DE102009013981A1 - Spacer for axis-parallel arrangement and fixing of pipeline conduits during geothermal power production, has spacer elements shifted against each other perpendicularly to planes of elements during joining under application of force - Google Patents

Abstract

The spacer has two spacer elements (1) that are separable from each other. Each spacer element has a pin (3) that intervenes into a recess (5) of the other spacer element, in an assembled condition of the spacer. The pin is arranged at a distance to the recess in the opposite spacer element and shifted for aligning sections (2) of both the spacer elements. The spacer elements are shifted against each other perpendicularly to symmetry planes of the spacer elements during joining under application of force on the elements by a contour (9) of the pin.

Description

The The invention relates to a spacer for the axis-parallel Arrangement and fixation of pipe strings, with at least two cutouts for receiving pipe strings. Generic spacers find, for example in geothermal production by means of borehole probes, the over a prepared hole in the ground to be let in, use. The spacers ensure that the multitude of held probe tubes forms a compact and stable unit, allowing them to enter the borehole comfortably and without tilting can be. On the other hand, they serve to increase the efficiency the geothermal probe, in particular with probes in coaxial design, By providing the most effective shielding of the probe lead from the probe return, creating a thermal Short circuit is largely suppressed.

The EP 0 833 115 A1 discloses a generic spacer for pipe strands of ground probes, which is adapted to pipe pairs of a return and a supply at a predetermined distance to each other, including the described spacer has circular cutouts, with openings that are slightly smaller than 180 ° and thus an undercut Train contour. The arrangement and fixation of the probe tubes is carried out by each tube is forced through the opening in the neck, wherein the opening widens elastically and moves back to its original position after exceeding the undercut. If the diameter of the cutout dimensioned slightly smaller than the diameter of the male pipe, the fixation of the respective tube via a clamp with the aid of the prestressed undercut takes place.

From the DE 10 2007 018 979 B3 a further spacer for axially parallel fixing of several pipe strands is known, which has the peculiarities of being designed as a collar surrounding the pipe bundle to be fixed, and on the other has rib-shaped spacers over which the tube bundle is centrally supported within the earth bore, so that a defined gap between the tube bundle and the borehole wall can be produced.

The DE 10 2007 017 078 B3 describes, inter alia, a centering element for geothermal probes with recesses, which are arranged on the inner side of this, whereby a space between the tubes is maintained in particular in the center, can be transported through the example, tools for mounting the geothermal probe.

at all known from the prior art spacers takes place the fixation of the pipes to be arranged on the spacer over the above-described clamping by means of elastically deformed, undercut Cut-out templates. This type of clamping is the reliable one Positioning of the spacers in the longitudinal axis only to a limited extent possible because of the low contact pressure, the over the undercut can be generated in conjunction with the in usually smooth tube surface only a low positional fidelity ensures the spacer on the tube bundle can be. As a result, the spacers become common already through small obstacles in the borehole during insertion of the tube bundle in the borehole, or during backfilling of the borehole, pushed together at the well opening and thus lose their effect.

First Solutions to this problem include the additional Welding of retaining elements on the pipes or the Use of cutting rings, which, however, decided disadvantages brings with it. For example, the use of welding elements, which are part of the spacer and over a cohesive connection, d. H. welding, to be connected to the tube bundle, a not insignificant Extra effort. Ultimately, prevents such a spacer attached a subsequent displacement of this along the tube bundle axis, which in some cases, due to massive obstacles in the borehole, may be necessary and otherwise stuck the entire probe can lead. Finally caused the use of cutting rings and welding of holding elements a violation of the tube surface, which ultimately also a lifetime impairment of the probe system.

Of the Invention is therefore the object of a spacer to propose, which does not have the aforementioned disadvantages, ie in particular, in addition to a secure arrangement and fixation of pipe strings also in case of need, the subsequent shifting of the already positioned spacer allows. The provided Spacer should also have the properties the fixed tube bundle, as far as possible, not damage and remove residue-free if necessary to be.

This object is achieved in connection with the preamble of claim 1 according to the invention that the spacer comprises two separable elements and at least one element has a pin which engages in the assembled state of the spacer Ab in a recess of the other element and in cooperation with this one frictional Ensuring connection of the two elements, wherein at least one pin of an element is arranged offset at aligned cutouts of both elements to the corresponding recess of the opposing element by a distance, and has a contour, in which the first and the second element during assembly under the action of Elements with a force perpendicular to the symmetry planes of the elements in the respective plane of symmetry are shifted from each other.

at have a spacer according to the invention the cutouts for receiving pipe strands preferably also known from the prior art contour with undercut, however, the undercut does not anchor the spacer is provided on the tube, but only for guidance of the spacer on the pipe is used. The described reduction the sectional area of the cross section compared to the cross section the male pipe is unnecessary in inventive Spacers.

preferably, have both elements of the spacer according to the invention an equal number of cutouts, with each cutout of the first element is aligned with a section of the second element, if the first and second elements are loosely placed on top of each other, So before the pin according to the invention one of Elements with its contour in the recess of the other element already completely penetrated. Be in the following the loose succession spacer elements under pressure with a force into each other, whereby also the pin along its contour completely penetrates into the recess and due to the contour of the pin, the first and the second element move against each other, are also the previously aligned sections shifted against each other. Had the pairs of aligned cutouts before completely merging the elements a pipe string received positively cause these in the joined state of the spacer a clamping of the Pipe strings, possibly under slight elastic Deformation of either pipe branch in the area of the clamping, or the spacer cutout contour.

to Increasing the clamping effect is in one embodiment the invention provides that at least a cutout on the edge has a burr, which in the displacement of both spacer elements as a result of the joining of these at least partially the invention-related sprain experiences, but also to increase the adhesion between cutting contour and Pipe strand surface is used. Ultimately, the hangs Clamping action of the spacer according to the invention also on the extent of the realized displacement of the spacer elements as well as the construction geometry and the material of the spacer and the fixed pipe strands.

Around a release of the spacer elements in the joined Condition, the pin preferably has an undercut, which due to the restoring force emanating from the sprain Cooperation with a correspondingly shaped fold on the Recess of the opposite element for ensures a positive connection between the two elements. Preferably, the undercut is at the free end of the pin.

Preferably a spacer according to the invention has a central cutout and at least two arranged around it Cutouts on, with the outside cutouts the received therein tubing at a predetermined distance Arrange to the central section. This arrangement is special expedient for the realization of the described Foreclosure of a probe lead and probe return from the geothermal reservoir for probes in coaxial design.

Around a simple assembly of the pipe strands on the spacer to allow at least the outside of this located sections of the elements preferably openings on, through which in each case a pipe string in the respective cutout can be used. Does the cut-out contour have an undercut, ensures that the tubing used for final positioning only still axially movable is. This is synonymous with that, for example, to the subsequent Repositioning of the spacer on the tubing bundle, the elements of the spacer also for each can only be moved parallel to the pipe string axes of symmetry, if used in at least one pair of aligned cutouts a pipe string is. Preferably, in an inventive Spacer the pipe strands in the cutouts form fit added.

For the practice of particular relevance is an embodiment in which the two elements of the spacer for receiving cylindrical pipe strands are provided and circular outer Have cutouts, with openings that are not larger are as a circular element Δα <180 °, so that an undercut Recording contour exists.

To simplify the assembly and handling of the spacer according to the invention as much as possible, this preferably consists of two substantially identical elements, so that the risk can be excluded that during assembly a first excellent element is confused with a second element. This idea is still continued in a further embodiment of the invention, which has a first and a second element, which have a multiple symmetry, so that at least two relative arrangements of the first and the second element to each other are possible, in which all sections of the first and the second member are aligned in the unfastened state and further each of the pins used can engage in a corresponding recess of the respective opposite element.

A Such embodiment of high symmetry and thus variability is characterized in that each of the two elements, for example next to a central section, 2n with n = 1, 2, 3 ..., for example 4, having around these cutouts, their points of symmetry on a circular path around the point of symmetry of the central section around by 360 ° / n, ie with 4 cut-outs by 90 °, spaced apart, and wherein each element, for example has two pins and two recesses, which in turn on a Circular path arranged around the point of symmetry of the central section are.

has a former spacer, for example, elements that each have a central section and four arranged around this Have cutouts, and each of the elements has two pins and two recesses, each with the recesses and the pins lying on a straight line passing through the center of the central opening runs, and is each of the tenons of each of the two elements on both sides by 90 ° ± ε to the first and the second recess arranged offset, so has such a Spacers a 2-fold symmetry, d. h., the first and the second element can rotate under 180 ° in two different positions are joined to each other. The prerequisite for this is that the offset ε of the first and the second pin of both elements are identical, ie in the same angular direction is done.

in principle it is also possible that the recesses described Have offset ε while the cones regularly are arranged. Appropriately determined the angular offset ε relative to the symmetry axes of the first and second element, which in general for both elements are identical. In practice, an angular misalignment, depending on the application, with 0 ° <ε <10 ° as appropriate exposed. This is particularly dependent on the Elasticity of the materials used, both the spacer, as well as the pipe strands.

at a particularly easy to produce spacer of the invention Art the recesses are at least partially designed as holes, completely penetrate the respective element, so that the undercut at the free end of the at least one pin the first element with the side facing away from this element Bohrlochkante the second element produces the non-positive connection. When joining the first and the second element to the invention Spacer penetrates in the aforementioned embodiment the free end completely through the hole of the second Element through, until the undercut at the free end of Pin back from the penetrated element emerges and with the back hole edge creates an adhesive connection of the two elements.

in principle There are no restrictions regarding the choice of material for the realization of inventive spacers. However, it has proved to be useful if the elasticity of the Spacer material on the torsional rigidity of the to be fixed Tubing is tuned insofar as that in case of doubt in the jamming of the pipe strands with the spacer preferably the spacer itself the finally undergoes causal deformation for the deadlock, while the fixed pipe strands as far as possible remain undisturbed.

The Assembly of the elements can be done by hand or under depending on the clamping force With the help of conventional tools, such as pliers, respectively.

It it can be seen that inventive spacers both for geothermal probes in coaxial design are suitable, as well as for probes in the classic U-profile. Also for the latter types of probes are holders with central cutout often appropriate, because they have an improved elastic behavior.

Of the Spacers can also be used in all applications where pipe strings are bundled should.

Further Details of the invention are described in the drawing with reference to FIG described embodiments described.

in this connection shows:

1 a top perspective view of one of the two elements of a spacer;

2 a plan view of one of the two elements of a spacer;

3 a perspective view of the ers th and the second element in the mounting position;

4 a plan view of a joined spacer; and

5 a plan view of a joined spacer with inserted tubes.

1 shows one of the two spacer elements 1 . 1' with four outer recesses 2 , two cones 3 , each with an undercut 4 and a free end 6 have, and two recesses 5 , It can also be seen that the recesses 5 are realized as holes that the spacer element 1 completely penetrate. The central opening of the spacer element 1 can be used to accommodate a further probe tube, as it could be useful, for example, geothermal probes in coaxial design.

2 shows the spacer element 1 out 1 in a plan view, wherein additionally a first and a second axis of symmetry of the spacer element 1 are drawn with the help of the dot-dash line. The solid line passes through the centers of the first and second recesses 5 , wherein the angle ε between the vertical axis of symmetry and the continuous line through the Ausnehmungsmittelpunkte the offset of the recesses 5 illustrated. The circular line in dot-dash form illustrates that both the centers of the recesses 5 as well as the pins 3 lie on such.

It can be seen that the spacer element 1 has a 2-fold symmetry since it is self-identical even with a 180 ° rotation about its center.

3 shows a first and a second spacer element 1 . 1 , wherein each of the two spacer elements with the in the 1 and 2 is identical. element 1 and element 1 own on the edge of the cutouts 2 a ridge 8th which is conducive to the jamming of a pipe string in the corresponding recess. The burrs 8th do not extend in the described embodiment over the entire length of the edges of the cutouts 2 , Also the representation in 3 is again the self-identity of both elements 1 . 1 so that it would also be possible to choose one of the elements 1 . 1' after rotation through an angle of 180 ° with the other element 1 . 1' to assemble the spacer according to the invention. In addition, it can be seen that the free end 6 of the pin 3 a contour 9 having, whereby the cross-sectional center of the pin 3 shifted over its length. As a result, when inserting the pins 3 in the recesses 5 a twist of the elements 1 . 1' against each other along the circle 2 takes place, whereby the previously aligned cutouts 2 the two spacer elements 1 . 1' after complete assembly of these are no longer completely congruent arranged one above the other.

This is also in 4 to recognize. Here, a fully assembled inventive spacer is shown, with a first element 1 and a second element 1 , which are arranged one above the other with a slight angular offset, which is particularly evident in the relative arrangement of the recesses 2 of the first element 1 and the second element 1' it can be seen that they are no longer completely aligned. From the visible top of the holder element 1 protrude through the recesses 5 this the free ends 6 up to the height of the lower edge of the undercut 4 of the pin 3 up. The non-positive connection of both elements 1 . 1' is finally achieved by the designated lower edge of the undercut 4 on the visible top of the element 1' outsourced.

5 shows the spacer 4 with pipe strings 10 in the recesses 2 before joining the spacer elements 1 . 1' have been used and by joining both elements 1 . 1' have learned the fixation in the aforementioned manner. Again, the free ends are 6 the pin 3 of the underlying spacer element 1' to recognize through the recesses 5 of the visible element 1 protrude.

The in the above description, in the drawing and in the Claims disclosed features of the invention can both individually and in any combination for the To be essential to the realization of the invention.

QUOTES INCLUDE IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list The documents listed by the applicant have been automated generated and is solely for better information recorded by the reader. The list is not part of the German Patent or utility model application. The DPMA takes over no liability for any errors or omissions.

Cited patent literature

• EP 0833115 A1 [0002]
• DE 102007018979 B3 [0003]
• DE 102007017078 B3 [0004]

Claims (13)

Spacer for the axis-parallel arrangement and fixing of pipe strings ( 10 ), with at least two sections ( 2 ) for receiving pipe strings ( 10 ), characterized in that the spacer comprises two separable elements ( 1 . 1' ) and at least one element ( 1 . 1' ) a pin ( 3 ), which in the assembled state of the spacer in a recess ( 5 ) of the other element ( 1 . 1' ) and in cooperation with this a frictional connection of both elements ( 1 . 1' ), wherein at least one pin ( 3 ) of an element ( 1 . 1' ) at aligned cutouts ( 2 ) of both elements ( 1 . 1' ) to the associated recess of the opposing element ( 1 . 1' ) is offset by a distance, and a contour ( 9 ), in consequence of which the first and the second element ( 1 . 1' ) when joining under action of the elements ( 1 . 1' ) with a force perpendicular to the planes of symmetry of the elements ( 1 . 1' ) are shifted in their respective symmetry plane against each other. Spacer according to claim 1, characterized in that at least one pin ( 3 ) of a first element ( 1 . 1' ) at its free end ( 6 ) an undercut ( 4 ), which in cooperation with a correspondingly shaped fold on the recess ( 5 ) of the second element ( 1 . 1' ) for the frictional connection of both elements ( 1 . 1' ). Spacer according to claim 1, characterized in that it has a central cutout ( 2 ) and at least two cutouts ( 2 ), which contains the pipe strands ( 10 ) at a predetermined distance to the central section ( 2 ). Spacer according to claim 3, characterized in that the outer cutouts ( 2 ) Have openings through which a tubing string ( 10 ) in the respective section ( 2 ) is used. Spacer according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the cutouts are the pipe strands ( 10 ) surrounded positively. Spacer according to one of claims 4 or 5, characterized in that the outer cutouts ( 2 ) have a receiving contour with an undercut, so that the elements ( 1 . 1' ) of the spacer can be moved in each case only parallel to the pipe string axes of symmetry, if in at least one of the cutouts ( 2 ) a tubing string ( 10 ) is used. Spacer according to one of claims 3 to 6, characterized in that the elements ( 1 . 1' ) for receiving cylindrical pipe strands ( 10 ) circular cutouts ( 2 ), with openings that are not larger than a circular element Δα <180 °, so that there is an undercut receiving contour. Spacer according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the two elements ( 1 . 1' ) are substantially identical. Spacer according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that both elements ( 1 . 1' ) next to a central section ( 2 ), four cutouts ( 2 ) whose points of symmetry lie on a circular path around the point of symmetry of the central section ( 2 ) are each spaced at 90 ° from each other, and wherein each element ( 1 . 1' ) exactly two pins ( 3 ) and two recesses ( 5 ), which in turn orbit around the point of symmetry of the central section (FIG. 2 ) are arranged. Spacer according to claim 1, characterized in that at least one pin ( 3 ) and an associated recess ( 5 ) at aligned cutouts ( 2 ) of both elements ( 1 . 1' ) are arranged offset from each other along a circular path by an angle ε. Spacer according to claim 10, with 0 ° <ε <10. Spacer according to claim 2, characterized in that the recesses ( 5 ) are at least partially designed as bores that the respective element ( 1 . 1' ) completely penetrate, so that the undercut ( 4 ) at the free end ( 6 ) of the at least one pin ( 3 ) of the first element ( 1 . 1' ) with this element ( 1 . 1' ) facing away from the borehole edge of the second element ( 1 . 1' ) produces the non-positive connection. Spacer according to one of the preceding claims, in which at least one cutout ( 2 ) on the edge of a ridge ( 8th ) which increases the surface pressure locally.