EP1563515A1 - Electrical transmission system - Google Patents
Electrical transmission systemInfo
- Publication number
- EP1563515A1 EP1563515A1 EP03775573A EP03775573A EP1563515A1 EP 1563515 A1 EP1563515 A1 EP 1563515A1 EP 03775573 A EP03775573 A EP 03775573A EP 03775573 A EP03775573 A EP 03775573A EP 1563515 A1 EP1563515 A1 EP 1563515A1
- Authority
- EP
- European Patent Office
- Prior art keywords
- layer
- deposited
- electrically insulative
- electrically conductive
- electrically
- 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.)
- Withdrawn
Links
- 230000005540 biological transmission Effects 0.000 title claims abstract description 16
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 claims abstract description 14
- 229910010293 ceramic material Inorganic materials 0.000 claims abstract description 9
- 239000007921 spray Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 8
- 239000000446 fuel Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 7
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 claims description 26
- 238000000151 deposition Methods 0.000 claims description 11
- PNEYBMLMFCGWSK-UHFFFAOYSA-N Alumina Chemical compound [O-2].[O-2].[O-2].[Al+3].[Al+3] PNEYBMLMFCGWSK-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims description 8
- GWEVSGVZZGPLCZ-UHFFFAOYSA-N Titan oxide Chemical compound O=[Ti]=O GWEVSGVZZGPLCZ-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims description 8
- 239000004020 conductor Substances 0.000 claims description 8
- 239000007789 gas Substances 0.000 claims description 8
- 239000002245 particle Substances 0.000 claims description 8
- OGIDPMRJRNCKJF-UHFFFAOYSA-N titanium oxide Inorganic materials [Ti]=O OGIDPMRJRNCKJF-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims description 5
- 238000010438 heat treatment Methods 0.000 claims description 3
- QVGXLLKOCUKJST-UHFFFAOYSA-N atomic oxygen Chemical compound [O] QVGXLLKOCUKJST-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims description 2
- 238000002485 combustion reaction Methods 0.000 claims description 2
- 239000001301 oxygen Substances 0.000 claims description 2
- 229910052760 oxygen Inorganic materials 0.000 claims description 2
- 238000005507 spraying Methods 0.000 abstract description 8
- 238000007750 plasma spraying Methods 0.000 abstract description 5
- 239000010410 layer Substances 0.000 description 28
- 238000000576 coating method Methods 0.000 description 5
- 230000008021 deposition Effects 0.000 description 5
- 239000000203 mixture Substances 0.000 description 5
- IJGRMHOSHXDMSA-UHFFFAOYSA-N Atomic nitrogen Chemical compound N#N IJGRMHOSHXDMSA-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 4
- 239000011248 coating agent Substances 0.000 description 4
- 238000009434 installation Methods 0.000 description 4
- 229910000831 Steel Inorganic materials 0.000 description 3
- 239000000843 powder Substances 0.000 description 3
- 239000010959 steel Substances 0.000 description 3
- 239000000758 substrate Substances 0.000 description 3
- XKRFYHLGVUSROY-UHFFFAOYSA-N Argon Chemical compound [Ar] XKRFYHLGVUSROY-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 2
- ATUOYWHBWRKTHZ-UHFFFAOYSA-N Propane Chemical compound CCC ATUOYWHBWRKTHZ-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 2
- 239000000919 ceramic Substances 0.000 description 2
- 238000004519 manufacturing process Methods 0.000 description 2
- 229910052757 nitrogen Inorganic materials 0.000 description 2
- 239000003129 oil well Substances 0.000 description 2
- RYGMFSIKBFXOCR-UHFFFAOYSA-N Copper Chemical compound [Cu] RYGMFSIKBFXOCR-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- UFHFLCQGNIYNRP-UHFFFAOYSA-N Hydrogen Chemical compound [H][H] UFHFLCQGNIYNRP-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 238000005299 abrasion Methods 0.000 description 1
- 229910052786 argon Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 230000015572 biosynthetic process Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000012159 carrier gas Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000004568 cement Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000011247 coating layer Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000010276 construction Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000000498 cooling water Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000010949 copper Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229910052802 copper Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 238000005260 corrosion Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000007797 corrosion Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000006073 displacement reaction Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000005553 drilling Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000000694 effects Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000002737 fuel gas Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000001307 helium Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229910052734 helium Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- SWQJXJOGLNCZEY-UHFFFAOYSA-N helium atom Chemical compound [He] SWQJXJOGLNCZEY-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 239000001257 hydrogen Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229910052739 hydrogen Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 238000009413 insulation Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000012212 insulator Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000002955 isolation Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000000873 masking effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000012544 monitoring process Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000007935 neutral effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000003921 oil Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000001294 propane Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000013535 sea water Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000000126 substance Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000007751 thermal spraying Methods 0.000 description 1
- XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N water Substances O XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
Classifications
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01B—CABLES; CONDUCTORS; INSULATORS; SELECTION OF MATERIALS FOR THEIR CONDUCTIVE, INSULATING OR DIELECTRIC PROPERTIES
- H01B7/00—Insulated conductors or cables characterised by their form
- H01B7/08—Flat or ribbon cables
- H01B7/0838—Parallel wires, sandwiched between two insulating layers
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01B—CABLES; CONDUCTORS; INSULATORS; SELECTION OF MATERIALS FOR THEIR CONDUCTIVE, INSULATING OR DIELECTRIC PROPERTIES
- H01B7/00—Insulated conductors or cables characterised by their form
- H01B7/0072—Electrical cables comprising fluid supply conductors
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01B—CABLES; CONDUCTORS; INSULATORS; SELECTION OF MATERIALS FOR THEIR CONDUCTIVE, INSULATING OR DIELECTRIC PROPERTIES
- H01B7/00—Insulated conductors or cables characterised by their form
- H01B7/04—Flexible cables, conductors, or cords, e.g. trailing cables
- H01B7/046—Flexible cables, conductors, or cords, e.g. trailing cables attached to objects sunk in bore holes, e.g. well drilling means, well pumps
Definitions
- the present invention relates to the transmission of electrical energy between different parts of a structure - including in particular underground, sub-sea or sub-seabed structures.
- the invention is more particularly, though not exclusively, concerned with transmission along oil and gas pipelines, and especially in wells.
- Oil and gas wells conventionally utilise substantial lengths of steel pipework during drilling/perforating operations and, during production, for conveyance of the oil or gas to the surface. They are also typically equipped with perforators, pumps, valves, actuators, flowmeters, strain gauges, temperature and pressure monitors and/or other downhole instrumentation at the base of the well, and optionally at other selected positions along the pipework, requiring the transmission of electrical power and/or data signals from/to the surface.
- the use of conventional discrete electrical cabling for this purpose is problematical, however. It has to be attached to the well pipework at a large number of separate, carefully chosen locations in an effort to minimise the likelihood of breakage or damage to the conductors or their insulation. Placement and protection of discrete cabling is time consuming and does not always avoid the problems of breakage or damage.
- the present invention seeks to avoid these drawbacks and in one aspect resides in a structure of electrically conductive material provided with means for the transmission of electrical energy between spaced locations along the structure, comprising a first layer of electrically insulative material deposited on the structure, one or more electrically conductive tracks deposited on said first layer, and a second layer of electrically insulative material deposited over said electrically conductive track(s), said first and second electrically insulative layers each comprising a ceramic material deposited by a thermal spray process.
- the invention also resides in a method of providing a structure of electrically conductive material with means for the transmission of electrical energy between spaced locations along the structure which comprises the steps of: depositing a first layer of electrically insulative material on the structure; depositing one or more electrically conductive tracks on said first layer; and depositing a second layer of electrically insulative material over said electrically conductive track(s); said first and second electrically insulative layers each comprising a ceramic material and being deposited by a thermal spray process.
- the compositions of the ceramic insulators can be chosen to provide high electrical resistivity coupled with mechanical durability and resistance to corrosion under a range of demanding service conditions, and thermal spraying provides an effective mechanism for the deposition of such materials in consistent high quality coatings.
- thermal spray process we mean a process in which particles of the material to be deposited are heated to a molten or softened condition and projected in a stream towards the substrate on which the respective layer is to be formed.
- Suitable thermal spray processes for use in this invention include so-called plasma spraying and high velocity oxy fuel (HVOF) spraying.
- the ceramic material forming the aforesaid first and second electrically insulative layers may comprise aluminium oxide with a minor proportion of titanium oxide, the latter typically in a proportion of 2-45% by weight. More particularly the proportion of titanium oxide may be in the range 10-15% by weight in the first insulative layer and 35-45% by weight in the second insulative layer.
- Figure 1 is a cross section through part of a structure to which the invention may be applied, namely an oil well installation;
- Figure 2 is transverse cross section through part of the pipe string illustrated in Figure 1 ;
- Figure 3 is an end/side view of part of the pipe string illustrated in Figure 1 ;
- Figure 4 illustrates an example of deposition of material by plasma spraying
- Figure 5 illustrates an example of deposition of material by high velocity oxy fuel spraying.
- Figure 1 is a simplified cross section through part of a production oil well installation to which the invention may be applied. It comprises a borehole through earth formation 1 lined with a steel casing 2.
- Running down through the casing 2 from the surface to the oil reservoir below is a steel pipe string 3 assembled from successive sections 3A joined end to end, and through which oil is conveyed to the surface.
- annulus 4 between the pipe string 3 and casing 2 may contain, at different depths, earth, oil or water, or cement or other packers to prevent displacement of the pipe string in the borehole.
- various equipment and instrumentation associated with the operation of the well will be located at its base, and other instrumentation for monitoring the condition of the pipe string 3 may be located at various positions along its length, to which electrical power must be transmitted from the surface and/or from which electrical data signals must be transmitted to the surface.
- each length of pipe 3A is provided with a multilayer coating as will now be described with reference to Figures 2 and 3.
- Figure 2 is a transverse cross section through a length of pipe 3A and its applied coating, not to scale, and.
- Figure 3 is an end/side view of the structure of Figure 2, again not to scale, and with the outer coating layer partially omitted for ease of illustration.
- a first layer 5 of electrically insulative material is deposited along the length of the outer surface of the pipe 3A over part (as shown), or possibly all, of its circumference.
- a series of parallel tracks 6 of electrically conductive material are then deposited on the insulative layer 5.
- a second layer 7 of electrically insulative material is deposited over the tracks 6 and on to the layer 5 between and around the tracks.
- the tracks 6 serve for the transmission of electrical energy along the length of the pipe to/from the various downhole equipment and/or instrumentation.
- the pipe 3A may itself serve as an additional transmission path.
- the provision of multiple tracks 6 enables a plurality of separate channels to be defined to a range of different equipment and/or instrumentation types, and useful redundancy in the event that individual tracks become damaged.
- Layer 5 serves to electrically insulate the tracks 6 from the pipe 3A and is composed of a ceramic material, typically 0.1 to 0.3mm thick.
- Layer 7 serves to electrically insulate the tracks 6 from the environment br structure external to the pipe and to provide physical protection for the conductive tracks during handling, installation and use. It is also composed of a ceramic material, with a thickness of typically 0.1 to 0.3mm above the tracks 6.
- the compositions of the layers 5 and 7 may be the same or different, as layer 5 will be selected primarily for its electrical resistivity while layer 7 is selected also for mechanical and chemical durability under the conditions likely to prevail in the intended service of the pipe. In one example which has been found to combine good electrical isolation with mechanical robustness and resistance to oil and seawater the ceramic composition is predominantly alumina (Al 2 0 3 ) blended with a minor proportion oftitania
- the proportion of titania in the inner insulative layer 5 may be in the region of
- the conductors 6 are preferably of high purity copper, typically 0.25mm thick.
- the materials 5, 6 and 7 are each applied by a thermal spray process, such as plasma spraying or high velocity oxy fuel (HVOF) spraying, with the use of suitable masks to define the bounds of the conductive tracks, and the spraying head(s) being traversed relative to the pipe 3A to achieve the required area of coverage and with sufficient passes to build up the required thicknesses of deposited material.
- a thermal spray process such as plasma spraying or high velocity oxy fuel (HVOF) spraying
- HVOF high velocity oxy fuel
- the tracks 6 will be provided with terminations at each end of the pipe 3A through which they can be electrically connected to the corresponding tracks on the next pipe length, and terminals will also be provided where required for connection to the respective downhole equipment/instrumentation. This may be accomplished through selective masking of the tracks during application of the layer 7.
- the spraying head comprises an anode 41 and cathode 42, surrounded by a cooling water jacket 43.
- the anode is shaped to define a nozzle 44 leading from an annular gas supply duct 45 which surrounds the cathode 42.
- Plasma gas such as argon, nitrogen, hydrogen or helium is supplied along the duct 45 and the plasma is initiated by a high voltage DC arc between the cathode and anode. The resistance heating from the arc causes the gas to reach extreme temperatures and dissociate to form a plasma, which exits the nozzle 44 as a neutral flame.
- the plasma stabilises with the arc between cathode and anode becoming stretched along the length of the nozzle by a thermal pinch effect; cold non-conductive gas around the surface of the water-cooled anode constricts the flame, raising its temperature and velocity.
- Powder of the material to form the layer 5, 6 or 7 is injected into the flame through radial ports 46 beyond the nozzle 44, where it is rapidly heated and accelerated to a high velocity.
- the resultant stream 47 of molten or softened particles- is directed against the applicable substrate surface 48 (representing the pipe 3A and/or earlier-deposited layers 5, 6 as the case may be), where the particles rapidly cool and coalesce to form the respective coating.
- the spraying head comprises a combustion casing 51 shaped to define a nozzle 52 leading from three coaxial supply ducts 53, 54 and 55.
- Powder of the material to form the layer 5, 6 or 7 is fed at high pressure in nitrogen carrier gas through the central duct 53; a mixture of fuel gas (e.g. propane) and oxygen is fed at high pressure through a surrounding annular duct 54; and compressed air is fed through the outer annular duct 55.
- the oxy fuel mixture is ignited in the vicinity of the nozzle 52 to produce a high temperature, high velocity flame.
- the compressed air from duct 55 pinches and accelerates the flame and cools the surrounding structure.
- the powder from duct 53 is fed into the flame where it is rapidly heated, the resultant stream 56 of molten or softened particles being directed against the applicable substrate surface 57 (representing the pipe 3A and/or earlier-deposited layers 5, 6 as the case may be), where the particles rapidly cool and coalesce to form the respective coating.
Landscapes
- Coating By Spraying Or Casting (AREA)
Abstract
A system for the transmission of electrical energy between different parts of an electrically conductive structure, and in particular for transmission of power and/or data signals to/from downhole equipment or instrumentation in oil and gas wells. A first layer of electrically insulative ceramic material (5) is deposited on the structure (e.g. oil pipe string 3A), followed by a series of electrically conductive tracks (6) and a second layer of electrically insulative ceramic material (7).The tracks (6) which serve for the transmission of power and/or data signals are thus sandwiched between the layers (5 and 7), insulated from the structure (3A) and the external environment and protected from damage. Each layer(5, 6 and 7) is deposited by a thermal spray process such as plasma spraying or high velocity oxy fuel spraying.
Description
ELECTRICAL TRANSMISSION SYSTEM
The present invention relates to the transmission of electrical energy between different parts of a structure - including in particular underground, sub-sea or sub-seabed structures. The invention is more particularly, though not exclusively, concerned with transmission along oil and gas pipelines, and especially in wells.
Oil and gas wells conventionally utilise substantial lengths of steel pipework during drilling/perforating operations and, during production, for conveyance of the oil or gas to the surface. They are also typically equipped with perforators, pumps, valves, actuators, flowmeters, strain gauges, temperature and pressure monitors and/or other downhole instrumentation at the base of the well, and optionally at other selected positions along the pipework, requiring the transmission of electrical power and/or data signals from/to the surface. The use of conventional discrete electrical cabling for this purpose is problematical, however. It has to be attached to the well pipework at a large number of separate, carefully chosen locations in an effort to minimise the likelihood of breakage or damage to the conductors or their insulation. Placement and protection of discrete cabling is time consuming and does not always avoid the problems of breakage or damage.
The present invention seeks to avoid these drawbacks and in one aspect resides in a structure of electrically conductive material provided with means for the transmission of electrical energy between spaced locations along the structure, comprising a first layer of electrically insulative material deposited on the structure, one or more electrically conductive tracks deposited on said first layer, and a second layer of electrically insulative material deposited over said electrically conductive track(s), said first and second electrically insulative layers each comprising a ceramic material deposited by a thermal spray process.
The invention also resides in a method of providing a structure of electrically conductive material with means for the transmission of electrical energy between spaced locations along the structure which comprises the steps of: depositing a first layer of electrically insulative material on the structure; depositing one or more electrically conductive tracks on said first layer; and depositing a second layer of electrically insulative material over said electrically conductive track(s); said first and second electrically insulative layers each comprising a ceramic material and being deposited by a thermal spray process.
By thus providing insulated conductors integral with the structure the use of separate cabling for the transmission of power or data signals between different locations on the structure may be avoided. The compositions of the ceramic insulators can be chosen to provide high electrical resistivity coupled with mechanical durability and resistance to corrosion under a range of demanding service conditions, and thermal spraying provides an effective mechanism for the deposition of such materials in consistent high quality coatings.
By "thermal spray process" we mean a process in which particles of the material to be deposited are heated to a molten or softened condition and projected in a stream towards the substrate on which the respective layer is to be formed. Suitable thermal spray processes for use in this invention include so-called plasma spraying and high velocity oxy fuel (HVOF) spraying.
The ceramic material forming the aforesaid first and second electrically insulative layers may comprise aluminium oxide with a minor proportion of titanium oxide, the latter typically in a proportion of 2-45% by weight. More particularly the proportion of titanium oxide may be in the range 10-15% by weight in the first insulative layer and 35-45% by weight in the second insulative layer.
These and other features of the invention will now be more particularly described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying schematic drawings in which:-
Figure 1 is a cross section through part of a structure to which the invention may be applied, namely an oil well installation;
Figure 2 is transverse cross section through part of the pipe string illustrated in Figure 1 ;
Figure 3 is an end/side view of part of the pipe string illustrated in Figure 1 ;
Figure 4 illustrates an example of deposition of material by plasma spraying; and
Figure 5 illustrates an example of deposition of material by high velocity oxy fuel spraying.
Figure 1 is a simplified cross section through part of a production oil well installation to which the invention may be applied. It comprises a borehole through earth formation 1 lined with a steel casing 2. Running down through the casing 2 from the surface to the oil reservoir below is a steel pipe string 3 assembled from successive sections 3A joined end to end, and through which oil is conveyed to the surface.
Depending on the construction and location of the installation the annulus 4 between the pipe string 3 and casing 2 may contain, at different depths, earth, oil or water, or cement or other packers to prevent displacement of the pipe string in the borehole. Although not shown in the Figure, various equipment and instrumentation associated with the operation of the well will be located at its base, and other instrumentation for monitoring the condition of the pipe string 3 may be located at various positions along its length, to which electrical power must be transmitted from the surface and/or from which electrical data signals must be transmitted to the surface. For this purpose each length of pipe 3A is provided with a multilayer coating as will now be described with reference to Figures 2 and 3.
Figure 2 is a transverse cross section through a length of pipe 3A and its applied coating, not to scale, and. Figure 3 is an end/side view of the structure of Figure 2, again not to scale, and with the outer coating layer partially omitted for ease of illustration.
A first layer 5 of electrically insulative material is deposited along the length of the outer surface of the pipe 3A over part (as shown), or possibly all, of its circumference. A series of parallel tracks 6 of electrically conductive material are then deposited on the insulative layer 5. Finally, a second layer 7 of electrically insulative material is deposited over the tracks 6 and on to the layer 5 between and around the tracks. In use the tracks 6 serve for the transmission of electrical energy along the length of the pipe to/from the various downhole equipment and/or instrumentation. The pipe 3A may itself serve as an additional transmission path. The provision of multiple tracks 6 enables a plurality of separate channels to be defined to a range of different equipment and/or instrumentation types, and useful redundancy in the event that individual tracks become damaged.
Layer 5 serves to electrically insulate the tracks 6 from the pipe 3A and is composed of a ceramic material, typically 0.1 to 0.3mm thick. Layer 7 serves to electrically insulate the tracks 6 from the environment br structure external to the pipe and to provide physical protection for the conductive tracks during handling, installation and use. It is also composed of a ceramic material, with a thickness of typically 0.1 to 0.3mm above the tracks 6. The compositions of the layers 5 and 7 may be the same or different, as layer
5 will be selected primarily for its electrical resistivity while layer 7 is selected also for mechanical and chemical durability under the conditions likely to prevail in the intended service of the pipe. In one example which has been found to combine good electrical isolation with mechanical robustness and resistance to oil and seawater the ceramic composition is predominantly alumina (Al203) blended with a minor proportion oftitania
(Ti02). The proportion of titania in the inner insulative layer 5 may be in the region of
13% by weight, while for enhanced abrasion resistance in the outer insulative layer this may be increased to the region of 40%. The conductors 6 are preferably of high purity copper, typically 0.25mm thick.
The materials 5, 6 and 7 are each applied by a thermal spray process, such as plasma spraying or high velocity oxy fuel (HVOF) spraying, with the use of suitable masks to define the bounds of the conductive tracks, and the spraying head(s) being traversed relative to the pipe 3A to achieve the required area of coverage and with sufficient passes to build up the required thicknesses of deposited material. Although not shown, the tracks 6 will be provided with terminations at each end of the pipe 3A through which they can be electrically connected to the corresponding tracks on the next pipe length, and terminals will also be provided where required for connection to the respective downhole equipment/instrumentation. This may be accomplished through selective masking of the tracks during application of the layer 7.
An example of one form of apparatus for use in deposition of the materials 5, 6 or 7 by plasma spraying is illustrated schematically in Figure 4. The spraying head comprises an anode 41 and cathode 42, surrounded by a cooling water jacket 43. The anode is shaped to define a nozzle 44 leading from an annular gas supply duct 45 which surrounds the cathode 42. Plasma gas such as argon, nitrogen, hydrogen or helium is supplied along the duct 45 and the plasma is initiated by a high voltage DC arc between the cathode and anode. The resistance heating from the arc causes the gas to reach extreme temperatures and dissociate to form a plasma, which exits the nozzle 44 as a neutral flame. The plasma stabilises with the arc between cathode and anode becoming stretched along the length of the nozzle by a thermal pinch effect; cold non-conductive gas around the surface of the water-cooled anode constricts the flame, raising its temperature and velocity. Powder of the material to form the layer 5, 6 or 7 is injected into the flame through radial ports 46 beyond the nozzle 44, where it is rapidly heated and accelerated to a high velocity. The resultant stream 47 of molten or softened particles- is directed against the applicable substrate surface 48 (representing the pipe 3A
and/or earlier-deposited layers 5, 6 as the case may be), where the particles rapidly cool and coalesce to form the respective coating.
An example of one form of apparatus for use in deposition of the materials 5, 6 or 7 by high velocity oxy fuel spraying is illustrated schematically in Figure 5. The spraying head comprises a combustion casing 51 shaped to define a nozzle 52 leading from three coaxial supply ducts 53, 54 and 55. Powder of the material to form the layer 5, 6 or 7 is fed at high pressure in nitrogen carrier gas through the central duct 53; a mixture of fuel gas (e.g. propane) and oxygen is fed at high pressure through a surrounding annular duct 54; and compressed air is fed through the outer annular duct 55. The oxy fuel mixture is ignited in the vicinity of the nozzle 52 to produce a high temperature, high velocity flame. The compressed air from duct 55 pinches and accelerates the flame and cools the surrounding structure. The powder from duct 53 is fed into the flame where it is rapidly heated, the resultant stream 56 of molten or softened particles being directed against the applicable substrate surface 57 (representing the pipe 3A and/or earlier-deposited layers 5, 6 as the case may be), where the particles rapidly cool and coalesce to form the respective coating.
Claims
1. A structure of electrically conductive material provided with means for the transmission of electrical energy between spaced locations along the structure, comprising a first layer of electrically insulative material deposited on the structure, one' or more electrically conductive tracks deposited on said first layer, and a second layer of electrically insulative material deposited over said electrically conductive track(s), said first and second electrically insulative layers each comprising a ceramic material deposited by a thermal spray process.
2. A structure according to claim 1 wherein the electrically insulative material in said first and/or second said layer is composed predominantly of aluminium oxide.
3. A structure according to claim 2 wherein the electrically insulative material in said first and/or second said layer includes a proportion of titanium oxide.
4. A structure according to claim 3 wherein the electrically insulative material in said first and/or second layer includes titanium oxide in a proportion of 2-45% by weight.
5. A structure according to claim 4 where the electrically insulative material in said first and/or second layer includes titanium oxide in a proportion of 10-15 or 35-45% by weight.
6. A structure according to any preceding claim being a length of pipe.
7. A structure according to any one of claims 1 to 5 being a pipeline for the conveyance of oil or gas.
8. A structure according to claim 7 being a pipeline in a well.
9. A method of providing a structure of electrically conductive material with means for the transmission of electrical energy between spaced locations along the structure which comprises the steps of: (1) depositing a first layer of electrically insulative material on the structure; (2) depositing one or more electrically conductive tracks on said first layer; and (3) depositing a second layer of electrically insulative material over said electrically conductive track(s); said first and second electrically insulative layers each comprising a ceramic material and being deposited by a thermal spray process.
10. A method according to claim 9 wherein one or more of steps (1), (2) and
(3) comprises heating particles of the material to be deposited in a plasma flame and directing a resultant stream of molten or softened such particles towards the structure.
11. A method according to claim 9 wherein one or more of steps (1 ), (2) and (3) comprises heating particles of the material to be deposited in a flame produced by combustion of fuel and oxygen and directing a resultant stream of molten or softened such particles towards the structure.
12. A structure provided with means for the transmission of electrical energy between spaced locations along the structure by a method according to claim 10 or claim 11.
Applications Claiming Priority (3)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| GBGB0227206.0A GB0227206D0 (en) | 2002-11-21 | 2002-11-21 | Electrical transmission system |
| GB0227206 | 2002-11-21 | ||
| PCT/GB2003/004990 WO2004047123A1 (en) | 2002-11-21 | 2003-11-18 | Electrical transmission system |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| EP1563515A1 true EP1563515A1 (en) | 2005-08-17 |
Family
ID=9948283
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| EP03775573A Withdrawn EP1563515A1 (en) | 2002-11-21 | 2003-11-18 | Electrical transmission system |
Country Status (6)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| US (1) | US20060027374A1 (en) |
| EP (1) | EP1563515A1 (en) |
| AU (1) | AU2003283596A1 (en) |
| GB (1) | GB0227206D0 (en) |
| NO (1) | NO20052932D0 (en) |
| WO (1) | WO2004047123A1 (en) |
Families Citing this family (4)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US20070044959A1 (en) * | 2005-09-01 | 2007-03-01 | Baker Hughes Incorporated | Apparatus and method for evaluating a formation |
| US20100186955A1 (en) * | 2007-06-01 | 2010-07-29 | Arild Saasen | Method of well cementing |
| EP2570587B1 (en) | 2011-09-13 | 2013-10-30 | Welltec A/S | Annular barrier with safety metal sleeve |
| US20130115867A1 (en) * | 2011-11-08 | 2013-05-09 | General Electric Company | Enclosure system and method for applying coating |
Citations (1)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| WO2003079749A2 (en) * | 2002-02-11 | 2003-10-02 | Bechtel Bwxt Idaho, Llc | Network and topology for identifying, locating and quantifying physical phenomena, systems and methods for employing same |
Family Cites Families (9)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US4012092A (en) * | 1976-03-29 | 1977-03-15 | Godbey Josiah J | Electrical two-way transmission system for tubular fluid conductors and method of construction |
| US4262703A (en) * | 1978-08-08 | 1981-04-21 | Custom Cable Company | Impact resistant control line |
| US4611656A (en) * | 1985-01-14 | 1986-09-16 | Kendall Jr Clarence E | Protective jacket assembly |
| DE4031203A1 (en) * | 1990-10-04 | 1992-04-09 | Bosch Gmbh Robert | THICK LAYER HYBRID ARRANGEMENT WITH EXTERNAL CONTACTS |
| US6397945B1 (en) * | 2000-04-14 | 2002-06-04 | Camco International, Inc. | Power cable system for use in high temperature wellbore applications |
| FR2819851B1 (en) * | 2001-01-22 | 2003-08-15 | Cie Du Sol | HOLLOW DRILL ROD FOR TRANSMITTING INFORMATION |
| US6916502B2 (en) * | 2002-02-11 | 2005-07-12 | Battelle Energy Alliance, Llc | Systems and methods for coating conduit interior surfaces utilizing a thermal spray gun with extension arm |
| US20030207103A1 (en) * | 2002-05-03 | 2003-11-06 | Zvosec Charles M. | System and method for protecting surfaces against corrosive compounds |
| US20040101620A1 (en) * | 2002-11-22 | 2004-05-27 | Elmoursi Alaa A. | Method for aluminum metalization of ceramics for power electronics applications |
-
2002
- 2002-11-21 GB GBGB0227206.0A patent/GB0227206D0/en not_active Ceased
-
2003
- 2003-11-18 US US10/535,460 patent/US20060027374A1/en not_active Abandoned
- 2003-11-18 EP EP03775573A patent/EP1563515A1/en not_active Withdrawn
- 2003-11-18 WO PCT/GB2003/004990 patent/WO2004047123A1/en not_active Ceased
- 2003-11-18 AU AU2003283596A patent/AU2003283596A1/en not_active Abandoned
-
2005
- 2005-06-15 NO NO20052932A patent/NO20052932D0/en not_active Application Discontinuation
Patent Citations (1)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| WO2003079749A2 (en) * | 2002-02-11 | 2003-10-02 | Bechtel Bwxt Idaho, Llc | Network and topology for identifying, locating and quantifying physical phenomena, systems and methods for employing same |
Non-Patent Citations (1)
| Title |
|---|
| See also references of WO2004047123A1 * |
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| US20060027374A1 (en) | 2006-02-09 |
| NO20052932L (en) | 2005-06-15 |
| NO20052932D0 (en) | 2005-06-15 |
| GB0227206D0 (en) | 2002-12-24 |
| WO2004047123A1 (en) | 2004-06-03 |
| AU2003283596A1 (en) | 2004-06-15 |
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