubes and the collar have corresponding threads, usually tapered, such that rotation of the collar and tubes relative to each other draws the ends of the well tubes toward each other in secured relationship. In order to prevent deteriation of the collar and leakage at the joint area, it has been proposed to provide end seals on the ends of the tubes by either a separate flange piece attached to the tube liner or by rolling over the tube liner to cover the end of the tube. However, these systems have not completely alleviated the problems, since the junction between adjacent flanges or between the rolled over liners often does not provide an adequate seal. Furthermore, rolling or otherwise forming the liner over the end of the tube requires threads to be formed thereon to match those of the collar. As a practlcal matter, this is difficult, if not impossible, to accomplish and still maintain reasonable production costs. The wear of the threaded lining occasioned by the installation and removal of the collars eventually causes the lining seal to deteriorate thereby necessitating a complete re-fitting of the liner.
It is also known to provide rigid liners for underground pipelines by forming the liner from a plastic material with an initial outer diameter greater than the interior diameter of the pipeline. The liner diameter is reduced prior to inserting it into the pipeline. After insertion, the liner is expanded into contact with the pipeline by drawing a heating element through its interior, by physical expansion using an interior plug, by application of internal pressure or simply letting the liner expand towards Its initial diameter by relaxation.
It is also known to form a rigid plastic liner with an outer diameter less than the inner diameter of a section of pipe. Subsequent to insertion of the liner, flanges are attached to each end of the liner and a heated fluid is passed through the liner to cause it to expand and contact the interior of the pipe section. The axially facing end of the flange is brought into sealing engagement with a corresponding sealing surface of an adjacent flange when the pipeline sections are bolted together.
Summar~l of the Invention The present invention relates to a well tubing liner system and a oint ~vhich obviates the drawbacks and difficultie5 of the know~ systems.
-_3_ 1 3342~7 The system according to the present invention includes a rigid plastic liner which may be initially formed so as to have an outside diameter greater than the inside diameter of the tube. The liner preferably is passed through a reducing device, which may be a reducing roll, a die, or the like, so as to elastically deform the liner and reduce the outside diameter to a dimension less than the inside diameter of the tube. The reduced diameter liner, preferably having plain ends, is then inserted into the tube section. Flanges, formed of the same plastic material as the liner, are attached by fusion to each end of the liner. The ends of the liner may be expanded to match the size of the flanges before they are attached.
The liner is then allowed to return toward its original diameter, preferably without the application of heat or internal pressure thereto. The elastic memory of the liner material causes it to radially expand until the outer surface of the liner contacts the inner surface of the tube. The radial expansion also causes the liner to longitudinally contract so as to place each of the flanges into abutting, sealing relationship with the ends of the tube. Since the flange is integrally attached to the liner, there is no juncture between these elements to leak and allow the internal fluids to come into contact with the tube. Each of the flanges applied to the plastic liner defines an axially facing, radial sealing surface, as well as a circumferential sealing surface extending around the outer periphery of the flange.
The ends of the tubes define externally threaded portions ("pins") which are engaged by an attaching collar. The threads on the tube ends, as well as those formed on the interior of the collar usually are tapered in known fashion. The collar has a minimum internal diameter portion located generally at its longitudinal center. The minimum internal diameter of the collar is approximately equal to the diameter of the circumferentia sealing surfaces of the flanges.
The tube ends are attached together by placing them in opposed ends of the collar and rotating the collar and tubes relative to each other so as to exert an axial force on the tubes, urging the ends together. The axial force brings the radial sealing surfaces of the adjacent flanges into sealing contact with each other. The collar also causes the flanges to plastically deform in a radially outward direction so as tO bring the circumferential sealing surfaces into contact with the interior threads of the collar. When the interior of the liner is normally pressurized by heated fluid passing therethrough, the circumferential sealing surfaces are brought even more intimately into sealing engagement with the collar.
Thus, the joint formed provides both radial and circumferential sealing surfaces so as to prevent any contact of the fluid with either the interior tube or the interior of the collar.
The continued assembly and breakdown of the tube joints, which is typical in their normal usage, eventually will cause wear on the flanges, and the threads of the collar and tubes. The continued use causes changes in the standoff, lead and taper of the threads on the tubes and collars which eventually necessitate the use of a new collar. In this instance, the invention allows continued usage of tubes having worn threads by providing an annular spacer, formed of the same plastic material as the flanges and the liner, placed between the radial sealing faces of adjacent flanges. The spacer also defines radial sealing surfaces and a circumferential sealing surface having a diarneter equal to those of the flanges and substantially equal to that of the minimim inside diameter of the collar. Tightening the collar joint after the spacer has been inserted between the inner flanges brings the radial sealing faces of the spacer into sealing contact with the radial sealing faces of the adjacent flanges and also causes the spacer to plastically deform radially outwardly to contact the interior of the collar. Again, the internal pressure and temperature of the fluid carried by the tube will force the circumferentia sealing surface of the spacer into sealing engagement with the collar to prevent any possibility of contact between the collar and the fluid within the tube.
Brief Descri~tion of the Drawings Fig. l is schematic representation of the method and apparatus for reducing the outside diameter of the tube liner according to the invention.
Fig. 2 is a partial, exploded view, partially broken away, showing the insertiOn of the reduced diameter tube liner into the tube.
~5~ 1 334297 Fig. 3 is a side view, partially broken away, showing the tube liner installed in the tube.
Fig. 4 is a front view of one embodiment of a flange to be attached to the tube liner.
Fig. 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along line A-A of Fig. 4.
Fig. 6 is a front view of the preferred embodiment of a flange to be attached to the tube liner.
Fig. 7 is a cross-sectional view taken along line B-B in Fig. 6.
Fig. 8 is a partial, cross-sectional view showing the liner in the tube with the flange installed.
Fig. 9 is a partial sectional view of the invention showing the liner in its final expanded condition.
Fig. 10 is a partial, cross-sectional view of a joint formed of two tubes incorporating the liner system according to the inven~ion.
Fig 11 is a front view of a spacer utilized in an alternative embodiment of the invention.
Fig. 12 is a cross-sectional view taken along line C-C of Fig. Il.
Fig. 13 is a partial, cross-sectional view showing a joint formed by the invention utilizing the spacer of Fig. I l.
Description of the Preferred Embodiments The present invention provides a system for applying a rigid, self supporting plastic liner to the interior of a well tubing such that the liner is in contact with the interior surface of the tube and flanges attached to either end of the liner are in abutting, sealing contact with the ends of the tube. The tube 10, as illustrated in Fig. 2, has an internal diameter of dl and has externally threaded "pin" end portions. One such threaded end portion lOa is illustrated in Fig. 2, however, it is to be understood that the opposite end may be similarly configured. The threads are shown S as being a known tapered thread; however, other types of threads may be utilized within the scope of this invention.
Prior to the installation in the tube 10, the liner, illustrated generally at 12a in Fig. 1, may have an outside diameter slightly less than the inside diameter of tube 10 or may have an outside diameter of d2 such that d2 is greater than the inside diameter dl of the tube 10. In the latter instance, the initial liner 12a is passed through a means 14 for reducing the outer diameter of the liner to a dimension d3, as illustrated at 12b, while maintaining substantially the same cross-sectional configuration. The means 14 may include known devices such as a plurality of reduction rollers, an extrusion-type die, or any other means which will reduce the outside diameter of the liner while maintaining substantially the same cross-sectional configuration. The apparatus for reducing the outside diameter of the liner, per se, forms no part of the instant invention and any such known apparatus may be utilized.
The diameter d3 of the liner 12b is such that it is less than dl of the tube 10. However, the material utilized for the liner should be such that the diameter reduction from d2 to d3 does not exceed the elastic memory of the material. An ultrahigh molecular weight, high density polyethylene (UHMWHDPE) manufactured by Philips Driscopipe, Inc.
under the trademark Driscopipe 9100, has been found to yield satisfactory results. S)uite obviously, other materials may be utilized within the scope of this invention, as long as the material exhibits a sufficient elastic memory to expand radially toward its initial diameter and is sufficiently inert to the fluid to be utili~ed within the lined tube. Typical physical properties of Driscopipe 9100 are illustrated in Table 1. ()ther materials exhibiting similar properties may be utilized without exceeding the scope of this invention.
_7_ 1 334297 TABLE I
Property Test ~lethod Value Density AST2~I D-1505 0.957 gm/cc Melt Flow ASTI,S D-1238(Cond.F) 1.5gms/10 min.
Environmental Stress Cracking AST~I D-1693(Cond.D) >5000 hrs Resistance Tensile Strength Yield AST~i D-638(2"/min) 3500 psi Elongation at Break AST~S D-638(2"/min) >600 'o Impact Strength .25" thickness AST~ D-256 7 ft. Ibs/in. notch .125 thickness 12 ft. Ibs/in. notch Vicat Softening Temperature AST~I D-1525 257 F
Brittleness Temperature AST'il D-746 <-180 F
Flexural ~-~odulus AST~I D-3350 125,000 psi Modulus of Elasticity AST2.1 D-638 110,000 psi Hardness AST~I D-2240 65 (Shore D) Coefficient of Linear Thermal Expansion l~lolded Specimen ASTIl D-696 .778 x 10-~ in/in/F
Extruded Liner 1.2 x 10-~ in/in/F
Thermal Conductivity Dynatech-Colora 2.7 BTU, in/ft2/hrs/F
Thermoconductor The initial pipe liner 12a is illustrated in Fig. I as having a finite length L1! The length L2 of the reduced diameter liner 12b will, of course, be greater than the initial length Ll after the liner has passed through diameter reduction means 14. It is envisioned that the initial liner 12a may also be produced in indefinite lengths, passed through the diameter reducing apparatus 14 and subsequently cut into desired lengths. The length L2 Of the reduced diameter liner 12b should be greater than the length of the individual tube such that, after placing the liner 12b in the tube 10, a portion of the liner ~vill e~tend beyond the ends of the tube as illustrated in Fig. 3.
The diameter d3 is sufficiently smaller than diameter dl to permit the easy installation of the liner 12b by either attaching a device to one and pulling it through the tube, or attaching a device to the opposite end and pushing the liner through the tube. Such devices for inserting liners -in pipes and tubes in general are well known and any such kno~rn device may be utilized to place the liner 12b in the tube 10. At this point, the liner is in its elastically deformed state such that the outer diameter of the liner 12b just clears the wall of the tube 10 as illustrated in Fig.
Well tubing has have been utilized for many years to provide a flow path for fluids passing to and from the well reservoir. The well tubes 10 are inserted into a well that has been drilled and are used to inject fluids into the well reservoir to raise pressure and fluid levels, and to remove oil or gas frorn the completed well. The fluids cause abrasion and deterioration of the tubes and the collars connecting them. Therefore, it is well known to provide tubes with a liner in order to minimize the 15 abrasion and the deterioration of the tube. The liner may take the form of a layer of cement or a plastic coating applied to the interior surface of the tube. The interior of the tube may also be coated or covered with other materials which are relatively inert to the fluids passing through the well tube.
A series of tubes are typically attached together end to end by collars which threadingly engage adjacent ends of the tubes. The ends of the tubes and the collar have corresponding threads, usually tapered, such that rotation of the collar and tubes relative to each other draws the ends of the well tubes toward each other in secured relationship. In order to prevent deteriation of the collar and leakage at the joint area, it has been proposed to provide end seals on the ends of the tubes by either a separate flange piece attached to the tube liner or by rolling over the tube liner to cover the end of the tube. However, these systems have not completely alleviated the problems, since the junction between adjacent flanges or between the rolled over liners often does not provide an adequate seal. Furthermore, rolling or otherwise forming the liner over the end of the tube requires threads to be formed thereon to match those of the collar. As a practlcal matter, this is difficult, if not impossible, to accomplish and still maintain reasonable production costs. The wear of the threaded lining occasioned by the installation and removal of the collars eventually causes the lining seal to deteriorate thereby necessitating a complete re-fitting of the liner.
It is also known to provide rigid liners for underground pipelines by forming the liner from a plastic material with an initial outer diameter greater than the interior diameter of the pipeline. The liner diameter is reduced prior to inserting it into the pipeline. After insertion, the liner is expanded into contact with the pipeline by drawing a heating element through its interior, by physical expansion using an interior plug, by application of internal pressure or simply letting the liner expand towards Its initial diameter by relaxation.
It is also known to form a rigid plastic liner with an outer diameter less than the inner diameter of a section of pipe. Subsequent to insertion of the liner, flanges are attached to each end of the liner and a heated fluid is passed through the liner to cause it to expand and contact the interior of the pipe section. The axially facing end of the flange is brought into sealing engagement with a corresponding sealing surface of an adjacent flange when the pipeline sections are bolted together.
Summar~l of the Invention The present invention relates to a well tubing liner system and a oint ~vhich obviates the drawbacks and difficultie5 of the know~ systems.
-_3_ 1 3342~7 The system according to the present invention includes a rigid plastic liner which may be initially formed so as to have an outside diameter greater than the inside diameter of the tube. The liner preferably is passed through a reducing device, which may be a reducing roll, a die, or the like, so as to elastically deform the liner and reduce the outside diameter to a dimension less than the inside diameter of the tube. The reduced diameter liner, preferably having plain ends, is then inserted into the tube section. Flanges, formed of the same plastic material as the liner, are attached by fusion to each end of the liner. The ends of the liner may be expanded to match the size of the flanges before they are attached.
The liner is then allowed to return toward its original diameter, preferably without the application of heat or internal pressure thereto. The elastic memory of the liner material causes it to radially expand until the outer surface of the liner contacts the inner surface of the tube. The radial expansion also causes the liner to longitudinally contract so as to place each of the flanges into abutting, sealing relationship with the ends of the tube. Since the flange is integrally attached to the liner, there is no juncture between these elements to leak and allow the internal fluids to come into contact with the tube. Each of the flanges applied to the plastic liner defines an axially facing, radial sealing surface, as well as a circumferential sealing surface extending around the outer periphery of the flange.
The ends of the tubes define externally threaded portions ("pins") which are engaged by an attaching collar. The threads on the tube ends, as well as those formed on the interior of the collar usually are tapered in known fashion. The collar has a minimum internal diameter portion located generally at its longitudinal center. The minimum internal diameter of the collar is approximately equal to the diameter of the circumferentia sealing surfaces of the flanges.
The tube ends are attached together by placing them in opposed ends of the collar and rotating the collar and tubes relative to each other so as to exert an axial force on the tubes, urging the ends together. The axial force brings the radial sealing surfaces of the adjacent flanges into sealing contact with each other. The collar also causes the flanges to plastically deform in a radially outward direction so as tO bring the circumferential sealing surfaces into contact with the interior threads of the collar. When the interior of the liner is normally pressurized by heated fluid passing therethrough, the circumferential sealing surfaces are brought even more intimately into sealing engagement with the collar.
Thus, the joint formed provides both radial and circumferential sealing surfaces so as to prevent any contact of the fluid with either the interior tube or the interior of the collar.
The continued assembly and breakdown of the tube joints, which is typical in their normal usage, eventually will cause wear on the flanges, and the threads of the collar and tubes. The continued use causes changes in the standoff, lead and taper of the threads on the tubes and collars which eventually necessitate the use of a new collar. In this instance, the invention allows continued usage of tubes having worn threads by providing an annular spacer, formed of the same plastic material as the flanges and the liner, placed between the radial sealing faces of adjacent flanges. The spacer also defines radial sealing surfaces and a circumferential sealing surface having a diarneter equal to those of the flanges and substantially equal to that of the minimim inside diameter of the collar. Tightening the collar joint after the spacer has been inserted between the inner flanges brings the radial sealing faces of the spacer into sealing contact with the radial sealing faces of the adjacent flanges and also causes the spacer to plastically deform radially outwardly to contact the interior of the collar. Again, the internal pressure and temperature of the fluid carried by the tube will force the circumferentia sealing surface of the spacer into sealing engagement with the collar to prevent any possibility of contact between the collar and the fluid within the tube.
Brief Descri~tion of the Drawings Fig. l is schematic representation of the method and apparatus for reducing the outside diameter of the tube liner according to the invention.
Fig. 2 is a partial, exploded view, partially broken away, showing the insertiOn of the reduced diameter tube liner into the tube.
~5~ 1 334297 Fig. 3 is a side view, partially broken away, showing the tube liner installed in the tube.
Fig. 4 is a front view of one embodiment of a flange to be attached to the tube liner.
Fig. 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along line A-A of Fig. 4.
Fig. 6 is a front view of the preferred embodiment of a flange to be attached to the tube liner.
Fig. 7 is a cross-sectional view taken along line B-B in Fig. 6.
Fig. 8 is a partial, cross-sectional view showing the liner in the tube with the flange installed.
Fig. 9 is a partial sectional view of the invention showing the liner in its final expanded condition.
Fig. 10 is a partial, cross-sectional view of a joint formed of two tubes incorporating the liner system according to the inven~ion.
Fig 11 is a front view of a spacer utilized in an alternative embodiment of the invention.
Fig. 12 is a cross-sectional view taken along line C-C of Fig. Il.
Fig. 13 is a partial, cross-sectional view showing a joint formed by the invention utilizing the spacer of Fig. I l.
Description of the Preferred Embodiments The present invention provides a system for applying a rigid, self supporting plastic liner to the interior of a well tubing such that the liner is in contact with the interior surface of the tube and flanges attached to either end of the liner are in abutting, sealing contact with the ends of the tube. The tube 10, as illustrated in Fig. 2, has an internal diameter of dl and has externally threaded "pin" end portions. One such threaded end portion lOa is illustrated in Fig. 2, however, it is to be understood that the opposite end may be similarly configured. The threads are shown S as being a known tapered thread; however, other types of threads may be utilized within the scope of this invention.
Prior to the installation in the tube 10, the liner, illustrated generally at 12a in Fig. 1, may have an outside diameter slightly less than the inside diameter of tube 10 or may have an outside diameter of d2 such that d2 is greater than the inside diameter dl of the tube 10. In the latter instance, the initial liner 12a is passed through a means 14 for reducing the outer diameter of the liner to a dimension d3, as illustrated at 12b, while maintaining substantially the same cross-sectional configuration. The means 14 may include known devices such as a plurality of reduction rollers, an extrusion-type die, or any other means which will reduce the outside diameter of the liner while maintaining substantially the same cross-sectional configuration. The apparatus for reducing the outside diameter of the liner, per se, forms no part of the instant invention and any such known apparatus may be utilized.
The diameter d3 of the liner 12b is such that it is less than dl of the tube 10. However, the material utilized for the liner should be such that the diameter reduction from d2 to d3 does not exceed the elastic memory of the material. An ultrahigh molecular weight, high density polyethylene (UHMWHDPE) manufactured by Philips Driscopipe, Inc.
under the trademark Driscopipe 9100, has been found to yield satisfactory results. S)uite obviously, other materials may be utilized within the scope of this invention, as long as the material exhibits a sufficient elastic memory to expand radially toward its initial diameter and is sufficiently inert to the fluid to be utili~ed within the lined tube. Typical physical properties of Driscopipe 9100 are illustrated in Table 1. ()ther materials exhibiting similar properties may be utilized without exceeding the scope of this invention.
_7_ 1 334297 TABLE I
Property Test ~lethod Value Density AST2~I D-1505 0.957 gm/cc Melt Flow ASTI,S D-1238(Cond.F) 1.5gms/10 min.
Environmental Stress Cracking AST~I D-1693(Cond.D) >5000 hrs Resistance Tensile Strength Yield AST~i D-638(2"/min) 3500 psi Elongation at Break AST~S D-638(2"/min) >600 'o Impact Strength .25" thickness AST~ D-256 7 ft. Ibs/in. notch .125 thickness 12 ft. Ibs/in. notch Vicat Softening Temperature AST~I D-1525 257 F
Brittleness Temperature AST'il D-746 <-180 F
Flexural ~-~odulus AST~I D-3350 125,000 psi Modulus of Elasticity AST2.1 D-638 110,000 psi Hardness AST~I D-2240 65 (Shore D) Coefficient of Linear Thermal Expansion l~lolded Specimen ASTIl D-696 .778 x 10-~ in/in/F
Extruded Liner 1.2 x 10-~ in/in/F
Thermal Conductivity Dynatech-Colora 2.7 BTU, in/ft2/hrs/F
Thermoconductor The initial pipe liner 12a is illustrated in Fig. I as having a finite length L1! The length L2 of the reduced diameter liner 12b will, of course, be greater than the initial length Ll after the liner has passed through diameter reduction means 14. It is envisioned that the initial liner 12a may also be produced in indefinite lengths, passed through the diameter reducing apparatus 14 and subsequently cut into desired lengths. The length L2 Of the reduced diameter liner 12b should be greater than the length of the individual tube such that, after placing the liner 12b in the tube 10, a portion of the liner ~vill e~tend beyond the ends of the tube as illustrated in Fig. 3.
The diameter d3 is sufficiently smaller than diameter dl to permit the easy installation of the liner 12b by either attaching a device to one and pulling it through the tube, or attaching a device to the opposite end and pushing the liner through the tube. Such devices for inserting liners -in pipes and tubes in general are well known and any such kno~rn device may be utilized to place the liner 12b in the tube 10. At this point, the liner is in its elastically deformed state such that the outer diameter of the liner 12b just clears the wall of the tube 10 as illustrated in Fig.
3.
While the liner 12b is still in its elastically deformed state, flanges may be attached to both ends of the liner. The flanges may take the form of an annular structure, illustrated in Figs. 4 and S or, the flange structure having an axially extending body portion as illustrated in Figs. 6 and 7.
In either case, the flanges are formed from the same plastic material as the liner 12b. The flange 16, illustrated in Figs. 4 and S, comprises a substantially annular structure having an outer diameter 1)l and an inner diameter of sufficient magnitude so as to slide over the end of the liner 12b. Flange 16 defines an axially facing, radially extending sealing surface 16a and a circumferential sealing surface 16b having a diameter Dl. The flange may be fixedly attached by fusion to the end of liner 12b by any known method, such as heat bonding, welding, etc. so that it is integral with the liner. While the liner 12b is in its elastically deformed state, the flange is spaced away from the end of the tube lO, as illustrated in Fig. 8.
Preferably the flange 18, illustrated in Figs. 6 and 7 is utilized with the liner 12b. The flange 18 also defines an axially facing, generally radially extending sealing surface 18a as well as an axially eYtending body portion 18b having an axial end 18c which is fused to the axial end of the liner 12b as seen in Fig. 9. Circumferential sealing surface 18d is formed on flange 18 so as to have a diameter of Dl. The flange 18, for example, could be machined from the same material as the liner, such as a thicker wall section of tube liner material.
In an alternatiVe embodiment, the liner 12b may be elastically stretched in a longitudinal direction after placing it within the tube 10.
This may be accomplished by attaching a flange to one end of the liner and gripping the opposite end with a device so as to exert a longitudinal force thereon. Continued application of the longitudinal force at the opposite end will, after bringing the flange into contact with the adjacent one end of the tube, cause the elastic, longitudinal stretching of the liner.
The liner then may be clamped in its stretched position while a flange is applied to the opposite end. Once the flange has been attached, the clamping device may be removed. The liner then will be made or allowed to contract longitudinally due to its elastic memory and the subsequent radial expansion as it tends toward returning to its initial diameter d2.
Whether or not the liner is stretched before the application of the flanges to both or either of its ends, its elastic memory will cause the material to radially expand as it tends to return to its original diameter d2. Although the material may expand radially due solely tO i~S elastic memory, it is envisioned that heat or internal pressure, or a combina~ion thereof, may be applied to the liner to assist in its radial expansion. Since d2 is greater than the interior diameter dl of the ~ube, quite obviously the liner cannot return to its full original dimension. Ho-vever, its radially outward expansion usually will bring the liner into firm contact with the interior surface of the tube 10 as illustrated in Fig. 9 wi~hou~ the need to extend the liner with fluids or mechanically. Also, the radial expansion of the liner 12 will also cause its longitudinal contraction, thereby bringing the flanges 16 or 18 into abutting, sealing relationship with the ends of the tube. The tube formed by the invention provides a liner firmly attached to its interior while at the same time providing the tube ends with radial and circumferential sealing surfaces formed by the flanges. The rigidity of the liner will prevent its radially inward collapse even in the absence of internal pressure or in the presence of sub-atmospheric pressure in the tube.
It will be appreciated that either type of flange, i.e., according to Fig. ~, 5 or Fig. 6, 7 will be attached to the end of the tube liner in such a manner that, upon expansion of the tube liner to fit within the internal diameter of the tube, virtually no gap will e.~ist between the outside of the tube liner and the inside of the tube and the inside of the tube at the end of the liner adjacent the tube end. To accomplish this, for example, if the flange according to Fig. ~, 5 is utili-ed, the interna diameter of the flange would be si-ed to correspond with the externa --lo- 1 334297 diameter of the expanded tube and the ends of the ~iner would be expanded somewhat by a mandrel or the like before fusion bonding the annular flange member on the end of the liner. Thus, upon full expansion of the liner, the outer-diameter of the liner, including the liner adjacent the flange, would correspond with the inner diameter of the tube 10.
Likewise, if the flange according to Fig. 6, 7 is utilized, the outer diameter of the axially projecting portion 18b would be sized to correspond with the inner diameter of the tube, and the inner diameter of the axial portion 18b would be sized to correspond with the expanded inner diameter of the liner. The ends of the liner would be expanded slightly by a mandrel or the like before the end 18c is fused on a mating end of the liner.
Alternatively, the projecting portion 18b may have a wall thickness greater than that of the liner such that, after attachment, the flange may be machined in situ to match the liner configuration.
As is well known in the art, well tubes are fastened together by means of an attaching collar 20 which threadingly engages the threads IOa of adjacent pins of tube 10. Typically, the threads lOa on the tubes 10 are tapered to correspond with tapered threads on the collar 20 and which extend longitudinally inwardly from each end. This gives the collar a central portion having a minimum diameter D2 (Fig. 10). This minimim diameter portion is located approximately at the mid-point of the collar, longitudinally aligned with the juncture between the adjacent tubes. The diameter Dl of the circumferential sealing surfaces 16b or 18d is dimensioned to correspond substantially with diameter D2 f the collar.
Relative rotation between collar 20 and tubes 10 e~erts axial forces on the tubes and causes them to move in the direction of arrows 22 and 24, respectively, until the radial sealing surfaces 1 6a or 1 8a come into contact with each other. Continued rotation of collar and/or tubes forces the radial sealing surfaces 16a or 18a into sealing engagement with each other and also causes the flanges 16 or 18 to undergo plastic cold flow deformation, thereby expanding them radially outwardly and forcir.g circumferential sealing surfaces 16b or 18d into contact with the interior surface of collar 20. The axial forces exerted on the tubes by the collar provides a pre-set force to bring the circumferential sealing surfaces into contact with the interior of the collar. The normally occuring high pressure and elevated temperature conditions which exist within the tube provide a natural expansion force which further urges the flanges radially outwardly against the inner surface of collar 20 so as to effect a sealing engagement between the circumferential sealing surfaces 16b or 18d and the interior surface of the collar. Thus, the structure according to the invention provides a joint having not only a radial sealing interface, but a circumferentially extending sealing interface as well, thereby ensuring that the fluid within the tube does not contact either the end of the tubes or the interior surface of the collar. It is to be noted that the flanges 16 or 18 are also pressed forcefully against the axial ends of the tubes to provide sealing in this area.
Repeated breakdown and makeup of the tube sections normally causes wear on the threads of collars 20 and those on the ends of tubes 10 making it more difficult to draw the tubes together and provide an adequate seal.
Such thread wear will eventually necessitate the use of a new collar.
Previously, even the use of a new collar often was not adequate to form an adequate seal between tubes with worn threads. The present invention - obviates this problem by providing a spacer 26 formed of the same material as the liner 12 and the flanges 16 or 18 between adjacent flanges. As illustrated in Figs. 11 and 12, the spacer 26 has a generally annular configuration with an outside diameter D1 approximately equal to that of the flanges. The spacer 26 defines axially facing, generally radially extending sealing surfaces 26a and 26b on opposite sides, as well as circumferential sealing surface 26c.
When wear of the threads of collar 20 has reached the point vherein an adequate seal cannot be maintained between radial sealing surfaces of the flanges, a new collar is used and spacer 26 is inserted between the radial sealing surfaces 16a or 18a of adjacent flanges 16 or 18 as illustrated in Fig. 13. Collar 20 is installed and rotated relative to tubes 10 in the normal fashion, thereby generating axial forces on adjacent tubes 10 in the direction of arrows 22 and 24. This axial force brings radial sealing surfaces 16a or 18a into sealing contact with corresponding radial sealing surfaces 26a and 26b formed on the spacer 26. As in the previously described embodiment, continued rotation of tubes relative to collar 20 applies a pre-set force to the spacer 26 as well as the flanges, causing them to undergo plastic cold flow deformation in a radially outward direction to bring the circumferential sealing surfaces 26c and 16b or 18d into contact with the interior surface of collar 20. The high pressure and high temperature conditions within the tube will serve to further force the spacer radially outwardly so as to bring the circumferential sealing surface 26c into sealing engagement with the interior of collar 20. Since all of the elements of the liner joint (the liner, the flanges and the spacer) are all formed of the same material, the possibility of relative lS expansion and contraction which would expose a gap in the sealing surfaces or the junctions of the elements is avoided and comparibilitv of materials is assured.
The foregoing description is provided for illustrative purposes only and should not be construed as in any way limiting this invention, the scope of which is defined solely by the appended claims.
While the liner 12b is still in its elastically deformed state, flanges may be attached to both ends of the liner. The flanges may take the form of an annular structure, illustrated in Figs. 4 and S or, the flange structure having an axially extending body portion as illustrated in Figs. 6 and 7.
In either case, the flanges are formed from the same plastic material as the liner 12b. The flange 16, illustrated in Figs. 4 and S, comprises a substantially annular structure having an outer diameter 1)l and an inner diameter of sufficient magnitude so as to slide over the end of the liner 12b. Flange 16 defines an axially facing, radially extending sealing surface 16a and a circumferential sealing surface 16b having a diameter Dl. The flange may be fixedly attached by fusion to the end of liner 12b by any known method, such as heat bonding, welding, etc. so that it is integral with the liner. While the liner 12b is in its elastically deformed state, the flange is spaced away from the end of the tube lO, as illustrated in Fig. 8.
Preferably the flange 18, illustrated in Figs. 6 and 7 is utilized with the liner 12b. The flange 18 also defines an axially facing, generally radially extending sealing surface 18a as well as an axially eYtending body portion 18b having an axial end 18c which is fused to the axial end of the liner 12b as seen in Fig. 9. Circumferential sealing surface 18d is formed on flange 18 so as to have a diameter of Dl. The flange 18, for example, could be machined from the same material as the liner, such as a thicker wall section of tube liner material.
In an alternatiVe embodiment, the liner 12b may be elastically stretched in a longitudinal direction after placing it within the tube 10.
This may be accomplished by attaching a flange to one end of the liner and gripping the opposite end with a device so as to exert a longitudinal force thereon. Continued application of the longitudinal force at the opposite end will, after bringing the flange into contact with the adjacent one end of the tube, cause the elastic, longitudinal stretching of the liner.
The liner then may be clamped in its stretched position while a flange is applied to the opposite end. Once the flange has been attached, the clamping device may be removed. The liner then will be made or allowed to contract longitudinally due to its elastic memory and the subsequent radial expansion as it tends toward returning to its initial diameter d2.
Whether or not the liner is stretched before the application of the flanges to both or either of its ends, its elastic memory will cause the material to radially expand as it tends to return to its original diameter d2. Although the material may expand radially due solely tO i~S elastic memory, it is envisioned that heat or internal pressure, or a combina~ion thereof, may be applied to the liner to assist in its radial expansion. Since d2 is greater than the interior diameter dl of the ~ube, quite obviously the liner cannot return to its full original dimension. Ho-vever, its radially outward expansion usually will bring the liner into firm contact with the interior surface of the tube 10 as illustrated in Fig. 9 wi~hou~ the need to extend the liner with fluids or mechanically. Also, the radial expansion of the liner 12 will also cause its longitudinal contraction, thereby bringing the flanges 16 or 18 into abutting, sealing relationship with the ends of the tube. The tube formed by the invention provides a liner firmly attached to its interior while at the same time providing the tube ends with radial and circumferential sealing surfaces formed by the flanges. The rigidity of the liner will prevent its radially inward collapse even in the absence of internal pressure or in the presence of sub-atmospheric pressure in the tube.
It will be appreciated that either type of flange, i.e., according to Fig. ~, 5 or Fig. 6, 7 will be attached to the end of the tube liner in such a manner that, upon expansion of the tube liner to fit within the internal diameter of the tube, virtually no gap will e.~ist between the outside of the tube liner and the inside of the tube and the inside of the tube at the end of the liner adjacent the tube end. To accomplish this, for example, if the flange according to Fig. ~, 5 is utili-ed, the interna diameter of the flange would be si-ed to correspond with the externa --lo- 1 334297 diameter of the expanded tube and the ends of the ~iner would be expanded somewhat by a mandrel or the like before fusion bonding the annular flange member on the end of the liner. Thus, upon full expansion of the liner, the outer-diameter of the liner, including the liner adjacent the flange, would correspond with the inner diameter of the tube 10.
Likewise, if the flange according to Fig. 6, 7 is utilized, the outer diameter of the axially projecting portion 18b would be sized to correspond with the inner diameter of the tube, and the inner diameter of the axial portion 18b would be sized to correspond with the expanded inner diameter of the liner. The ends of the liner would be expanded slightly by a mandrel or the like before the end 18c is fused on a mating end of the liner.
Alternatively, the projecting portion 18b may have a wall thickness greater than that of the liner such that, after attachment, the flange may be machined in situ to match the liner configuration.
As is well known in the art, well tubes are fastened together by means of an attaching collar 20 which threadingly engages the threads IOa of adjacent pins of tube 10. Typically, the threads lOa on the tubes 10 are tapered to correspond with tapered threads on the collar 20 and which extend longitudinally inwardly from each end. This gives the collar a central portion having a minimum diameter D2 (Fig. 10). This minimim diameter portion is located approximately at the mid-point of the collar, longitudinally aligned with the juncture between the adjacent tubes. The diameter Dl of the circumferential sealing surfaces 16b or 18d is dimensioned to correspond substantially with diameter D2 f the collar.
Relative rotation between collar 20 and tubes 10 e~erts axial forces on the tubes and causes them to move in the direction of arrows 22 and 24, respectively, until the radial sealing surfaces 1 6a or 1 8a come into contact with each other. Continued rotation of collar and/or tubes forces the radial sealing surfaces 16a or 18a into sealing engagement with each other and also causes the flanges 16 or 18 to undergo plastic cold flow deformation, thereby expanding them radially outwardly and forcir.g circumferential sealing surfaces 16b or 18d into contact with the interior surface of collar 20. The axial forces exerted on the tubes by the collar provides a pre-set force to bring the circumferential sealing surfaces into contact with the interior of the collar. The normally occuring high pressure and elevated temperature conditions which exist within the tube provide a natural expansion force which further urges the flanges radially outwardly against the inner surface of collar 20 so as to effect a sealing engagement between the circumferential sealing surfaces 16b or 18d and the interior surface of the collar. Thus, the structure according to the invention provides a joint having not only a radial sealing interface, but a circumferentially extending sealing interface as well, thereby ensuring that the fluid within the tube does not contact either the end of the tubes or the interior surface of the collar. It is to be noted that the flanges 16 or 18 are also pressed forcefully against the axial ends of the tubes to provide sealing in this area.
Repeated breakdown and makeup of the tube sections normally causes wear on the threads of collars 20 and those on the ends of tubes 10 making it more difficult to draw the tubes together and provide an adequate seal.
Such thread wear will eventually necessitate the use of a new collar.
Previously, even the use of a new collar often was not adequate to form an adequate seal between tubes with worn threads. The present invention - obviates this problem by providing a spacer 26 formed of the same material as the liner 12 and the flanges 16 or 18 between adjacent flanges. As illustrated in Figs. 11 and 12, the spacer 26 has a generally annular configuration with an outside diameter D1 approximately equal to that of the flanges. The spacer 26 defines axially facing, generally radially extending sealing surfaces 26a and 26b on opposite sides, as well as circumferential sealing surface 26c.
When wear of the threads of collar 20 has reached the point vherein an adequate seal cannot be maintained between radial sealing surfaces of the flanges, a new collar is used and spacer 26 is inserted between the radial sealing surfaces 16a or 18a of adjacent flanges 16 or 18 as illustrated in Fig. 13. Collar 20 is installed and rotated relative to tubes 10 in the normal fashion, thereby generating axial forces on adjacent tubes 10 in the direction of arrows 22 and 24. This axial force brings radial sealing surfaces 16a or 18a into sealing contact with corresponding radial sealing surfaces 26a and 26b formed on the spacer 26. As in the previously described embodiment, continued rotation of tubes relative to collar 20 applies a pre-set force to the spacer 26 as well as the flanges, causing them to undergo plastic cold flow deformation in a radially outward direction to bring the circumferential sealing surfaces 26c and 16b or 18d into contact with the interior surface of collar 20. The high pressure and high temperature conditions within the tube will serve to further force the spacer radially outwardly so as to bring the circumferential sealing surface 26c into sealing engagement with the interior of collar 20. Since all of the elements of the liner joint (the liner, the flanges and the spacer) are all formed of the same material, the possibility of relative lS expansion and contraction which would expose a gap in the sealing surfaces or the junctions of the elements is avoided and comparibilitv of materials is assured.
The foregoing description is provided for illustrative purposes only and should not be construed as in any way limiting this invention, the scope of which is defined solely by the appended claims.
Claims (33)
1. A method of applying a flanged liner to a well tube having first and second ends and an inside diameter d1 comprising the steps of:
a) inserting a rigid self-supporting plastic liner having plain ends into the well tube;
b) attaching flanges formed from the same plastic material as the liner and having radial and circumferential sealing surfaces thereon to the plain ends of the plastic liner; and c) expanding the plastic liner radially outwardly due at least in part to elastic memory of the liner material until an outside surface of the plastic liner is in contact with an inside surface of the well tube, such radial expansion causing longitudinal contraction of the plastic liner thereby bringing the flanges into sealing contact with the first and second ends of the well tube.
a) inserting a rigid self-supporting plastic liner having plain ends into the well tube;
b) attaching flanges formed from the same plastic material as the liner and having radial and circumferential sealing surfaces thereon to the plain ends of the plastic liner; and c) expanding the plastic liner radially outwardly due at least in part to elastic memory of the liner material until an outside surface of the plastic liner is in contact with an inside surface of the well tube, such radial expansion causing longitudinal contraction of the plastic liner thereby bringing the flanges into sealing contact with the first and second ends of the well tube.
2. The method according to claim 1 comprising the additional step of elastically stretching the plastic liner in a longitudinal direction after insertion into the well tube and before attaching at least one of the flanges.
3. The method according to claim 1 wherein attaching the flanges to the plastic liner comprises the steps of:
a) attaching a first flange to a first end of the plastic liner;
b) elastically stretching the plastic liner in a longitudinal direction away from said flange; and, c) attaching a second flange to a second end of the plastic liner.
a) attaching a first flange to a first end of the plastic liner;
b) elastically stretching the plastic liner in a longitudinal direction away from said flange; and, c) attaching a second flange to a second end of the plastic liner.
4. The method according to claim 1 wherein the liner is radially expanded solely by its elastic memory without applying heat or internal pressure thereto.
5. A method according to claim 1 comprising the additional steps of:
a) providing a generally rigid, self supporting tubular plastic liner having an, outside diameter of d2 such that d2 is greater than d1; and, b) elastically deforming the plastic liner so as to reduce the diameter d2 to a diameter d3 such that d3 is less than d1 while maintaining substantially the same cross-sectional configuration before inserting the plastic liner into the well tube.
a) providing a generally rigid, self supporting tubular plastic liner having an, outside diameter of d2 such that d2 is greater than d1; and, b) elastically deforming the plastic liner so as to reduce the diameter d2 to a diameter d3 such that d3 is less than d1 while maintaining substantially the same cross-sectional configuration before inserting the plastic liner into the well tube.
6. The method according to claim 5 comprising the additional step of elastically stretching the plastic liner in a longitudinal direction after insertion into the well tube and before attaching at least one of the flanges thereto.
7. The method according to claim 5 wherein attaching flanges to the plastic liner comprises the steps of:
a) attaching a first flange to a first end of the plastic liner;
b) elastically stretching the plastic liner in a longitudinal direction away from said flange; and, c) attaching a second flange to a second end of the plastic liner.
a) attaching a first flange to a first end of the plastic liner;
b) elastically stretching the plastic liner in a longitudinal direction away from said flange; and, c) attaching a second flange to a second end of the plastic liner.
8. The method according to claim 5 wherein the liner is expanded radially solely by the elastic memory of the liner material without applying heat or internal pressure thereto.
9. The method according to claim 8 comprising the additional step of elastically stretching the plastic liner in a longitudinal direction after insertion into the well tube and before attaching the flanges thereto.
10. The method according to claim 8 wherein attaching flanges to the plastic liner comprises the steps of:
a) attaching a first flange to a first end of the plastic liner;
b) elastically stretching the plastic liner in a longitudinal direction; and c) attaching a second flange to a second end of the plastic liner.
a) attaching a first flange to a first end of the plastic liner;
b) elastically stretching the plastic liner in a longitudinal direction; and c) attaching a second flange to a second end of the plastic liner.
11. Apparatus for applying a flanged liner to a well tube comprising:
a) a well tube having first and second ends, and an internal diameter d1;
b) a generally tubular plastic liner having first and second ends, and an outside diameter of d2 such that d2 is greater than d1;
c) means to elastically deform the plastic liner so as to reduce the diameter to d3 such that d3 is less than d1 while maintaining substantially the same cross-sectional configuration;
d) means to insert the plastic liner into the well tube while in its elastically deformed state; and e) means to attach flanges formed of the same plastic material as the plastic liner to the first and second ends or the plastic liner while in its elastically deformed state, the flanges located such that they are placed in contact with the first and second ends of the well tube as the plastic liner longitudinally contracts due to radial expansion caused at least in part by the elastic memory of the liner material returning it toward its original diameter d2.
a) a well tube having first and second ends, and an internal diameter d1;
b) a generally tubular plastic liner having first and second ends, and an outside diameter of d2 such that d2 is greater than d1;
c) means to elastically deform the plastic liner so as to reduce the diameter to d3 such that d3 is less than d1 while maintaining substantially the same cross-sectional configuration;
d) means to insert the plastic liner into the well tube while in its elastically deformed state; and e) means to attach flanges formed of the same plastic material as the plastic liner to the first and second ends or the plastic liner while in its elastically deformed state, the flanges located such that they are placed in contact with the first and second ends of the well tube as the plastic liner longitudinally contracts due to radial expansion caused at least in part by the elastic memory of the liner material returning it toward its original diameter d2.
12. The apparatus according to claim 11 further comprising means to elastically stretch the plastic liner in a longitudinal direction after insertion into the well tube.
13. The apparatus according to claim 11 wherein the means to attach flanges to the plastic liner comprises:
a) means to attach a first flange to a first end of the plastic liner after it has been inserted into the well tube;
b) means to elastically stretch the plastic liner in a longitudinal direction; and, c) means to attach a second flange to a second end of the plastic liner.
a) means to attach a first flange to a first end of the plastic liner after it has been inserted into the well tube;
b) means to elastically stretch the plastic liner in a longitudinal direction; and, c) means to attach a second flange to a second end of the plastic liner.
14. A method of forming a lined well tube joint comprising the steps of:
a) applying a first generally tubular, rigid, self supporting plastic liner to a first well tube having an externally threaded end;
b) attaching a first flange formed from the same plastic material as the plastic liner to the first plastic liner such that it abuts an end of the first well tube, the first flange defining a first radial sealing surface and a first circumferential sealing surface having a diameter D;
c) applying a second, generally tubular plastic liner to a second well tube having an externally threaded end, the second plastic liner formed of the same plastic material as the first plastic liner;
d) attaching a second flange formed of the same plastic material as the second plastic liner to the second plastic liner such that it abuts an end of the second well tube, the second flange defining a second radial sealing surface and a second circumferential sealing surface having a diameter approximately equal to D; and, e) attaching a collar to the threaded ends of the first and second well tubes, the collar having an interior surface with a minimum internal diameter approximately equal to D such that relative rotation between the collar and tubes generates axial forces drawing together the first and second well tubes urging the first and second radial sealing surfaces into sealing contact with each other and causing the flanges to plastically radially deform, thereby bringing the first and second circumferential sealing surfaces into contact with the internal surface of the collar.
a) applying a first generally tubular, rigid, self supporting plastic liner to a first well tube having an externally threaded end;
b) attaching a first flange formed from the same plastic material as the plastic liner to the first plastic liner such that it abuts an end of the first well tube, the first flange defining a first radial sealing surface and a first circumferential sealing surface having a diameter D;
c) applying a second, generally tubular plastic liner to a second well tube having an externally threaded end, the second plastic liner formed of the same plastic material as the first plastic liner;
d) attaching a second flange formed of the same plastic material as the second plastic liner to the second plastic liner such that it abuts an end of the second well tube, the second flange defining a second radial sealing surface and a second circumferential sealing surface having a diameter approximately equal to D; and, e) attaching a collar to the threaded ends of the first and second well tubes, the collar having an interior surface with a minimum internal diameter approximately equal to D such that relative rotation between the collar and tubes generates axial forces drawing together the first and second well tubes urging the first and second radial sealing surfaces into sealing contact with each other and causing the flanges to plastically radially deform, thereby bringing the first and second circumferential sealing surfaces into contact with the internal surface of the collar.
15. The method according to claim 14 wherein the steps of applying the first and second plastic liners to the first and second well tubes each comprises the additional steps of:
a) providing a well tube having an inside diameter of d1, and first and second ends;
b) providing a generally tubular plastic liner having an outside diameter of d2 such that d2 is greater than d1;
c) elastically deforming the plastic liner so as to reduce the diameter to d3 such that d3 is less than d1 while maintaining substantially the same cross-sectional configuration;
d) inserting the plastic liner into the well tube while in its elastically deformed state; and, e) expanding the plastic liner radially outwardly due at least in part to the elastic memory of the liner material after attaching the flange thereto, until an outside surface of the plastic liner is in contact with an inside surface of the well tube.
a) providing a well tube having an inside diameter of d1, and first and second ends;
b) providing a generally tubular plastic liner having an outside diameter of d2 such that d2 is greater than d1;
c) elastically deforming the plastic liner so as to reduce the diameter to d3 such that d3 is less than d1 while maintaining substantially the same cross-sectional configuration;
d) inserting the plastic liner into the well tube while in its elastically deformed state; and, e) expanding the plastic liner radially outwardly due at least in part to the elastic memory of the liner material after attaching the flange thereto, until an outside surface of the plastic liner is in contact with an inside surface of the well tube.
16. The method according to claim 15 comprising the additional step of elastically stretching the first and second plastic liners in a longitudinal direction after insertion into the well tubes and before attaching the first and second flanges thereto.
17. The method according to claim 14 comprising the additional steps of:
a) forming a plastic spacer from the same plastic material as the first and second flanges, the spacer defining third and fourth radial sealing surfaces and a third circumferential sealing surface having a diameter approximately equal to D; and b) placing the spacer between the first and second flanges such that the third and fourth radial sealing surfaces contact the first and second radial sealing surfaces, respectively, such that the axial forces generated due to the relative rotation between the collar and tubes urges the first and third. and second and fourth sealing surfaces into sealing contact respectively and causes the spacer to plastically deform radially thereby bringing the third circumferential sealing surface into contact with the internal surface of the collar.
a) forming a plastic spacer from the same plastic material as the first and second flanges, the spacer defining third and fourth radial sealing surfaces and a third circumferential sealing surface having a diameter approximately equal to D; and b) placing the spacer between the first and second flanges such that the third and fourth radial sealing surfaces contact the first and second radial sealing surfaces, respectively, such that the axial forces generated due to the relative rotation between the collar and tubes urges the first and third. and second and fourth sealing surfaces into sealing contact respectively and causes the spacer to plastically deform radially thereby bringing the third circumferential sealing surface into contact with the internal surface of the collar.
18. The method according to claim 17 wherein the steps of applying the first and second plastic liners to the first and second well tubes each comprises the additional steps of:
a) providing a well tube having an inside diameter of d1, and first and second ends;
b) providing a generally tubular plastic liner having an outside diameter of d2 such that d2 is greater than d1;
c) elastically deforming the plastic liner so as to reduce the diameter to d3 such that d3 is less than d1 while maintaining substantially the same cross-sectional configuration;
d) inserting the plastic liner into the well tube while in its elastically deformed state; and, e) expanding the plastic liner radially outwardly due at least in part to the elastic memory of the liner material after attaching the flange thereto, until an outside surface of the plastic liner is in contact with an inside surface of the well tube.
a) providing a well tube having an inside diameter of d1, and first and second ends;
b) providing a generally tubular plastic liner having an outside diameter of d2 such that d2 is greater than d1;
c) elastically deforming the plastic liner so as to reduce the diameter to d3 such that d3 is less than d1 while maintaining substantially the same cross-sectional configuration;
d) inserting the plastic liner into the well tube while in its elastically deformed state; and, e) expanding the plastic liner radially outwardly due at least in part to the elastic memory of the liner material after attaching the flange thereto, until an outside surface of the plastic liner is in contact with an inside surface of the well tube.
19. The method according to claim 18 comprising the additional step of elastically stretching the first and second plastic liners in a longitudinal direction after insertion into the well tubes and before attaching the first and second flanges thereto.
20. A well tube joint comprising:
a) a first well tube having a first end with an externally threaded portion adjacent to the first end;
b) a first plastic liner in contact with an internal surface of the first well tube;
c) a first flange formed of the same plastic material as the first plastic liner attached to the first plastic liner and abutting the first end of the first well tube, the first flange defining a first radial sealing surface and a first circumferential sealing surface having a diameter D;
d) a second well tube having a second end with an externally threaded portion adjacent to the second end;
e) a second plastic liner in contact with an internal surface of the second well tube;
f) a second flange formed of the same plastic material as the second plastic liner attached to the second plastic liner and abutting the second end of the second well tube, the second flange defining a second radial sealing surface and a second circumferential sealing surface having a diameter approximately equal to D; and, g) a collar threadingly engaging the threaded portions of the first and second well tubes, the collar defining an interior surface having a minimum diameter approximately equal to D and arranged such that relative rotation between the collar and the well tubes generates an axial force on the first and second well tubes bringing the first and second radial sealing surfaces into axial sealing contact and causing the first and second flanges to plastically radially deform thereby bringing the first and second circumferential sealing surfaces into contact with the internal surface of the collar.
a) a first well tube having a first end with an externally threaded portion adjacent to the first end;
b) a first plastic liner in contact with an internal surface of the first well tube;
c) a first flange formed of the same plastic material as the first plastic liner attached to the first plastic liner and abutting the first end of the first well tube, the first flange defining a first radial sealing surface and a first circumferential sealing surface having a diameter D;
d) a second well tube having a second end with an externally threaded portion adjacent to the second end;
e) a second plastic liner in contact with an internal surface of the second well tube;
f) a second flange formed of the same plastic material as the second plastic liner attached to the second plastic liner and abutting the second end of the second well tube, the second flange defining a second radial sealing surface and a second circumferential sealing surface having a diameter approximately equal to D; and, g) a collar threadingly engaging the threaded portions of the first and second well tubes, the collar defining an interior surface having a minimum diameter approximately equal to D and arranged such that relative rotation between the collar and the well tubes generates an axial force on the first and second well tubes bringing the first and second radial sealing surfaces into axial sealing contact and causing the first and second flanges to plastically radially deform thereby bringing the first and second circumferential sealing surfaces into contact with the internal surface of the collar.
21. The tube joint according to claim 20 further comprising: a plastic spacer formed from the same plastic material as the first and second flanges defining third and fourth radial sealing surfaces and a third circumferential sealing surface having a diameter approximately equal to D, the spacer located between the first and second flanges such that the first and third radial sealing surfaces are in sealing contact, and the second and fourth sealing surfaces are in sealing contact, and the third circumferential sealing surface is in contact with the interior surface of the collar.
22. A well tube joint comprising:
a first well tube having a first end with an externally threaded tapered portion adjacent the first end, said threaded portion having a minimum external diameter at the first tube first end as measured across the thread crests;
a first rigid, self-supporting plastic liner for insertion into the first well tube to extend through the first well tube;
a first flange formed of the same plastic material as the first plastic liner attached to the first plastic liner and abutting the first end of the first well tube, the first flange defining a first radial sealing surface and a first unthreaded circumferential sealing surface having an external diameter corresponding to said minimum external diameter of the threaded portion of the first tube first end;
a second well tube having a second tube second end with an externally threaded tapered portion adjacent the second end, said threaded portion having a minimum external diameter at the tube second end as measured across the thread crests;
a second rigid, self-supporting plastic liner for insertion into the second well tube to extend through the second well tube;
a second flange formed of the same plastic material as the second plastic liner attached to the second plastic liner and abutting the second end of the second well tube, the second flange defining a second radial sealing surface and a second unthreaded circumferential sealing surface having an external diameter corresponding to said minimum external diameter of the threaded portion of the second tube second end;
the first and second rigid self-supporting plastic liners and said first and second flanges each having the same internal diameter throughout their lengths;
a collar having internal threads engaging the threaded portions of the first and second well tubes, said collar internal threads comprising inwardly tapered threads having a minimum internal diameter as measured across the thread crest inside the collar in the central area of the collar;
said first and second tube ends, collar and flanges being dimensioned such that upon making up the well tube joint by threading the collar to the first and second tube ends, said flanges sealingly abut each other at their radial sealing surfaces and said circumferential sealing surfaces sealingly engage the internal threads of the collar with said collar threads penetrating the outer circumference of the flanges; and wherein there is provided a smooth constant internal diameter flow path throughout the tubes due to the liners and flanges constant internal diameter.
a first well tube having a first end with an externally threaded tapered portion adjacent the first end, said threaded portion having a minimum external diameter at the first tube first end as measured across the thread crests;
a first rigid, self-supporting plastic liner for insertion into the first well tube to extend through the first well tube;
a first flange formed of the same plastic material as the first plastic liner attached to the first plastic liner and abutting the first end of the first well tube, the first flange defining a first radial sealing surface and a first unthreaded circumferential sealing surface having an external diameter corresponding to said minimum external diameter of the threaded portion of the first tube first end;
a second well tube having a second tube second end with an externally threaded tapered portion adjacent the second end, said threaded portion having a minimum external diameter at the tube second end as measured across the thread crests;
a second rigid, self-supporting plastic liner for insertion into the second well tube to extend through the second well tube;
a second flange formed of the same plastic material as the second plastic liner attached to the second plastic liner and abutting the second end of the second well tube, the second flange defining a second radial sealing surface and a second unthreaded circumferential sealing surface having an external diameter corresponding to said minimum external diameter of the threaded portion of the second tube second end;
the first and second rigid self-supporting plastic liners and said first and second flanges each having the same internal diameter throughout their lengths;
a collar having internal threads engaging the threaded portions of the first and second well tubes, said collar internal threads comprising inwardly tapered threads having a minimum internal diameter as measured across the thread crest inside the collar in the central area of the collar;
said first and second tube ends, collar and flanges being dimensioned such that upon making up the well tube joint by threading the collar to the first and second tube ends, said flanges sealingly abut each other at their radial sealing surfaces and said circumferential sealing surfaces sealingly engage the internal threads of the collar with said collar threads penetrating the outer circumference of the flanges; and wherein there is provided a smooth constant internal diameter flow path throughout the tubes due to the liners and flanges constant internal diameter.
23. The tube joint according to claim 22, including a plastic annular spacer formed from the same plastic material as the first and second flanges, said annular spacer defining third and fourth radial sealing surfaces at its opposed ends and a third circumferential sealing surface about its circumference, said circumferential sealing surface having an external diameter corresponding to the diameters of the first and second flanges, said spacer located between the first and second flanges; said spacer being dimensioned such that the first and third radial sealing surfaces are in sealing contact, and the second and fourth sealing surfaces are in sealing contact, and the third circumferential sealing surface sealingly engages the interior threads of the collar with said collar threads penetrating the circumference of the spacer when the joint is made up by threading the collar to the first and second tube ends.
24. The tube joint according to claim 22, wherein the radial sealing surface of each of the flanges is of a constant diameter and with a smooth continuous radial surface.
25. The tube joint according to claim 23, wherein the radial sealing surface of each of the flanges is of a constant diameter and with a smooth continuous radial surface.
26. The tube joint according to claim 22, wherein the attachment of the flanges to their respective plastic liners is by fusing another radial sealing surface of the flange to a radial end surface of the liner.
27. The tube joint according to claim 23, wherein the attachment of the flanges to their respective plastic liners is by fusing another radial sealing surface of the flange to a radial end surface of the liner.
28. The tube joint according to claim 24, wherein the attachment of the flanges to their respective plastic liners is by fusing another radial sealing surface of the flange to a radial end surface of the liner.
29. The tube joint according to claim 25, wherein the attachment of the flanges to their respective plastic liners is by fusing another radial sealing surface of the flange to a radial end surface of the liner.
30. A well tube joint comprising:
a first well tube having a first end with an externally threaded tapered portion adjacent the first end, said threaded portion having a minimum external diameter at the first tube first end as measured across the thread crests;
a first rigid, self-supporting plastic liner for insertion into the first well tube to extend through the first well tube;
a first flange formed of the same plastic material as the first plastic liner radially attached to an end of the first plastic liner and abutting the first end of the first well tube, the first flange defining a first radial sealing phase and a first unthreaded circumferential sealing surface having an external diameter corresponding to said minimum external diameter of the threaded portion of the first tube first end;
a second well tube having a second tube second end with an externally threaded tapered portion adjacent the second end, said threaded portion having a minimum external diameter at the tube second end as measured across the thread crests;
a second rigid, self-supporting plastic liner for insertion into the second well tube to extend through the second well tube;
a second flange formed of the same plastic material as the second plastic liner radially attached to an end of the second plastic liner and abutting the second end of the second well tube, the second flange defining a second radial sealing surface and a second unthreaded circumferential sealing surface having an external diameter corresponding to said minimum external diameter of the threaded portion of the second tube second end;
the ends of said plastic liners defining additional radially sealing surfaces;
a collar having internal threads engaging the threaded portions of the first and second well tubes, said collar internal threads comprising inwardly tapered threads having a minimum internal diameter as measured across the thread crests inside the collar in the central area of the collar;
said first and second tube ends, collar and flanges being dimensioned such that upon making up the well tube joint by threading the collar to the first and second tube ends, said flanges and said ends of said liners sealingly abut each other at their radial sealing surfaces and said circumferential sealing surfaces sealingly engage the internal threads of the collar with said collar threads penetrating the outer circumference of the flanges; and wherein there is provided a smooth constant internal diameter floor path throughout the tubes due to the liners and flanges constant internal diameter.
a first well tube having a first end with an externally threaded tapered portion adjacent the first end, said threaded portion having a minimum external diameter at the first tube first end as measured across the thread crests;
a first rigid, self-supporting plastic liner for insertion into the first well tube to extend through the first well tube;
a first flange formed of the same plastic material as the first plastic liner radially attached to an end of the first plastic liner and abutting the first end of the first well tube, the first flange defining a first radial sealing phase and a first unthreaded circumferential sealing surface having an external diameter corresponding to said minimum external diameter of the threaded portion of the first tube first end;
a second well tube having a second tube second end with an externally threaded tapered portion adjacent the second end, said threaded portion having a minimum external diameter at the tube second end as measured across the thread crests;
a second rigid, self-supporting plastic liner for insertion into the second well tube to extend through the second well tube;
a second flange formed of the same plastic material as the second plastic liner radially attached to an end of the second plastic liner and abutting the second end of the second well tube, the second flange defining a second radial sealing surface and a second unthreaded circumferential sealing surface having an external diameter corresponding to said minimum external diameter of the threaded portion of the second tube second end;
the ends of said plastic liners defining additional radially sealing surfaces;
a collar having internal threads engaging the threaded portions of the first and second well tubes, said collar internal threads comprising inwardly tapered threads having a minimum internal diameter as measured across the thread crests inside the collar in the central area of the collar;
said first and second tube ends, collar and flanges being dimensioned such that upon making up the well tube joint by threading the collar to the first and second tube ends, said flanges and said ends of said liners sealingly abut each other at their radial sealing surfaces and said circumferential sealing surfaces sealingly engage the internal threads of the collar with said collar threads penetrating the outer circumference of the flanges; and wherein there is provided a smooth constant internal diameter floor path throughout the tubes due to the liners and flanges constant internal diameter.
31. The tube joint according to claim 30, including a plastic annular spacer formed from the same plastic material as the first and second flanges, said annular spacer defining third and fourth radial sealing surfaces at its opposed ends and a third circumferential sealing surface about its circumference, said circumferential sealing surface having an external diameter corresponding to the diameters of the first and second flanges, said spacer located between the first and second flanges; said spacer being dimensioned such that the first and third radial sealing surfaces are in sealing contact, and the second and fourth sealing surfaces are in sealing contact, and the third circumferential sealing surface sealingly engages the interior threads of the collar with said collar threads penetrating the circumference of the spacer when the joint is made up by threading the collar to the first and second tube ends.
32. A method for creating a flanged liner for a pipeline section comprising the steps of obtaining a section of pipeline, inserting a liner with an inner and outer diameter into the pipeline section and with an end of the liner extending outwardly of an end of the pipeline section, and erecting a flange on the extended end of the liner which creates an integral flange and liner with a constant internal diameter of liner and flange and an end flange area which extends radially outwardly from the outer diameter of the liner and at a right angle to an axis of the integral liner and flange, wherein the erecting of the flange on an end of the liner extended past the end of the pipeline is obtained through insertion of a mandrel into the extended end of the liner to extend inwardly of the end of the pipeline section and then through the application of heat to the extended end of the liner, and wherein the flange has a flat end area which is perpendicular to the axis of the liner so as to be able to abut another flat flange end area on another pipeline liner and provide a seal between two flat flange end areas when two pipeline sections are joined together.
33. The process of claim 32, wherein the heating step is used to fuse a separately created flange to the extended liner end of the liner inserted in the pipeline.
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| US16027188A | 1988-02-25 | 1988-02-25 | |
| US160,271 | 1988-02-25 |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA1334297C true CA1334297C (en) | 1995-02-07 |
Family
ID=22576214
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA000592035A Expired - Fee Related CA1334297C (en) | 1988-02-25 | 1989-02-24 | Well tubing liner system |
Country Status (3)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| AU (1) | AU3348289A (en) |
| CA (1) | CA1334297C (en) |
| WO (1) | WO1989008214A1 (en) |
Families Citing this family (4)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US5114634A (en) * | 1991-03-21 | 1992-05-19 | Mcmillan Jim S | Method of lining a host pipe with a liner using cryogenic cooling |
| FR2742840B1 (en) * | 1995-12-22 | 1998-02-27 | Vallourec Oil & Gas | THREADED JOINT FOR METAL TUBES WITH INTERIOR COATING |
| FR2921996B1 (en) * | 2007-10-03 | 2011-04-29 | Majus Ltd | JUNCTION DEVICE INSULATED BETWEEN TWO TRUNCTIONS OF DOUBLE ENVELOPE PIPE |
| CN104271999B (en) * | 2012-03-01 | 2018-02-02 | 布鲁斯·A.·通盖特 | High-pressure large-caliber well conduit system |
Family Cites Families (10)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| LU35737A1 (en) * | 1957-01-30 | |||
| US3020068A (en) * | 1959-02-18 | 1962-02-06 | Victaulic Co Of America | Coupling of lined pipe and methods |
| US3030253A (en) * | 1959-03-09 | 1962-04-17 | Resistoflex Corp | Method of assembling a flange to a laminated non-metallic pipe |
| US3192612A (en) * | 1963-04-05 | 1965-07-06 | Phillips Petroleum Co | Method of constructing plastic-lined conduit |
| US3266821A (en) * | 1964-01-14 | 1966-08-16 | Safford William Joseph | Sealed pipe coupling |
| US3372462A (en) * | 1965-10-11 | 1968-03-12 | Upjohn Co | Method of making plastic lined metal pipe |
| US3461918A (en) * | 1966-08-29 | 1969-08-19 | Phillips Petroleum Co | Corrosion protection |
| US3596931A (en) * | 1969-02-10 | 1971-08-03 | Armor Cote Corp | Seal for lined pipe |
| US3968552A (en) * | 1974-10-24 | 1976-07-13 | Hunter John J | Method and apparatus for forming plastic lined junction in lined pipe |
| US4568113A (en) * | 1983-04-04 | 1986-02-04 | Awb, Inc. | Pipe connection |
-
1989
- 1989-02-24 WO PCT/US1989/000691 patent/WO1989008214A1/en unknown
- 1989-02-24 CA CA000592035A patent/CA1334297C/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
- 1989-02-24 AU AU33482/89A patent/AU3348289A/en not_active Abandoned
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| WO1989008214A1 (en) | 1989-09-08 |
| AU3348289A (en) | 1989-09-22 |
Similar Documents
| Publication | Publication Date | Title |
|---|---|---|
| US5320388A (en) | Well tubing liner system | |
| US10544889B2 (en) | Pipe, pipe connection and pipeline system | |
| US331940A (en) | Half to ralph bagaley | |
| US5348211A (en) | Joining of metallic pipe lined with thermoplastic polymer | |
| US20160116080A1 (en) | Pipe manipulation apparatus and methods | |
| EA007860B1 (en) | Protective sleeve for threaded connections for expandable liner hanger | |
| US6079095A (en) | Forming a flange on a tubular member lined with a thermoplastic liner | |
| CA2952511C (en) | Pipe end forming methods and pipe clamp | |
| US5730472A (en) | Flangeless pipe joint and a process for manufacturing such a joint | |
| US20160305584A1 (en) | Apparatus and related methods for pipe coupling | |
| US3338598A (en) | Coupling method and devices for lined pipe | |
| CA1334297C (en) | Well tubing liner system | |
| US20220212395A1 (en) | Securing Polymer Liners within Pipes | |
| US4629220A (en) | Method and apparatus for quick-coupling connecting nipple for plastic pipe | |
| CA2175213C (en) | Flangeless pipe joint and a process for manufacturing such a joint | |
| AU2011286156B2 (en) | High pressure pipe joint | |
| EP0728976B1 (en) | Improvements in and relating to pipe joints | |
| US333412A (en) | Coupling for gas-pipes |
Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| MKLA | Lapsed |