NO20221260A1 - Methods of manufacturing a pipe assembly for use in a well, pipe assemblies and pipes - Google Patents

Methods of manufacturing a pipe assembly for use in a well, pipe assemblies and pipes Download PDF

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Publication number
NO20221260A1
NO20221260A1 NO20221260A NO20221260A NO20221260A1 NO 20221260 A1 NO20221260 A1 NO 20221260A1 NO 20221260 A NO20221260 A NO 20221260A NO 20221260 A NO20221260 A NO 20221260A NO 20221260 A1 NO20221260 A1 NO 20221260A1
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Norway
Prior art keywords
sleeve
pipe
composite material
pipe assembly
mandrel
Prior art date
Application number
NO20221260A
Inventor
Geirmund Saetre
Michael K Williamson
Original Assignee
Extender As
Priority date (The priority date 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 date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Extender As filed Critical Extender As
Priority to NO20221260A priority Critical patent/NO20221260A1/en
Priority to NO20231174A priority patent/NO20231174A1/en
Priority to PCT/NO2023/060083 priority patent/WO2024112203A1/en
Publication of NO20221260A1 publication Critical patent/NO20221260A1/en

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Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
    • B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
    • B29C70/00—Shaping composites, i.e. plastics material comprising reinforcements, fillers or preformed parts, e.g. inserts
    • B29C70/68—Shaping composites, i.e. plastics material comprising reinforcements, fillers or preformed parts, e.g. inserts by incorporating or moulding on preformed parts, e.g. inserts or layers, e.g. foam blocks
    • B29C70/86—Incorporated in coherent impregnated reinforcing layers, e.g. by winding
    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E21—EARTH OR ROCK DRILLING; MINING
    • E21B—EARTH OR ROCK DRILLING; OBTAINING OIL, GAS, WATER, SOLUBLE OR MELTABLE MATERIALS OR A SLURRY OF MINERALS FROM WELLS
    • E21B17/00—Drilling rods or pipes; Flexible drill strings; Kellies; Drill collars; Sucker rods; Cables; Casings; Tubings
    • E21B17/02—Couplings; joints
    • E21B17/04—Couplings; joints between rod or the like and bit or between rod and rod or the like
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
    • B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
    • B29C37/00—Component parts, details, accessories or auxiliary operations, not covered by group B29C33/00 or B29C35/00
    • B29C37/0078—Measures or configurations for obtaining anchoring effects in the contact areas between layers
    • B29C37/0082—Mechanical anchoring
    • B29C37/0085—Mechanical anchoring by means of openings in the layers
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
    • B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
    • B29C70/00—Shaping composites, i.e. plastics material comprising reinforcements, fillers or preformed parts, e.g. inserts
    • B29C70/04—Shaping composites, i.e. plastics material comprising reinforcements, fillers or preformed parts, e.g. inserts comprising reinforcements only, e.g. self-reinforcing plastics
    • B29C70/28—Shaping operations therefor
    • B29C70/30—Shaping by lay-up, i.e. applying fibres, tape or broadsheet on a mould, former or core; Shaping by spray-up, i.e. spraying of fibres on a mould, former or core
    • B29C70/32—Shaping by lay-up, i.e. applying fibres, tape or broadsheet on a mould, former or core; Shaping by spray-up, i.e. spraying of fibres on a mould, former or core on a rotating mould, former or core
    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E21—EARTH OR ROCK DRILLING; MINING
    • E21B—EARTH OR ROCK DRILLING; OBTAINING OIL, GAS, WATER, SOLUBLE OR MELTABLE MATERIALS OR A SLURRY OF MINERALS FROM WELLS
    • E21B17/00—Drilling rods or pipes; Flexible drill strings; Kellies; Drill collars; Sucker rods; Cables; Casings; Tubings
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
    • F16L—PIPES; JOINTS OR FITTINGS FOR PIPES; SUPPORTS FOR PIPES, CABLES OR PROTECTIVE TUBING; MEANS FOR THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
    • F16L13/00—Non-disconnectible pipe-joints, e.g. soldered, adhesive or caulked joints
    • F16L13/10—Adhesive or cemented joints
    • F16L13/11—Adhesive or cemented joints using materials which fill the space between parts of a joint before hardening
    • F16L13/116—Adhesive or cemented joints using materials which fill the space between parts of a joint before hardening for socket pipes
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
    • F16L—PIPES; JOINTS OR FITTINGS FOR PIPES; SUPPORTS FOR PIPES, CABLES OR PROTECTIVE TUBING; MEANS FOR THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
    • F16L25/00—Constructive types of pipe joints not provided for in groups F16L13/00 - F16L23/00 ; Details of pipe joints not otherwise provided for, e.g. electrically conducting or insulating means
    • F16L25/06—Constructive types of pipe joints not provided for in groups F16L13/00 - F16L23/00 ; Details of pipe joints not otherwise provided for, e.g. electrically conducting or insulating means comprising radial locking means
    • F16L25/08—Constructive types of pipe joints not provided for in groups F16L13/00 - F16L23/00 ; Details of pipe joints not otherwise provided for, e.g. electrically conducting or insulating means comprising radial locking means in the form of screws, nails or the like
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
    • F16L—PIPES; JOINTS OR FITTINGS FOR PIPES; SUPPORTS FOR PIPES, CABLES OR PROTECTIVE TUBING; MEANS FOR THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
    • F16L47/00—Connecting arrangements or other fittings specially adapted to be made of plastics or to be used with pipes made of plastics
    • F16L47/20—Connecting arrangements or other fittings specially adapted to be made of plastics or to be used with pipes made of plastics based principally on specific properties of plastics
    • F16L47/24—Connecting arrangements or other fittings specially adapted to be made of plastics or to be used with pipes made of plastics based principally on specific properties of plastics for joints between metal and plastics pipes
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
    • B29L—INDEXING SCHEME ASSOCIATED WITH SUBCLASS B29C, RELATING TO PARTICULAR ARTICLES
    • B29L2023/00—Tubular articles
    • B29L2023/22—Tubes or pipes, i.e. rigid
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
    • B29L—INDEXING SCHEME ASSOCIATED WITH SUBCLASS B29C, RELATING TO PARTICULAR ARTICLES
    • B29L2031/00—Other particular articles
    • B29L2031/24—Pipe joints or couplings

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mining & Mineral Resources (AREA)
  • Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • Geology (AREA)
  • Fluid Mechanics (AREA)
  • Environmental & Geological Engineering (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • General Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • Geochemistry & Mineralogy (AREA)
  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Composite Materials (AREA)
  • Moulding By Coating Moulds (AREA)

Description

METHODS OF MANUFACTURING A PIPE ASSEMBLY FOR USE IN A WELL, PIPE ASSEMBLIES AND PIPES
The present invention relates to methods of manufacturing a pipe assembly for use in a well. The present invention also relates to pipe assemblies. The present invention further relates to pipes for use in a well.
Background
In the oil and gas wells, geothermal wells and Carbon Capture Storage (CO2 injection) industry, it is currently possible to use pipes made of a composite material based on carbon fiber and a binding polymer, such as a thermoset or thermoplastic resin. Pipes made of a carbon fiber composite are an advantageous alternative to steel pipes because the former have a lower weight and a mechanical performance comparable with that of low alloy carbon steel and special chromium/nickel steels, but while being inert to corrosion by corrosive agents. Thus, carbon fiber composite pipes can be beneficial in extending the length/reach of a well, avoiding costly corrosion resistant materials, and achieving a longer lifetime of the pipes in a highly corrosive environment. For example, known pipes made of a carbon fiber composite are advantageously useful in oil and gas wells, geothermal wells, and carbon capture storage (CO2 injection) wells.
In general, known methods of manufacturing a cylindrical pipe made of a carbon fiber composite include the steps of:
- combining a carbon fiber material and a binding polymer (such as a thermoset or thermoplastic resin, like epoxy) to form a composite material;
- providing a mandrel;
- winding the composite material around the mandrel such that a segment of the mandrel is covered by the composite material;
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- moving the mandrel and wound composite material into an oven and heat curing the composite material; and
- removing the mandrel and cured composite material from the oven and further removing the mandrel from within the cured composite material.
It can be challenging to provide a metal connection end on a pipe made of a carbon fiber composite.
A known approach includes carrying out a known method for manufacturing a pipe made of a carbon fiber composite material and it further includes fixing end connectors, typically made of metal, on the carbon fiber pipe. Fixation in this approach may be achieved in a few known ways, such as by gluing the end connectors to the carbon fiber pipe or by drilling holes on the carbon fiber pipe and installing fasteners (e.g. bolts) in the end connectors and through the drilled holes. However, this approach has drawbacks. Firstly, fixation by glue is typically insufficient for operations in well environments, at which high forces, high pressures, high temperature and corrosive agents may be observed on the mechanical interfaces between the end connector and the carbon fiber pipe. Secondly, drilling holes in the carbon fiber pipe after the curing process may lead to further challenges. For example, the tolerances between the holes and the fasteners can create an uneven stress distribution, which in turn can lead to localized stresses and lower the overall mechanical properties of the carbon fiber tube. Also, subsequent steps may be required for fully sealing spaces between fasteners and holes afterwards.
Other approaches are also known.
A known approach includes manufacturing a carbon fiber pipe consisting of a single body with a central elongated section and two connection ends, each connection end being provided with inner threads for encircling outer threads of something else, such as an adjacent pipe. In other words, the cured carbon fiber pipe already includes the connection ends, as an integral part of the pipe, when it comes out of the curing process. However, the winding process can result in a pipe with unappealing mechanical properties, such as a pipe with voluminous ends or with carbon fiber filament inconsistently wound along the entirety of the pipe’s length. Also, this approach can be strictly limited to end subs that are possible
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to be formed by a winding-on-mandrel process, such as female-type connectors, in which the threads are inward facing. Moreover, this approach lacks versatility when it comes to the type of connections that can be made with the carbon fiber pipe. For example, it is not straightforward how a sand screen may be connected to the pipe.
Another known approach is disclosed in US 2013/0098602 A1, which describes obtaining a carbon fiber tube with connection ends for joining the tube with adjacent tubes. The connections are generally applied to the cylindrical element during the winding phase, in which the bundle of fibers being wound onto the central core (i.e. the mandrel) covers both the cylindrical element and “a part dedicated to the welding (fixing) of both male and female connections”. However, the welding-dedicated parts disclosed in this approach imply the need for a welding step, which adds complexity to the overall process of manufacturing a production tubing.
In practice, these known approaches also have serious disadvantages. Firstly, they require an alteration of the winding-on-mandrel process, and that adds complexity and difficulty. For example, in one of the known approaches, it is necessary to have both pipe ends be formed in addition to the central cylindrical section, and, in another of the known approaches, the impregnated carbon fiber must be also wound around the weldingdedicated parts of the connection ends. Secondly, pipes made with these known approaches are difficult to fix when one of the connection ends gets damaged. Typically, a pipe with damaged ends will need to be fully replaced, which is expensive and requires a lot of effort in terms of supply chain.
Summary
The invention will now be disclosed and has for its object to remedy or to reduce at least one of the drawbacks of the known prior art, or at least provide a useful alternative to the known prior art. The object is achieved through features, which are specified in the description below and in the claims that follow. The invention is defined by the independent patent claims, and the dependent claims define advantageous embodiments of the invention.
According to a first aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of manufacturing
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a pipe assembly for use in a well. The method comprises the steps of:
- combining a carbon fiber material and a binding polymer to form a composite material; - providing a mandrel comprising an outer surface;
- covering a segment of the outer surface by winding the composite material around the segment;
- providing a sleeve comprising at least one interface for restricting axial movement of a device fastened to the sleeve, the sleeve further comprising at least one hole for installing a pin through the hole;
- placing the sleeve around a portion of the wound composite material;
- for one or more of the at least one hole, installing a pin through the hole of the sleeve and into the composite material without reaching the outer surface of the mandrel, thereby forming an intermediate assembly; and
- heat curing the intermediate assembly.
Advantageously, the step of covering a segment of the outer surface of the mandrel is kept simple. The method allows achieving a winding process with consistency, which in turn allows creating a wound composite material with uniform mechanical properties. The simplicity of the covering step also maintains the opportunities for high manufacturing speeds via automation.
Also, it is advantageous that it is unnecessary to incur in significant changes or costs when adapting known manufacturing methods for carbon fiber tubing to achieve what the method achieves. In particular, the steps of providing a sleeve, placing the sleeve and installing a pin can be done between steps of known methods, i.e. after the covering step and before the heat curing step. Also, the heat curing step does not require special infrastructure to be provided because the sleeve fastened to the end portion will typically not require a heat curing oven to be changed. Furthermore, the step of installing at least one pin without reaching the outer surface of the mandrel is advantageous in that a mandrel can be used without requiring grooves to be provided thereon.
Optionally, the method further comprises, after the heat curing step is complete, removing the mandrel. Thus, in one embodiment, the mandrel is removed and can be used in another
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method execution to serve as a base for new pipe assembly instances. In another embodiment, the mandrel can stay with the pipe assembly after the heat curing step. That embodiment is particularly suitable when the mandrel includes an inner surface forming a bore comprising an inner diameter. Thus, a resulting pipe assembly may be a single piece including the mandrel as an integral part of the pipe assembly. This latter method embodiment is advantageous in increasing the robustness and strength of a resulting pipe assembly. Also, the method can be performed more efficiently because there is no need to carry out the step of removing the mandrel from the pipe assembly.
Optionally, the step of providing a sleeve comprises providing at least two portions of a split sleeve, and the step of placing the sleeve comprises placing each sleeve portion around the portion of the wound composite material. Thus, the placement of the sleeve can be done without requiring the mandrel to be disconnected from a stand or motor connection that is used during the winding step.
Optionally, the step of, for one or more of the at least one hole, installing a pin comprises screwing the pin into the hole. Thus, the installing step can be performed with an easier control over how the pins are positioned, which type of material that is used, and how many pins are installed. Screwing the pin may also be advantageous in that the force applied on the pin can be higher due to the mechanical advantage effected by the screwing of the pin. In other embodiments, the step of installing a pin comprises hammering the pin into the hole.
Optionally, the step of placing the sleeve around a portion of the wound composite material comprises providing an alignment guide for positioning the sleeve at an installation position relative to the mandrel. Thus, the placement of the sleeve can be performed in a simpler manner while achieving more accuracy of placement.
Optionally, the step of covering a segment of the outer surface of the mandrel comprises covering the segment with at least two layers of wound composite material. Also, covering the segment with at least two layers may comprise winding at least one layer around a subjacent layer, the layer and the subjacent layer being wound at different axial angles. Thus, the binding of the pins to the wound composite material during the heat curing
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process is increased due to the pins being surrounded by composite material in a denser manner when the pins have been inserted into the composite material.
Optionally, the heat curing step comprises moving the intermediate assembly into an oven.
According to a second aspect of the invention, there is provided a pipe assembly obtainable by a method according to the first aspect of the invention.
Advantageously, the resulting pipe assembly has a sleeve that is strongly attached to the composite material because of the insertion of the pins through the sleeve and into the wound composite material prior to heat curing the intermediate assembly. Also, the inserted pins and the cured composite material will have no tolerance between them. Moreover, the strong attachment allows configuring the sleeve to have a smaller radial thickness, which in turn results in a compact outer diameter. Furthermore, the installation of at least one pin without reaching the outer surface of the mandrel is advantageous in that it becomes possible for the resulting pipe assembly to have a uniform internal surface, which makes the obtained pipe assembly suitable for applications in the oil and gas wells, geothermal wells and Carbon Capture Storage (CO2 injection) industry. Also, the obtained pipe assembly is versatile in terms of allowing different kinds of devices to be fastened to the sleeve.
Optionally, the at least one interface for restricting axial movement comprises an edge of the sleeve.
Optionally, the at least one interface for restricting axial movement comprises an edge configured to key with the device and restrict rotational movement of the device.
Optionally, the sleeve comprises at least two holes regularly positioned around the sleeve.
Optionally, each hole of the sleeve comprises inner threads for matching with corresponding outer threads on a pin.
Optionally, the sleeve is made of metal. For example, the sleeve may be made of steel. In other embodiments, the sleeve can be made in any material that meets the strength requirements for fastening a device to the sleeve.
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According to a third aspect of the invention, there is provided a pipe for use in a well, the pipe comprising: at least one pipe assembly according to the second aspect of the invention; and at least one device fastened to a sleeve of a pipe assembly.
Optionally, the at least one device comprises a connector for connecting the pipe to another pipe.
According to a fourth aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of manufacturing a pipe assembly for use in a well, wherein the method comprises the steps of:
- combining a carbon fiber material and a binding polymer to form a composite material; - providing a mandrel comprising an outer surface and an inner surface forming a bore comprising an inner diameter;
- covering a segment of the outer surface by winding the composite material around the segment;
- providing a sleeve comprising at least one interface for restricting axial movement of a device fastened to the sleeve, the sleeve further comprising at least one hole for installing a pin through the hole;
- placing the sleeve around a portion of the wound composite material;
- for one or more of the at least one hole, installing a pin through the hole of the sleeve, through the composite material, and into the mandrel without reaching the inner surface of the mandrel, thereby forming an intermediate assembly; and
- heat curing the intermediate assembly.
Optionally, the step of providing a sleeve comprises providing at least two portions of a split sleeve, and the step of placing the sleeve comprises placing each sleeve portion around the portion of the wound composite material.
Optionally, the step of, for one or more of the at least one hole, installing a pin comprises screwing the pin into the hole.
Optionally, the step of placing the sleeve around a portion of the wound composite material comprises providing an alignment guide for positioning the sleeve at an
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installation position relative to the mandrel.
Optionally, the step of covering a segment of the outer surface of the mandrel comprises covering the segment with at least two layers of wound composite material.
Optionally, covering the segment with at least two layers comprises winding at least one layer around a subjacent layer, the layer and the subjacent layer being wound at different axial angles.
Optionally, the heat curing step comprises moving the intermediate assembly into an oven.
According to a fifth aspect of the invention, there is provided a pipe assembly obtainable by a method according to the fourth aspect of the invention.
Advantageously, a resulting pipe assembly as described in the fifth aspect of the invention has the same advantages as a pipe assembly as described in the second aspect of the invention. The sleeve is strongly attached to the composite material because of the insertion of the pins through the sleeve and through the composite material prior to heat curing the intermediate assembly. Also, the segment portions of the inserted pins in contact with the cured composite material will be well sealed with the composite material. Furthermore, the installation of at least one pin without reaching the inner surface of the mandrel is advantageous in that it becomes possible for the resulting pipe assembly to have a uniform internal surface, which makes the obtained pipe assembly suitable for applications in the oil and gas wells, geothermal wells and Carbon Capture Storage (CO2 injection) industry. Moreover, the resulting pipe assembly includes the mandrel as an integral part of the pipe assembly. With the pins installed through the composite material and into mandrel, the overall strength of attachment is improved. The resulting pipe assembly is therefore robust and can be used for extending the length/reach of the well, avoiding costly corrosion resistant materials, and achieving a longer lifetime of a pipe in a highly corrosive environment.
Optionally, the at least one interface for restricting axial movement comprises an edge of the sleeve.
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Optionally, the at least one interface for restricting axial movement comprises an edge configured to key with the device and restrict rotational movement of the device.
Optionally, the sleeve comprises at least two holes regularly positioned around the sleeve. Optionally, each hole of the sleeve comprises inner threads for matching with corresponding outer threads on a pin.
Optionally, the sleeve is made of metal.
According to a sixth aspect of the invention, there is provided a pipe for use in a well, the pipe comprising: at least one pipe assembly according to the fifth aspect of the invention; and at least one device fastened to a sleeve of a pipe assembly.
Optionally, the at least one device comprises a connector for connecting the pipe to another pipe.
Brief description of the figures
Embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:
Figure 1a is a perspective view of an end of a pipe assembly embodiment;
Figure 1b is a cross-sectional view A-A’ of the pipe assembly embodiment shown in Fig. 1a;
Figure 2a is a perspective view of an end of a pipe embodiment;
Figure 2b is a longitudinal, cross-sectional view of end of the pipe embodiment shown in Fig.2a;
Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of a method embodiment; and
Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of another method embodiment.
Detailed description
The drawings are shown in a schematic and simplified manner, and features that are not
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necessary for explaining the invention may be left out. Identical reference numerals refer to identical or similar features in the drawings. The various features shown in the drawings may not necessarily be drawn to scale.
Turning now to Fig.1a, it shows an end 100’ of a pipe assembly embodiment 100 (only the end 100’ is visible in Fig.1a). Fig.1b shows a cross-section of the end 100’ shown in Fig.1a along the axis A–A’.
The pipe assembly 100 has been obtained by a method embodiment according to the present invention. The pipe assembly 100 includes a wound composite material 130 having a longitudinal bore with an internal wall that may be used, for example, as a conduit for transferring fluids from and into a well. The wound composite material 130 has been heatcured while carrying out the method. The end 100’ of the pipe assembly 100 has a sleeve 110 attached to the wound composite material 130, the sleeve 110 being useful for fastening a device to the pipe assembly 100.
The sleeve 110 shown in Figs.1a–1b is formed by two portions 110a,110b that have been placed around a portion of the wound composite material 130. Due to their half-circle shape, the two portions 110a,110b form the sleeve 110 around the wound composite material 130 when placed on the outer surface of the wound composite material 130. It will be appreciated that the sleeve 110 may alternatively be provided as a single piece or it may be formed by more than two portions.
The two portions 110a,110b of the sleeve 110 include holes 111 that have been radially drilled through the sleeve portions 110a,110b and which are regularly positioned around the sleeve 110. In this embodiment, each hole 111 has a pin 120 installed (see crosssectional view in Fig.1b) through the hole 111 and into the composite material 130 without reaching the internal wall of the longitudinal bore within the wound composite material 130. It will be appreciated that the holes may be provided with obvious variations in terms of arrangement and/or number of holes.
The two portions 110a,110b of the sleeve 110 include interfaces 112a,112b for restricting axial movement of a device fastened to the sleeve 110. In this embodiment, the interfaces
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112a,112b are provided as edges at the axial ends of the sleeve 110. Thus, a device to be fastened to the sleeve 110 may be configured to abut against the interfaces 112a,112b, for example by including edges opposing the interfaces 112a,112b of the sleeve 110, so that the axial movement of the device is restricted relative to the sleeve 110.
In this embodiment, the sleeve 110 also includes additional interfaces for keying with a device fastened to the sleeve 110 and thereby restrict rotational movement of the fastened device. In this respect, the sleeve portions 110a,110b include edges 113a perpendicular to the edges at one of the axial ends of the sleeve 110. It is appreciated that many obvious alternatives may be providing interfaces on the sleeve 110 and which are suitable for restricting axial and/or rotational movement of a device attached to the sleeve 110.
Fig.2a shows an end 300’ of a pipe embodiment 300 (only the end 300’ is visible in Fig.2a), and Fig.2b shows a longitudinal cross-section of the end 300’ shown in Fig.2a.
The pipe 300 includes a pipe assembly 100 like the one shown in Figs.1a–1b and of which only a few parts are visible in Figs. 2a–2b: in Fig. 2a, a portion of the wound composite material 130 is observable at the top-left corner of the figure; and, in Fig. 2b, both the wound composite material 130 and the sleeve 110 are cross-sectionally observable. Also, the end 300’ of the pipe 300 includes a device 200, implemented as a connector 200, for connecting the pipe 300 to an adjacent pipe (not shown). The connector 200 includes an end 201 (see lower-right corner in Fig.2a and right-hand side of Fig.2b) that is illustrated as a standard oil pipe connection, which for the purpose of simplifying the illustrations is shown without threads.
The end 201 of the connector 200 is positioned so that it terminates the end 100’ of the pipe assembly 100. Also, the end 201 of the connector 200 extends over the wound composite material 130 so that it abuts against an edge 112a provided at an axial end of the sleeve 110 (visible in Fig.1a, at the axial end of the sleeve 110 that is closer to the end of the wound carbon fiber 130 visible in Fig.1a). Moreover, the end 201 of the connector 200 further extends over both the sleeve 110 and the wound composite material 130 until it passes over another edge 112b at the opposite axial end of the sleeve 110, i.e. the edge 112b of the sleeve 110 that is farthest away from the end of the wound composite material
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130 shown in Fig.1a.
The connector 200 also includes a split nut 202 that is screwed into the end 201 of the connector 200 and in abutment with the edge 112b of the sleeve 110 that is farthest away from the end of the wound composite material 130.
With the abutment of the end 201 of the connector 200 against an edge 112a of the sleeve 110 and the abutment of the split nut 202 against another edge 112b, the connector 202 is therefore restricted from moving axially. With the split nut 202 screwed in and tightened, the connector 200 is fastened to the sleeve.
In consistency with the sleeve 110 shown in Fig.1a, the connector in Figs.2a–2b may also be configured with opposing edges for keying with the edges 113a of the sleeve 110 for limiting rotational movement of the connector 200 on the wound composite material 130.
Fig.3 shows a schematic diagram of a method embodiment 400 that has been used for obtaining the pipe assembly 100 shown in Figs.1a–1b. In one phase 401, the method 400 comprises the steps of:
- combining a carbon fiber material and a binding polymer to form a composite material; - providing a mandrel comprising an outer surface; and
- covering a segment of the outer surface by winding the composite material 130 around the segment.
In another phase 402, the method 400 comprises the steps of:
- providing a sleeve 110 comprising at least one interface 112a,112b for restricting axial movement of a device 200 fastened to the sleeve 110, the sleeve 110 further comprising at least one hole 111 for installing a pin 120 through the hole 111; and
- placing the sleeve 110 around a portion of the wound composite material 130.
In a further phase 403, the method 400 comprises the step of:
- installing at least one pin 120 through a hole 111 of the sleeve 110 and into the composite material 130 without reaching the outer surface of the mandrel, thereby forming an intermediate assembly.
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If a further sleeve 110 is to be placed around another portion of the wound composite material 130, the steps of the another phase 402 and of the further phase 403 can be repeated for the further sleeve 110. The method 400 may thus be versatile in terms of the pipe assembly 100 that is to be manufactured and the number of sleeves 110 that are attached to the wound composite material 130. For example, a pipe assembly 100 may be manufactured so that it includes two sleeves 110, each sleeve 110 being attached near a different end of the wound composite material 130. It will be appreciated that a higher number of sleeves 110 may be attached to the wound composite material 130, which is advantageous in providing more interfaces for restricting movements of a device attached to the sleeves 110.
In an additional phase 404, the method 400 comprises the step of heat curing the intermediate assembly.
In some method 400 embodiments, the mandrel is provided with an inner surface forming a longitudinal bore comprising an inner diameter, and the mandrel is left inside the wound composite material 130 after the heat curing step. This is advantageous in achieving a reinforced conduit for transferring fluids from and into a well. In other embodiments of the method 400, the mandrel (with or without a longitudinal bore) is removed from within the wound composite material 130 after the heat curing step. The mandrel may thereafter be used again at the one phase 401 in another execution of the method 400.
Fig. 4 shows a schematic diagram of an alternative method embodiment 400’. The alternative method 400’ is similar to the method 400 illustrated in Fig. 3, except for two phases:
In the one phase 401’, the alternative method 400’ comprises the steps of:
- providing a mandrel comprising an outer surface and an inner surface forming a bore comprising an inner diameter; and
- covering a segment of the outer surface by winding the composite material 130 around the segment.
And in the further step 403’, the alternative method 400’ comprises the step of:
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- installing at least one pin 120 through a hole 111 of the sleeve 110, through the composite material 130, and into the mandrel without reaching the inner surface of the mandrel, thereby forming an intermediate assembly.
Thus, the alternative method 400’ results in a pipe assembly 100 that can be used as a robust conduit with an increased strength. Also, the attachment strength of the wound composite material 130 to the mandrel is increased.
Throughout the present disclosure, reference is made to a binding polymer such as a thermoset or thermoplastic resin. However, it will be appreciated that any known binding polymer suitable for a composite material based on carbon fiber may be used.
It will also be appreciated that “mandrel” is intended to carry the standard meaning within the art. A mandrel known by a skilled person at the time of writing may, among other options, be provided as a single body or it may include a longitudinal bore with an internal wall. In some cases, the longitudinal bore can be useful as a conduit for transferring fluids or it can used as a pipe is known to be used within a well.
Moreover, when covering a segment of the outer surface of the mandrel by winding a composite material, it will be appreciated that the “segment” is understood within the typical meaning in the art, for example as a portion of the mandrel between any two crosssections of the mandrel.
Furthermore, it will be appreciated that an “interface” included in the sleeve, the interface being for restricting axial and/or rotational movement, may be implemented in many known ways, such as by providing the edges described with reference to Figs.1a and 2b, or any other known embodiment.
It should be noted that the above-mentioned embodiments illustrate rather than limit the invention, and that those skilled in the art will be able to design many alternative embodiments without departing from the scope of the appended claims. In the claims, any reference signs placed between parentheses shall not be construed as limiting the claim. Use of the verb "comprise" and its conjugations does not exclude the presence of elements or steps other than those stated in a claim. The article "a" or "an" preceding an element
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does not exclude the presence of a plurality of such elements.
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Claims (31)

C l a i m s
1. A method of manufacturing a pipe assembly for use in a well, wherein the method comprises the steps of:
- combining a carbon fiber material and a binding polymer to form a composite material;
- providing a mandrel comprising an outer surface;
- covering a segment of the outer surface by winding the composite material around the segment;
- providing a sleeve comprising at least one interface for restricting axial movement of a device fastened to the sleeve, the sleeve further comprising at least one hole for installing a pin through the hole;
- placing the sleeve around a portion of the wound composite material;
- for one or more of the at least one hole, installing a pin through the hole of the sleeve and into the composite material without reaching the outer surface of the mandrel, thereby forming an intermediate assembly; and
- heat curing the intermediate assembly.
2. Method according to claim 1, wherein the method further comprises, after the heat curing step is complete, removing the mandrel.
3. Method according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the step of providing a sleeve comprises providing at least two portions of a split sleeve, and wherein the step of placing the sleeve comprises placing each sleeve portion around the portion of the wound composite material.
4. Method according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the step of, for one or more of the at least one hole, installing a pin comprises screwing the pin into the hole.
5. Method according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the step of placing the sleeve around a portion of the wound composite material comprises providing an
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alignment guide for positioning the sleeve at an installation position relative to the mandrel.
6. Method according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the step of covering a segment of the outer surface of the mandrel comprises covering the segment with at least two layers of wound composite material.
7. Method according to claim 6, wherein covering the segment with at least two layers comprises winding at least one layer around a subjacent layer, the layer and the subjacent layer being wound at different axial angles.
8. Method according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the heat curing step comprises moving the intermediate assembly into an oven.
9. A pipe assembly obtainable by a method according to any of the preceding claims.
10. Pipe assembly according to claim 9, wherein the at least one interface for restricting axial movement comprises an edge of the sleeve.
11. Pipe assembly according to any of the claims 9 to 10, wherein the at least one interface for restricting axial movement comprises an edge configured to key with the device and restrict rotational movement of the device.
12. Pipe assembly according to any of the claims 9 to 11, wherein the sleeve comprises at least two holes regularly positioned around the sleeve.
13. Pipe assembly according to any of the claims 9 to 12, wherein each hole of the sleeve comprises inner threads for matching with corresponding outer threads on a pin.
14. Pipe assembly according to any of the claims 9 to 13, wherein the sleeve is made of metal.
15. A pipe for use in a well, the pipe comprising:
- at least one pipe assembly according to any of the claims 9 to 14; and
- at least one device fastened to a sleeve of a pipe assembly.
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16. Pipe according to claim 15, wherein the at least one device comprises:
- a connector for connecting the pipe to another pipe.
17. A method of manufacturing a pipe assembly for use in a well, wherein the method comprises the steps of:
- combining a carbon fiber material and a binding polymer to form a composite material;
- providing a mandrel comprising an outer surface and an inner surface forming a bore comprising an inner diameter;
- covering a segment of the outer surface by winding the composite material around the segment;
- providing a sleeve comprising at least one interface for restricting axial movement of a device fastened to the sleeve, the sleeve further comprising at least one hole for installing a pin through the hole;
- placing the sleeve around a portion of the wound composite material;
- for one or more of the at least one hole, installing a pin through the hole of the sleeve, through the composite material, and into the mandrel without reaching the inner surface of the mandrel, thereby forming an intermediate assembly; and - heat curing the intermediate assembly.
18. Method according to claim 17, wherein the step of providing a sleeve comprises providing at least two portions of a split sleeve, and
wherein the step of placing the sleeve comprises placing each sleeve portion around the portion of the wound composite material.
19. Method according to any of the claims 17-18, wherein the step of, for one or more of the at least one hole, installing a pin comprises screwing the pin into the hole.
20. Method according to any of the claims 17-19, wherein the step of placing the sleeve around a portion of the wound composite material comprises providing an alignment guide for positioning the sleeve at an installation position relative to the mandrel.
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21. Method according to any of the claims 17-20, wherein the step of covering a segment of the outer surface of the mandrel comprises covering the segment with at least two layers of wound composite material.
22. Method according to claim 21, wherein covering the segment with at least two layers comprises winding at least one layer around a subjacent layer, the layer and the subjacent layer being wound at different axial angles.
23. Method according to any of the claims 17-22, wherein the heat curing step comprises moving the intermediate assembly into an oven.
24. A pipe assembly obtainable by a method according to any of the claims 17-23.
25. Pipe assembly according to claim 24, wherein the at least one interface for restricting axial movement comprises an edge of the sleeve.
26. Pipe assembly according to any of the claims 24-25, wherein the at least one interface for restricting axial movement comprises an edge configured to key with the device and restrict rotational movement of the device.
27. Pipe assembly according to any of the claims 24-26, wherein the sleeve comprises at least two holes regularly positioned around the sleeve.
28. Pipe assembly according to any of the claims 24-27, wherein each hole of the sleeve comprises inner threads for matching with corresponding outer threads on a pin.
29. Pipe assembly according to any of the claims 24-28, wherein the sleeve is made of metal.
30. A pipe for use in a well, the pipe comprising:
- at least one pipe assembly according to any of the claims 24 to 29; and
- at least one device fastened to a sleeve of a pipe assembly.
31. Pipe according to claim 30, wherein the at least one device comprises:
- a connector for connecting the pipe to another pipe.
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NO20221260A 2022-11-23 2022-11-23 Methods of manufacturing a pipe assembly for use in a well, pipe assemblies and pipes NO20221260A1 (en)

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NO20231174A NO20231174A1 (en) 2022-11-23 2023-11-02 Methods of manufacturing a pipe assembly for use in a well, pipe assemblies and pipes
PCT/NO2023/060083 WO2024112203A1 (en) 2022-11-23 2023-11-02 Methods of manufacturing a pipe assembly for use in a well, pipe assemblies and pipes

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* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
FR2675563B1 (en) * 1991-04-22 1993-08-27 Aerospatiale METHOD OF MECHANICAL ASSEMBLY OF A TUBE OF COMPOSITE MATERIAL AND A METAL PART AND ASSEMBLY THUS CARRIED OUT.
US5330236A (en) * 1992-10-02 1994-07-19 Aerofit Products, Inc. Composite tube fitting
US20130098602A1 (en) 2011-10-24 2013-04-25 Eni S.P.A. Production tubing for oil wells made of a composite material of continuous carbon fibre
GB2548825A (en) * 2016-03-24 2017-10-04 Magma Global Ltd Pinned composite pipe end-fitting

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