EP4139555A1

EP4139555A1 - Insert precision-integrated into a blank body by additive manufacturing

Info

Publication number: EP4139555A1
Application number: EP21718887.9A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Eric Verger
Original assignee: Vallourec Oil and Gas France SAS
Current assignee: Vallourec Oil and Gas France SAS
Priority date: 2020-04-22
Filing date: 2021-04-16
Publication date: 2023-03-01
Also published as: MX2022013326A; BR112022020564A2; US20230147500A1; FR3109543A1; WO2021213902A1; AR121904A1; FR3109543B1

Abstract

Steel pipe (1) for drilling, exploiting hydrocarbon wells, transporting petrol and gas, carbon capture or geothermal energy, comprising at least one male (2) or female (3) insert and a metal body (4), the insert (2, 3) comprising at least a first thread axis, at least one toric or frusto-conical sealing surface (21, 22), a threaded portion (5) and a non-threaded portion (6) connected to the metal body (4), characterised in that the metal body (4) is made entirely by additive manufacturing and in that the insert (2, 3) comprises an anchoring profile (7) arranged so as to adhere the additive material of the metal body (4).

Description

DESCRIPTION

Title: INSERT PRECISELY INTEGRATED IN A GROSS BODY MADE BY

ADDITIVE MANUFACTURING. The invention relates to steel components or conduits in the field of oil and gas, energy or storage, for a use such as the exploitation of wells or the transport of hydrocarbons, geothermal energy or carbon capture.

By "component" is meant here any element, accessory or conduit, used to drill or exploit a well and comprising at least one connection or connector or even threaded end, and intended to be assembled by a thread to another component to constitute with this another component is a threaded joint. The component can be for example a tube or a tubular element of relatively great length (in particular about ten meters in length), for example a tube, or else a tubular sleeve of a few tens of centimeters in length, or else a accessory for these tubular elements (suspension device or “hanger”, section changing or “cross-over” part, safety valve, connector for a drill rod or “tool joint”, “sub”, and the like).

The components or conduits have threaded ends. These threaded ends are complementary allowing the connection of two male (“Pin”) and female (“Box”) tubular elements together. There is therefore a male threaded end and a female threaded end. The so-called premium or semi-premium threaded ends generally have at least one abutment surface. A first stop may be formed by two surfaces of two threaded ends, oriented substantially radially, configured so as to be in contact with each other after screwing the threaded ends together or during stresses from compression. Stops generally have negative angles to the main axis of the connections. Intermediate stops are also known on joints comprising at least two stages of threading.

It may be necessary for a conduit to have a metallic body with a non-tubular or non-rectilinear shape. Indeed, a duct can include a non-straight portion, for example a curvature or "S" shape, or even changes in internal diameters or exterior. However, the current means to achieve this are extremely limited and non-functional.

In general, for technical and machining reasons, the different parts of the same component, whether it be the body of the tubular element or the threaded ends, are designed according to one and the same type of material (alloy or not).

The tubes are generally rectilinear, of rectilinear axis, the two ends of a tube being aligned and therefore having substantially collinear end axes. However, there is a need in the hydrocarbon industry, geothermal energy or carbon capture for a tube or a duct having characteristics of different geometries, in particular by the presence of an angular deviation in said tube between the tube. 'axis of a first end and the axis of a second end. This type of geometry is very useful for planning branches, elbows, contours and other connections depending on the geology during drilling or to more easily arrange a flow transport. In addition, this saves the number of tubes used and the amount of resources required. Current solutions are expensive to produce and / or have unsatisfactory mechanical characteristics.

To achieve this type of geometry with the means of the state of the art, a first solution consists of starting from a solid metal part which is machined to obtain an angle deviation or non-coaxial terminal ends. . However, such a solution has many major drawbacks; especially during the production of these parts by turning. For example, there is an unbalance during the production phase, that is to say a mass not perfectly distributed over a volume of revolution causing an imbalance, at the level of the deflected or deformed part of the tube. But also vibrations and wear during machining which strongly weaken the tube making it less reliable. There are also geometry defects, tolerances not respected and pressure drops during hydraulic flows. A second solution consists in designing and producing a tube (not machined) directly with the desired geometry, for example a tube admitting in its body an elbow or an angle offset between the axis of a first end and that of a second end. However, the drawbacks will have repercussions when machining the thread, which will be very complicated to achieve. Indeed, such a geometry will require the design of a method and devices specifically adapted. This therefore involves significant costs as well as a very low production speed associated with complex machining that cannot be envisaged industrially.

Document CN108278088 A describes a drill pipe made of steel and aluminum gradient composite material and its preparation process in order to develop a drill pipe that is light, high strength, high temperature resistance, wear resistance and strength. 10 corrosion.

Document FR 2818728 relates to tubular threaded joints composed of a male threaded element disposed at the end of a first tubular component and assembled by screwing to a female threaded element disposed at the end of a second tubular component. Document WO2019 / 016254 discloses a method of manufacturing a connecting piece intended to be connected to at least one tubular component.

The current means of the state of the art are therefore limited and do not make it possible to confer more geometric flexibility to the production of a tube without generating constraints and undesirable effects. They make it even less possible to produce a steel tube for the exploitation of wells or the transport of hydrocarbons, geothermal energy or carbon capture with at least 3 terminal ends.

The object of the present invention is to resolve the problems of the state of the art cited, by producing the entire metallic body of a duct by additive manufacturing on at least one insert.

The invention therefore consists of a steel pipe (1) for drilling, operating hydrocarbon wells, transporting oil and gas, carbon capture or geothermal energy, comprising at least one male (2) or female insert. (3) and a metal body (4), said insert (2, 3) comprising at least a first thread axis, at least one sealing surface (21, 22) toric or frusto-conical, a threaded part (5) and an unthreaded part (6) connected to the metal body (4), characterized in that the metal body (4) is entirely produced by additive manufacturing.

According to one embodiment, the duct (1) is characterized in that the minimum and radial thickness of an insert is determined according to the equation:

[Math 1] min thickness = Rext - K * Epg + Ri)

Or :

Min thickness Minimum value of the thickness of an insert in mm Rext Value of the external radius

Epg Value of the thickness of a groove bottom of a thread tooth

Ri Internal radius value

K Value of the minimum thickness ratio between 0.25 and 0.7.

According to one embodiment, the duct (1) is characterized in that the thickness ratio K is equal to 0.510.

According to one embodiment, the duct (1) is characterized in that a male (2) or female (3) insert comprises a minimum and radial thickness determined between 4 mm and 20 mm.

According to one embodiment, the duct (1) is characterized in that a male (2) or female (S) insert comprises a minimum and radial thickness determined between 4 and 18 mm. According to one embodiment, the duct (1) is characterized in that a male (2) or female (3) insert comprises a minimum and radial thickness determined between 4.5 and 16 mm.

According to one embodiment, the duct (1) is characterized in that each of the male (2) or female (B) inserts has an external diameter (OD) of between 100mm and 480mm.

According to one embodiment, the duct (1) is characterized in that the metallic body (4) is produced by deposit by arc-wire additive manufacturing. According to one embodiment, the duct (1) is characterized in that the metal body (4) adheres around the male (2) or female (S) insert on its unthreaded part.

According to one embodiment, the duct (1) is characterized in that the metallic body (4) produced by additive manufacturing comprises a material of metallic type chosen from alloyed steels, highly alloyed, cupro-nickel alloys, titanium alloys, ceramics, glass-ceramics, or copper, stellite, fero 55.

According to one embodiment, the duct (1) is characterized in that the metallic body (4) produced by additive manufacturing comprises a material with a Young's modulus between 110 GPa and 210 GPa, preferably between 160 GPa and 210 GPa.

According to one embodiment, the duct (1) is characterized in that an insert (2, S) comprises an anchoring profile (7) arranged to adhere the additive material of the metallic body (4).

According to one embodiment, the duct (1) is characterized in that the anchoring profile (7) comprises one or more shear surfaces (11) and / or at least one stowage extension (12).

According to one embodiment, the duct (1) is characterized in that it comprises at least 2 male (2) and / or female (S) inserts.

According to one embodiment, the duct (1) is characterized in that each of said male (2) and / or female (S) insert has respectively a first and a second thread axis A1 and A2, and in that said first and second axes A1 and A2 are non-collinear.

According to one embodiment, the duct (1) is characterized in that the thread axis of a first male (2) or female (S) insert has relative to the axis of a second male insert (2 ) or female (S) of the same duct (1) an angle of inclination between 0 and 75 degrees.

According to one embodiment, the duct (1) is characterized in that it comprises at least three male or female inserts (62, 63, 64), the inserts (62, 63, 64) respectively comprising at least a first axis thread, a second thread axis, a third thread axis, the inserts being connected by a body (4) entirely produced by additive manufacturing, said first, second and third axes of each of the male or female inserts (62, 63, 64) being non-collinear.

The invention also includes a method of making a duct (1) comprising:

A step of maintaining one or more male (2) or female (3) inserts in a determined position.

A step of producing the metal body (4) by additive manufacturing by wire arc comprising a deposit of material from an unthreaded portion of the insert (2, 3).

A heat treatment step to modify the mechanical characteristics of the body and release the mechanical stresses resulting from additive manufacturing.

A machining step in the metal body (4).

Other characteristics and advantages of the invention will become apparent on examination of the detailed description below, and of the accompanying drawings.

[Fig. 1] schematically shows, in a longitudinal sectional view, a tubular threaded joint according to the state of the art.

[Fig. 2a] schematically shows, in a longitudinal sectional view, a portion of male steel conduit according to a first embodiment in which the metal body is produced entirely by additive manufacturing around an insert.

[Fig. 2b] schematically shows, in a longitudinal sectional view, a portion of female steel conduit according to a second embodiment in which the metal body is produced entirely by additive manufacturing around an insert.

[Fig. 3] schematically shows, in a hybrid perspective view, a steel conduit comprising a female insert as well as a portion of a metallic body produced entirely by additive manufacturing. [Fig. 4a] represents a stress concentration diagram of a threading tooth according to the invention and according to a grade scale. [Fig. 4b] represents a diagram of a portion of an insert according to the invention.

[Fig. 4c] represents a diagram of a portion of a connection using the parameters of FIG. 4b.

[Fig. 5] shows in a hybrid perspective view a duct according to a variant of the invention comprising two non-coaxial inserts.

[Fig. 6] shows in a hybrid perspective view a duct according to a variant of the invention comprising three non-coaxial inserts.

The appended drawings may not only serve to complete the invention, but also contribute to its definition, where appropriate. They are not limiting as to the scope of the invention.

Figure 1 shows schematically, in a longitudinal sectional view, a tubular threaded joint of the prior art. The tubular threaded joint includes a male member (22) and a female member (24) in an assembled or connected state. Each element comprises a threaded part (5) and an unthreaded part (6). The tubular threaded joint comprises a seal (20) formed by interfering contact of two sealing surfaces of the O-ring or frustoconical type on either side of each of said male and female elements in the assembled state. Each of the portions of an element are made from one and the same type of material, that is to say in particular the threaded part, the non-threaded part and the sealing surface. There are therefore not two different types of materials for two different parts of the tube. Each of the male (22) or female (24) elements is rectilinear and has an axis of revolution common to both its male end, its main tubular body and its other end (not shown).

In order to be able to obtain a duct with a more complex geometry than a simple straight tubular shape, that is to say to obtain a component having for example non-co-axial and / or non-coplanar terminal ends, there are two proposals for solutions to date which require in both cases a type of direct intervention on a part or on the tube. FIG. 2a represents a steel conduit (1) comprising a male insert (2) and a metal body (4), said insert (2) comprising at least a first thread axis (represented by the X axis), at least a sealing surface (21) which can be toroidal or frusto-conical, a threaded part (5) and a non-threaded part (6) connected to the metal body (4). The metal body (4) is entirely produced by additive manufacturing. The insert (2) can advantageously comprise an anchoring profile (7) arranged to adhere the additive material of the metallic body (4).

According to one aspect of the invention, an unthreaded portion (6) comprises a radial surface (6R) which may be perpendicular to the thread axis. This surface can extend radially. An unthreaded portion (6) may also include an axial surface (6A) opposite to the threaded portion (5). This surface (6A) can be parallel to the thread axis. This axial surface (6A) can extend axially.

According to one embodiment, the non-threaded part (6) designates the surface opposite the threaded part, parallel to the thread axis. It also designates the radial surface of the insert (perpendicular to the thread axis).

According to one embodiment, the metal body (4) is produced by deposit by arc-wire additive manufacturing. Advantageously, arc-wire additive manufacturing confers good structural integrity and low distortion to the additive material. It does not require complex tools and optimizes material losses as well as possible, thus lowering production costs.

Advantageously, the metal body (4) produced entirely by additive manufacturing allows ease of geometric configuration. In this way, it is possible to obtain a conduit configured according to the geometric or geological difficulty encountered during the operation of wells or the transport of hydrocarbons, geothermal energy or carbon capture. Advantageously, a duct according to the invention has a hydraulic flow that is much smoother and easier to obtain compared to the solutions of the state of the art, in particular by the absence of unbalance during machining.

Advantageously, the material of the metallic body (4) can be different from that of the insert. It is therefore possible, when possible, to choose a material that is less expensive compared to that of the insert, thus reducing costs. It is also possible to choose materials having different properties with respect to the insert depending on the desired use.

Advantageously, the metallic body (4) produced by additive manufacturing comprises a material of metallic type chosen from alloy steels, high alloy steels, cupro-nickel alloys, titanium alloys, ceramics, glass-ceramics, or copper, stellite, fero 55.

Advantageously, the production and machining time is significantly reduced and compatible with industrial requirements.

Advantageously, the metallic body (4) can be produced by additive manufacturing using a material with a Young's modulus between 110 Gpa and 210 Gpa. Preferably, the body can be made of a material with a Young's modulus of 160 to 210 GPa in order to approximate that of the male insert. Indeed, at equal stress, a material having a high modulus of elasticity will undergo a lower deformation than a material having a low modulus of elasticity.

For example, the elastic limits of the materials which can be between 300 Mpa and 950 Mpa an insert can comprise a material made of steel, alloy steel, inconel, a nickel base or a steel according to the 13cr or super 13Cr standards.

The insert must be a controlled part whose dimensions must respect tolerances. The insert (2) can be machined by conventional methods with great precision. The insert can be obtained separately from the body (4). Advantageously, obtaining the insert (2) overcomes the constraints imposed by the geometry of a duct of complex shape. The term tolerance is understood to mean the difference between two limit dimensions considered as conforming to the nominal dimensions fixed in advance on a plan. In addition, the body (4) is obtained by additive manufacturing construction on the insert (2). Thus, with an insert that has already been mastered, it is much easier to give a complex geometric shape to the duct (1) while avoiding all the machining problems associated with threading. A complex geometric shape may be both a rectilinear and / or non-rectilinear shape over the entire length of the duct.

According to one embodiment, the anchoring profile (7) may include a shear surface (11) and / or a tie-down extension (12). The anchoring profile (7) can also include annular corrugations, or even annular ribs.

Advantageously, the anchoring profile (7) makes it possible to increase and ensure the adhesion of the material of the additive body on the insert.

Advantageously, an anchoring profile (7) comprising one or more shear surfaces (11) allows better interpenetration between the insert and the material produced by additive manufacturing of the body.

Advantageously, an anchoring profile (7) comprising one or more tie-down extensions (12) allows better grip of the material added by additive manufacturing.

The Applicant has determined additional conditions binding the insert and the part added by additive manufacturing to ensure the integrity of the duct. A transition zone between a material of the insert and that of the metallic body is determined according to the equation: [Math 2] s _zz > 85% Ys

Where: ozz Value of the generated stress Ys Value of the elastic limit of an insert

The transition zone between a metal insert (2) and the metal body (4) is conditioned by a minimum safety threshold of 85% Ys. Ys being the elastic limit of the insert material and szz corresponding to the generated constraint. The transition zone is included in the insert. It is therefore possible to make a transition from the metallic material of the insert to an additive material, when at least 85% Ys is reached, without the risk of adding additional stresses. The transition zone is included in the insert and corresponds to the minimum and radial wall thickness of the insert measured radially.

Indeed, from 85% of Ys, one can look for materials for the additive material with elastic limits up to 15% lower compared to the material of the insert. Surprisingly, with a choice of material for the additive material having elastic limits up to 15% lower, there is less shear stresses, better resistance of the material and better adhesion.

For example, an insert having a resistance of 125 KSI (= 862 MPA) can admit an addition of additive material, that is to say the material produced by additive manufacturing, of 106 Ksi (= 862 MPA). Thus, it is possible to make a much less expensive choice of material while remaining within acceptable limits. Thus, the minimum and radial thickness of an insert is determined by the equation:

[Math B] min thickness = Rext (K Epg + Ri)

Or :

Min thickness Minimum value of the thickness of an insert

Rext Value of the outer radius

Epg Value of the thickness of a groove bottom of a thread tooth

Ri Internal radius value

K Value of the minimum thickness ratio K corresponds to a minimum thickness ratio necessary to reach the minimum transition zone of 85% of the elastic limit Ys. The transition zone is included in the insert and corresponds to the minimum wall thickness of the insert measured radially. The inventors determined following several FEA-type simulations that K could be between 0.25 and 0.70 and preferably 0.510.

During the simulation several parameters were taken into account appearing in particular in figure 4b, namely the outer radius Rext, the inner radius Ri, the bottom throat thickness of the thread Epg, the depth of the thread Th, and finally the main driver of the stress concentration factor Tr.

By the outer radius Rext is meant the average radius of the outer surface of the thread surface (T) of the connection.

The internal radius Ri is understood to mean the internal radius of the connection

By the bottom throat thickness of the thread Epg is meant the thickness between the bottom of the thread and the internal radius.

By the depth of the thread Th is meant the height of a thread.

The main driver of the stress concentration factor Tr is understood to mean the radius which connects the side of a thread to the bottom of the thread.

By the coefficient K is meant a minimum thickness ratio of Epg necessary to reach the transition zone with 85% of the elastic limit Ys. K is a dimensionless real between two well-defined values 0.25 and 0.70. The Applicant has determined that K depends on the parameters Ri, Rext, Tw, Tr, Th.

All of these parameters are applicable for FIGS. 4b and 4c. FIG. 4c makes it possible to illustrate the application of the parameters on a connection with several threads.

For example, the inventors carried out a test with a value chosen from among the lowest of the ranges and lines of OCTG products with:

[Math 4]

Rext = 89 mm, Ri = 79 mm, Epg = 8.5 mm, Th = 1.5 mm, Tr = 0.1 mm. The following result is obtained:

[Math 5] 0.510 The minimum and radial thickness of an insert is therefore determined by the equation:

[Math 6] min thickness = Rext - (0.510 * Epg + Ri) K therefore corresponding to 0.510 for this simulation.

This equation therefore makes it possible to determine a minimum thickness of an insert while ensuring that the previous equation of ozz> 85% Ys is respected.

The applicant sets out below a set of dimensions and values of insert thicknesses as a function of the external diameter (called “Outside Diameter” or “OD”, see FIG. 3) of the external radius Rext, of the internal radius Ri, the bottom throat thickness of the thread Epg, the depth of the thread Th and the thickness of the thread Tw. The value of the connection radius Tr (in mm) which is a stress concentration factor does not vary. A schematic representation of all of these parameters are shown in fig. 4.b.

Some of these dimensions are listed in the following table:

[Table 1]

Consequently, a duct according to the invention can comprise an insert having an external diameter (OD) of between 4 and 18.625 inches, or approximately between 100 mm and 480 mm.

A duct according to the invention can therefore comprise a male insert (2) comprising a minimum and radial thickness determined between 4 mm and 20 mm. The length of the male insert (2) is between 50 mm and 300 mm.

Advantageously, the invention makes it possible to manufacture a duct by recovering used inserts and to produce the metal body (4) entirely produced by additive manufacturing around said inserts. This also makes it possible to use the invention on portions of recovered tubes intended to be rehabilitated, for example portions of tubes whose ends are still functional.

FIG. 2b represents a steel conduit (1) comprising a female insert (3) and a metal body (4), said insert (3) comprising at least a first thread axis (represented by the X axis), at least a sealing surface (21) which can be toroidal or frusto-conical, a threaded part (5) and a non-threaded part (6) connected to the metal body (4). The metal body (4) is entirely produced by additive manufacturing. The insert (3) can include advantageously an anchoring profile (7) arranged to adhere the additive material of the metal body (4).

Advantageously, the material of the metallic body (4) can be different from that of the insert. It is therefore possible, when possible, to choose a material that is less expensive compared to that of the insert, thus reducing costs. It is also possible to choose materials having different properties with respect to the insert depending on the desired use. Advantageously, the metallic body (4) produced by additive manufacturing comprises a material of metal type chosen from alloy steels, high alloy steels, cupro-nickel alloys, titanium alloys, ceramics, glass-ceramics, or copper, stellite, fero 55.

Advantageously, the production and machining time is significantly reduced, allowing production that is much more industrially conceivable. Advantageously, the metallic body (4) is produced by additive manufacturing using a material with a Young's modulus between 110 Gpa and 210 Gpa. Preferably the body is made by a Young modulus material of 160 to 210 Gpa in order to approximate that of the female insert. Indeed, at equal stress, a material having a high modulus of elasticity will undergo a lower deformation than a material having a low modulus of elasticity.

Advantageously, the insert is a controlled part in terms of its tolerances and its machining. The term tolerance is understood to mean the difference between two limit dimensions considered as conforming to the nominal dimensions fixed in advance on a plan. Thus, with an insert that has already been mastered, it is much easier to give a desired geometric shape to the duct (1) while avoiding all the machining problems associated with the threading.

According to one embodiment, the anchoring profile (7) may include a shear surface (11) and / or a tie-down extension (12).

Advantageously, an anchoring profile (7) comprising one or more shear surfaces (11) allows better interpenetration between the insert and the material produced by manufacturing the body.

Advantageously, an anchoring profile (7) comprising one or more tie-down extensions (12) allows better grip of the additive material.

The female insert (3) also comprises a minimum and radial thickness linked to a transition zone between the insert and the metal body. The developments linked to the male insert (2) of FIG. 2a apply in a similar manner to the female insert (3).

Consequently, a duct according to the invention can comprise an insert having an external diameter (OD) of between 4 and 18.625 inches, ie between 100 mm and 480 mm.

A duct according to the invention can therefore comprise a female insert (3) comprising a minimum and radial thickness determined between 4 mm and 20 mm. The length of the female insert (3) is between 50 mm and 300 mm. Advantageously, the invention makes it possible to remodel a very large number of times a duct by recovering the inserts and to remake the metal body (4) entirely produced by additive manufacturing. This also makes it possible to use the invention on portions of recovered tubes intended to be rehabilitated, for example portions of tubes whose ends are still functional.

FIG. 3 schematically represents, in a perspective view, a steel conduit comprising a female insert (3) as well as a portion of a metallic body (4) entirely produced by additive manufacturing.

The female insert (3) comprising at least a first thread axis (represented by the X axis), at least one sealing surface (21) which can be toric or frusto-conical (not shown), a threaded part ( 5) and an unthreaded part (6) connected to the metal body (4). The metal body (4) is entirely produced by additive manufacturing. The insert (3) can advantageously comprise an anchoring profile (7) arranged to adhere the additive material of the metallic body (4). The female insert (3) comprises in particular an external diameter OD of between 4 and 18.625 inches, ie between 100 mm and 480 mm.

Figure 3 was produced as a representation and does not always respect a real scale.

FIG. 4a represents a stress concentration diagram which is applied at the level of a net base according to the invention and according to a shade scale. FIG. 4b represents a diagram of a threading tooth according to the invention, a stress concentration diagram.

It can be seen in Figure 4a that the stress concentrations are much higher at the bottom of the groove of a thread tooth (darkest part of the diagram). As one moves away from the bottom of the thread, the stresses are less felt in the insert. Conversely, the value of the generated stress increases (lighter areas at darker areas) from the interior radius Ri to the distance Interior radius + Throat thickness (Ri + Epg).

An additive material must, among other things, confer elastic deformation resistance properties close to those of the insert material. This is because a material having a high modulus of elasticity will undergo a lower deformation than a material having a low modulus of elasticity.

Advantageously, determining the minimum and radial thickness of the insert according to the equation min thickness = Rext (K Epg Ri) allows us to know the threshold from which the transition between the material of the insert and that of the additive material is done safely without generating additional constraints. That is to say from 85% of elastic limit Ys of the material of the insert.

The additional stresses can correspond to shear stresses, to stresses generated by the additive material by direct action on the insert, or even to the equivalent Von Mises stresses, that is to say a parameter which combines the whole applied stresses and which can be compared directly to the elastic limit.

Or :

Min thickness Minimum value of the thickness of an insert

Rext Value of the outer radius

Epg Value of the thickness of a groove bottom of a thread tooth

Ri Internal radius value

K Value of the minimum thickness ratio.

Figure 4b has been produced as a representation and does not always follow a real scale.

FIG. 5 represents, in a hybrid view in section and in perspective, a duct according to a variant of the invention comprising two non-coaxial inserts. A duct according to this variant therefore comprises two inserts which can be male (2) and / or female (3).

Generally, a duct insert (2, 3) includes an interior space (31, 32).

A metal body (4) entirely produced by additive manufacturing connects the inserts (2, 3) and comprises an interior body space (33) communicating with the interior spaces (31, 32) of the inserts (2, 3).

In the case of Figure 5 are shown two inserts (3) female.

Each of the male (2) or female (3) inserts can comprise a minimum and radial thickness linked to a transition zone between the insert and the metal body. The developments linked to the male insert (2) of FIG. 2a as well as the developments linked to the female insert (3) of FIG. 2b apply in a similar manner to each of said male (2) or female (3) inserts. ) of Figure 5.

A first insert (2, 3) includes a first thread axis A1. A second insert (2, 3) also includes a second thread axis A2. The first and second axes A1 and A2 can be collinear.

The first and second axes A1 and A2 can be parallel to one another and not intersecting, admitting no point in common.

The first and second axes A1 and A2 may be non-parallel to each other and intersecting admitting a point in common. The first and second axes A1 and A2 may be non-parallel to each other and non-secant, not admitting a point in common.

The last three configurations consequently admit an offset in the space of the inserts (2, 3) The duct (1) then comprises an interior space bringing together the interior spaces of the inserts and the body and this interior space of the duct is not rectilinear. The thread axis of a first male (2) or female (3) insert is inclined relative to the axis of a second male (2) or female (3) insert of the same duct (1). This tilt angle is between 0 and 75 degrees.

Also, a duct (1) can admit male (2) or female (3) inserts with different dimensions. For example a minimum and radial thickness between 4 mm and 20 mm different for each of the inserts or else an external diameter OD of between 4 and 18.625 inches, ie approximately between 100 mm and 480 mm different for each of the inserts. The conduit shown in Figure 5 comprises a first insert with an outer diameter larger than the outer diameter of the second insert. The first insert has a thickness greater than the thickness of the second insert.

Advantageously, the metal body (4) produced entirely by additive manufacturing allows ease of geometric configuration. In this way, it is possible to obtain a conduit configured according to the geometric or geological difficulty encountered during the operation of wells or the transport of hydrocarbons, geothermal energy or carbon capture.

Advantageously, a duct according to the invention has an interior space arranged for a hydraulic flow with reduced turbulence thanks to variations in smoothed sections and easier obtaining compared to the solutions of the state of the art, in particular by the no unbalance during machining. FIG. 6 represents, in a hybrid view in section and in perspective, a duct according to another variant of the invention comprising three non-coaxial inserts.

According to one aspect of this variant, a duct comprises three inserts which can be male and / or female (62, 63, 64). A metal body (65) produced entirely by additive manufacturing is connected to each of the inserts (62, 63, 64). In this way, the male and / or female inserts therefore belong to the same duct (1). The inserts (62, 63, 64) include interior insert spaces. The metallic body (65) includes an interior body space communicating with the interior insert spaces so that all interior spaces are in communication.

In the case of Figure 6, three female inserts are shown. Each of the male or female inserts may include a minimum thickness linked to a transition zone between the insert and the metal body. Thus, developments related to the male insert

(2) of Figure 2a as well as the developments related to the female insert (3) of Figure 2b apply analogously to each of said non-coaxial male (2) or female inserts

(3) of Figure 6. For example the dimensions of the inserts (3) of Figure 6 are not systematically equal.

A first insert (2, 3) includes a first thread axis A1. A second insert (2, 3) also includes a second thread axis A2. A third insert includes a third A3 thread axis.

The first, second and third axes A1, A2 and A3 may be non-parallel to each other and intersecting admitting at least one point in common.

The first, second and third axes A1, A2 and A3 can be non-parallel to each other and non-secant not admitting any point in common.

The first, second and third axes A1, A2 and A3 may not all be parallel to each other but two of the three axes may be collinear. The third axis is therefore not collinear with the other two axes.

Advantageously, the metal body (4) produced entirely by additive manufacturing allows ease of geometric configuration. In this way, it is possible to obtain a conduit configured according to the geometric or geological difficulty encountered during the operation of wells or the transport of hydrocarbons, geothermal energy or carbon capture. Advantageously, a conduit (1) according to this variant of the invention makes it possible to create a made-to-measure distribution network, with for example several outlet points and several entry points.

Advantageously, a conduit (1) according to this variant of the invention makes it possible to reduce the number of conduits or tubes necessary during an operation in the field of oil, gas, carbon capture or geothermal energy.

Advantageously, a duct according to the invention has an interior space with smooth dimensional variations, facilitating the hydraulic flow and making it easier to obtain compared to the solutions of the state of the art, in particular by the absence of unbalance at the 'machining. The Applicant has noticed that this type of conduit does not exist on the oil services equipment market, in particular due to the difficulty of obtaining it with existing means.

Similarly, the developments made in FIGS. 5 and 6 are applicable for conduits comprising more than 3 male (2) or female (3) inserts.

Claims

1. Steel conduit (1) for drilling, re-exploitation of hydrocarbon wells, oil and gas transport, carbon capture or geothermal energy, comprising at least one male insert

(2) or female

(3) and a metal body

(4), said insert (2, 3) comprising at least a first thread axis, at least one toric or frusto-conical sealing surface (21, 22), a threaded part

(5) and an unthreaded part

(6) connected to the metal body (4), characterized in that the metal body (4) is produced entirely by additive manufacturing and in that the minimum and radial thickness of an insert is determined according to the equation:

[Math 7] min thickness = Rext - (K _* Epg + Ri)

Or :

Min thickness Minimum value of the thickness of an insert in mm

Rext Value of the outer radius

Epg Value of the thickness of a groove bottom of a thread tooth

Ri Internal radius value

K Value of the minimum thickness ratio between 0.25 and 0.7.

2. Pipe (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the thickness ratio K is equal to 0.510.

3. Conduit (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a male insert (2) or female (3) comprises a minimum and radial thickness determined between 4 mm and 20 mm.

4. Conduit (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that each of the male (2) or female (3) inserts has an external diameter (OD) of between 100mm and 480mm.

5. Conduit (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the metal body (4) is produced by arc-wire additive manufacturing deposition.

6. Conduit (1) according to any one of the preceding claims characterized in that the metal body (4) adheres around the male insert (2) or female (3) on its unthreaded part. 7. Conduit (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the metallic body (4) produced by additive manufacturing comprises a material of metallic type chosen from alloy steels, high alloys, cupro-nickel alloys, alloys. of titanium, ceramics, glass-ceramics, or copper, stellite, fero 55.

8. Conduit (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the metal body (4) produced by additive manufacturing comprises a material of Young's modulus between 110 GPa and 210 GPa, preferably between 160 GPa and 210 GPa. GPa.

9. Pipe (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that an insert (2, 3) comprises an anchoring profile (7) arranged to adhere the additive material of the metal body (4).

10. Pipe (1) according to claim 9, characterized in that the anchoring profile (7) comprises one or more shear surfaces (11) and / or at least one stowage extension (12).

11. Pipe (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises at least two male (2) and / or female (3) inserts.

12. Conduit (1) according to claim 11, characterized in that each of said male insert (2) and / or female (3) has respectively a first and a second thread axis Al and A2, and in that said first and second axes A1 and A2 are non-collinear.

13. Conduit (1) according to one of claims 11 or 12, characterized in that the thread axis of a first male insert (2) or female (3) has relative to the axis of a second male (2) or female (3) insert of the same duct (1) at an angle of inclination between 0 and 75 degrees.

14. Conduit (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises at least three male or female inserts (62, 63, 64), the inserts (62, 63, 64) respectively comprising at least a first thread axis, a second thread axis, a third thread axis, the inserts being connected by a body (4) entirely produced by additive manufacturing, said first, second and third axes of each of the male or female inserts (62 , 63, 64) being non-collinear.

15. A method for obtaining a conduit (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 14, comprising: - a step of maintaining one or more male (2) or female (3) inserts in a determined position;

- a step of producing the metal body (4) by additive manufacturing by wire arc comprising a deposit of material from an unthreaded portion of the insert (2, 3); - a heat treatment step to modify the mechanical characteristics of the body and release the mechanical stresses resulting from additive manufacturing;

- a machining step in the metal body (4).