US20140305632A1 - Coil Tube Injector System - Google Patents
Coil Tube Injector System Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20140305632A1 US20140305632A1 US14/250,156 US201414250156A US2014305632A1 US 20140305632 A1 US20140305632 A1 US 20140305632A1 US 201414250156 A US201414250156 A US 201414250156A US 2014305632 A1 US2014305632 A1 US 2014305632A1
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- United States
- Prior art keywords
- injector head
- assembly
- gripper
- head assembly
- skid plate
- Prior art date
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- Abandoned
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- 230000000712 assembly Effects 0.000 claims description 11
- 238000000429 assembly Methods 0.000 claims description 11
- XAGFODPZIPBFFR-UHFFFAOYSA-N aluminium Chemical compound [Al] XAGFODPZIPBFFR-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims description 6
- 229910052782 aluminium Inorganic materials 0.000 claims description 6
- 229910000831 Steel Inorganic materials 0.000 claims description 4
- 239000010959 steel Substances 0.000 claims description 4
- 238000012423 maintenance Methods 0.000 abstract description 3
- 238000004519 manufacturing process Methods 0.000 abstract description 3
- 230000008901 benefit Effects 0.000 description 6
- 244000261422 Lysimachia clethroides Species 0.000 description 3
- 230000008439 repair process Effects 0.000 description 3
- 229930195733 hydrocarbon Natural products 0.000 description 2
- 150000002430 hydrocarbons Chemical class 0.000 description 2
- 238000002347 injection Methods 0.000 description 2
- 239000007924 injection Substances 0.000 description 2
- 230000003993 interaction Effects 0.000 description 2
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 description 2
- 239000004215 Carbon black (E152) Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229910000760 Hardened steel Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 230000015572 biosynthetic process Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000008859 change Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000002131 composite material Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000010276 construction Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000012840 feeding operation Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000011065 in-situ storage Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000009434 installation Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000007246 mechanism Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000009467 reduction Effects 0.000 description 1
Images
Classifications
-
- 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
- E21B19/00—Handling rods, casings, tubes or the like outside the borehole, e.g. in the derrick; Apparatus for feeding the rods or cables
- E21B19/08—Apparatus for feeding the rods or cables; Apparatus for increasing or decreasing the pressure on the drilling tool; Apparatus for counterbalancing the weight of the rods
-
- 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
- E21B19/00—Handling rods, casings, tubes or the like outside the borehole, e.g. in the derrick; Apparatus for feeding the rods or cables
- E21B19/22—Handling reeled pipe or rod units, e.g. flexible drilling pipes
Definitions
- coil tube injector heads may be used to direct coil tubing (e.g., tubing which may be in a range of from approximately 1′′ to approximately 31 ⁇ 2′′) into and out of a wellbore.
- the injectors provide a means of gripping the tubing to perform a controlled feeding operation.
- Injector heads are rated against the pushing/pulling force they can generate and the feedrate at which the tubing can be passed.
- a complete injector head may comprise several components.
- the injector head may include an injector head assembly; a crash frame (providing a degree of mechanical protection during service); a service platform (allowing the operators to manage the operation of coil tube injection during service); and a gooseneck (which controls the feed of the tubing into the injector from a separate coil tube spool).
- the basic premise of a coil tube injector is to simply grip the tubing with sufficient traction so that it does not slip when performing the desired subterranean operations, and then either pushing the tubing into a well or extracting it out.
- the drives are generally hydraulically powered and when combined with a reduction gearbox provide sufficient torque to adequately move the loads. It is desirable to have an injector head which can operate smoothly and which can be easily maintained and serviced without disrupting ongoing subterranean operations.
- FIG. 1 is an illustration of a coil tube injector configuration in accordance with certain embodiments of the present disclosure.
- FIG. 2A is a first perspective view of the injector head assembly of FIG. 1 in accordance with an illustrative embodiment of the present disclosure.
- FIG. 2B is a second perspective view of the injector head assembly of FIG. 1 in accordance with an illustrative embodiment of the present disclosure.
- FIG. 2C is a third perspective view of the injector head assembly of FIG. 1 in accordance with an illustrative embodiment of the present disclosure.
- FIG. 3A is a side close up view of the injector head assembly of FIGS. 2A-C in accordance with certain embodiments of the present disclosure.
- FIG. 3B is a cross-sectional view of the injector head assembly of FIG. 3A in accordance with certain embodiments of the present disclosure.
- FIG. 3C is a cross-sectional view of the injector head assembly of FIG. 3A with one side of the crash frame removed, in accordance with certain embodiments of the present disclosure.
- FIG. 4 is a close up view of one of the chain links of a gripper/chain assembly in accordance with certain embodiments of the present disclosure.
- Embodiments of the present disclosure may be used with any wellhead system.
- Embodiments of the present disclosure may be applicable to horizontal, vertical, deviated, or otherwise nonlinear wellbores in any type of subterranean formation.
- Embodiments may be applicable to injection wells as well as production wells, including hydrocarbon wells.
- Couple or “couples” as used herein are intended to mean either an indirect or direct connection. Thus, if a first device couples to a second device, that connection may be through a direct connection, or through an indirect mechanical or electrical connection via other devices and connections.
- the injector head unit may be an ‘80 k’ (80,000 psi) unit.
- the design concept can easily be upscaled and downscaled to suit the actual requirements.
- the methods and systems disclosed herein are directed to an actual operation constraint with regard to ease of operation and maintenance, making a ‘simple’ unit which is easily maintained and therefore, can be kept in production.
- a coil tube injector in accordance with an illustrative embodiment of the present disclosure is generally denoted with reference numeral 100 in FIG. 1 .
- a coil tube injector 100 is comprised of an injector head assembly 102 , a crash frame 104 that provides mechanical protection to the injector head assembly 102 , a service platform 106 that allows the operators to perform service on the coil tube injector 100 and manage the operation of the coil tube injector 100 during service, and a gooseneck 108 that controls the feed of the coil tubing 110 into the injector head assembly 102 from an external coil tube spool (not shown).
- a spool (not shown) may be disposed near the coil tube injector 100 and a coil tubing 110 may be drawn from the spool and directed over the gooseneck 108 , and through the injector head assembly 102 , into the wellbore.
- FIGS. 2A-C depict different perspectives of a close up view of the injector head assembly 102 of FIG. 1 , in accordance with an illustrative embodiment of the present disclosure.
- the injector head assembly 102 may include a pair of gearbox units 202 A, 202 B, each coupled to a corresponding gripper/chain assembly 204 A, 204 B, respectively.
- the gearbox units 202 A, 202 B may be a hydraulic drive gearbox unit. Accordingly, each gripper/chain assembly 204 A, 204 B may be driven by the corresponding gearbox unit 202 A, 202 B.
- the injector head assembly 102 may further include one or more traction cylinders 206 that operate to apply pressure to skid plates 208 .
- FIG. 3A depicts a side close-up view of the injector head assembly 102 of FIG. 1 and FIGS. 2A-2C .
- FIG. 3B depicts a cross-sectional view of the injector head assembly 102 of FIG. 3A .
- FIG. 3C depicts a cross-sectional view of the injector head assembly of FIG. 3A with one side of the crash frame 104 removed to show the components as they are configured therein.
- each skid plate 208 is coupled to a bearing plate 212 .
- the skid plates 208 and the bearing plates 212 may be made from any suitable material known to those of ordinary skill in the art.
- the skid plates 208 may be made from high grade aluminum and the bearing plates 212 may be made from hardened steel.
- the bearing plates 212 provide the wearing surface that is in contact with the roller bearings of the gripper/chain assembly 204 , as discussed in more detail below.
- FIG. 4 depicts a close-up view of one of a chain link of a gripper/chain assembly 204 A, 204 B which is denoted generally with reference numeral 400 .
- the chain link 400 may consist of a roller bearing 402 on one side and a gripper 404 on the other side. As shown in FIG. 4 , the roller bearing 402 may be disposed on the side opposite to the gripper 404 .
- Each gripper/chain assembly 204 A, 204 B may have a plurality of chain links 400 each having one or more roller bearings 402 and one or more grippers 404 as shown in FIG. 4 .
- the grippers 404 are configured to engage a length of coil tubing running through the injector head assembly 102 .
- each gripper 404 may be configured as a semi-cylinder shaped cut-out allowing the surface of the gripper 404 to engage a greater area of the coil tubing 110 and more evenly apply pressure to the coil tubing 110 .
- the cut-out for a gripper 404 may be sized differently to engage with different sizes of coil tubing 110 . As shown in FIGS. 3A-C and FIG.
- the gripper 404 may be coupled to roller bearings 402 , which in turn engage a bearing plate 212 .
- roller bearings 402 serves to reduce friction between the gripper/chain assembly 204 A, 204 B and the corresponding bearing plate 212 by allowing the roller bearings 402 to roll across the surface of the bearing plate 212 .
- Multiple links in the gripper/chain assembly 204 may be coupled through chain links 400 . This arrangement permits an operator to replace/repair either one gripper 404 at a time or to replace/repair the entire gripper/chain assembly 204 A, 204 B in one service operation.
- Replacing the entire gripper/chain assembly 204 A, 204 B in one operation ensures that all grippers 404 operate in a similar condition, i.e., a singular worn item does not get maintained with the system. This also allows service to be performed in a shorter amount of time.
- the bearing plates 212 which are coupled to corresponding skid plates 208 provide a wearing surface for rollers 402 on the gripper/chain assembly 204 .
- the traction cylinders 206 provide the force to push and pull the skid plate 208 so as to engage the bearing plate 212 with the gripper/chain assembly 204 . Accordingly, the traction cylinders 206 can move the skid plates 208 , and in turn, the bearing plates 212 , between different positions to apply more, or less pressure, on to the coil tubing 110 .
- the traction cylinders 206 may move the skid plates 208 and the bearing plates 212 between a first position which is further from the coil tubing 110 being directed through the injector head assembly 102 and a second position which is closer to the coil tubing 110 . Accordingly, this configuration of the bearing plates 212 provides for reduced friction under load and provides a means of controlling the pressure on each gripper 404 as it is engaged within the load cycle via the skid plate 208 and traction cylinders 206 .
- FIG. 3B provides an illustration of the injector head assembly 102 focusing on the interaction of the skid plate 208 , the bearing plate 212 , and each gripper/chain assembly 204 A and 204 B.
- the operation of the injector head assembly 102 is now discussed in conjunction with one of the gripper/chain assemblies 204 A.
- the other gripper/chain assembly 204 B operates in the same manner.
- traction cylinders 206 apply pressure to the skid plate 208 , which in turn applies pressure to the bearing plate 212 .
- This brings the bearing plate 212 into contact with the gripper/chain assembly 204 A, enabling the roller bearings 402 of the gripper/chain assembly 204 A to roll across the surface of the bearing plate 212 .
- the pressure to the bearing plate 212 engages the grippers 404 of the gripper/chain assembly 204 A with a length of coil tubing that is being directed between the two gripper chain assemblies 204 A and 204 B.
- FIG. 3C is an illustration of an injector head assembly 102 focusing on the motion of each gripper/chain assembly 204 A, 204 B and the corresponding hydraulic drive gearbox unit 202 A, 202 B.
- each gripper/chain assembly 204 A, 204 B is coupled to a corresponding drive motor 205 A, 205 B which is driven by the gear box unit 202 A, 202 B.
- the drive motors 205 A, 205 B provide a counter rotation arrangement to direct the coil tubing 110 into the well (or to pull the coil tubing 110 out).
- the drive motors 205 A, 205 B are configured to turn in opposite directions such that the two facing sides of the two gripper/chain assemblies 204 A, 204 B move in the same vertical direction, i.e., move up together or move down together.
- one or more grippers 404 from each gripper/chain assembly 204 A, 204 B is able to engage with a length of coil tubing 110 running between the two facing sides of the two gripper/chain assemblies 204 A, 204 B.
- the traction cylinders 206 are pressured, moving the skid plates 208 towards the centrally located coil tubing 110 as it is passing through the gripper/chain assemblies 204 A, 204 B. Once the gripper/chain assemblies 204 A, 204 B engage with the coil tubing 110 , a reaction force is applied back through the bearing plates 212 and the skid plates 208 , thereby allowing a precise control of the position and load being applied to the coil tubing 110 .
- This arrangement is replicated about the vertical centerline of the injector head assembly 102 , allowing the gripper/chain assemblies 204 A, 204 B to encapsulate the coil tubing 110 and move the coil tubing 110 up or down as directed by the drive motors 205 A, 205 B. Accordingly, the traction cylinders 206 apply pressure to the skid plates 208 , to bring the bearing plates 212 into contact with the gripper/chain assembly 204 A, 204 B so as to engage a coil tube 110 .
- the skid plate 208 which may be manufactured from high grade aluminum, may be guided via slides which are disposed on the skid plate 208 . In certain implementations, there may be four slides, one located at each corner of the skid plate 208 .
- Composite bearings may be used to ensure that the skid plate 208 slides smoothly on the guides.
- the traction cylinders 206 provide the force to push and pull the skid plate 208 .
- the skid plate 208 is of a robust design to minimize the amount of deflection it will experience under the load condition. Minimizing the distortion ensures that the bearing plate 212 provides a smooth and level surface on which the roller bearings 402 of the gripper/chain assembly 204 can run.
- the injector head assembly 102 may further include one or more tensioning cylinders 210 .
- the tensioning cylinders 210 may be disposed to apply a force in a direction that is substantially perpendicular to the direction of the force applied by the traction cylinders 206 .
- the tensioning cylinders 210 are configured to apply sufficient force to ensure there is no chain ‘slap’ during operation.
- the tensioning cylinders 210 are operable to maintain a desired degree of tension within the chain/gripper assembly 204 .
- the amount of force (pressure) applied to the traction cylinders 206 is proportional to the amount of grip force that will be exerted to the coil tubing 110 .
- the traction cylinders 206 and the tensioning cylinders 210 are located or accessible from the outside of the injector head assembly 102 .
- the traction cylinders 206 and the tensioning cylinders 210 may be mounted to an outer side of the crash frame 104 . Accordingly, a single cylinder (either traction cylinder 206 and/or tension cylinder 210 ) may be removed and disengaged from the skid plate 208 to allow for replacement and/or repair of the cylinder. The remaining cylinders will continue to operate. As a result, the operable items may be repaired/replaced insitu and the injector head assembly 102 can remain in position above the well while it is being serviced. Additionally, in a preferred embodiment, the cylinders may all be of the same specification, simplifying the replacement of any cylinder during maintenance.
- the use of the roller bearings 402 which run against the bearing plate 212 under the load condition reduces the friction when operating under a load.
- the interaction of the bearing plates 212 with the roller bearings 402 of the gripper/chain assembly 204 provides a means of controlling the pressure applied by each gripper/chain assembly 204 A, 204 B as it engages the coil tubing 110 .
- the applied pressure by each gripper/chain assembly 204 in a load cycle may be controlled by an operator using the traction cylinders 206 which apply pressure to the roller bearings 402 through the skid plates 208 and the bearing plates 212 .
- the bearing plates 212 are sacrificial items given the arduous nature of coil tubing.
- the bearing plates 212 may be accessed from the front and rear of the injector head assembly 102 and they may be easily removed to the sides of the injector head assembly. Accordingly, the bearing plates 212 may be easily replaced and/or repaired in situ.
- the gripper/chain assemblies 204 A, 204 B are highly loaded during service. Accordingly, in certain implementations, the vertical space may be maximized to allow additional gripper assemblies to be in the load path, thus reducing the load to individual grippers 404 , which in turn extends the life of the injector head assembly 102 . Further, the grippers 404 are an integral part of the gripper/chain assembly 204 . Accordingly, in certain implementations, a gripper carrier allows individual replacement of grippers 404 . In another embodiment, the whole gripper/chain assembly 204 may be replaced in one operation.
- different components may be manufactured from high grade aluminum which is sufficiently strong while giving a reduced weight compared to steel (steel being roughly 21 ⁇ 2 times the weight of aluminum).
- the benefit of reduced weight is the ease of handling during installation, making the operator's job easier and therefore more productive.
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Abstract
Description
- This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/811,219, filed Apr. 12, 2013, which is incorporated herein by reference for all purposes.
- Hydrocarbons are an important resource which are often retrieved from ground by performing various subterranean operations. When performing subterranean operations, coil tube injector heads may be used to direct coil tubing (e.g., tubing which may be in a range of from approximately 1″ to approximately 3½″) into and out of a wellbore. The injectors provide a means of gripping the tubing to perform a controlled feeding operation. Injector heads are rated against the pushing/pulling force they can generate and the feedrate at which the tubing can be passed.
- A complete injector head may comprise several components. For instance, the injector head may include an injector head assembly; a crash frame (providing a degree of mechanical protection during service); a service platform (allowing the operators to manage the operation of coil tube injection during service); and a gooseneck (which controls the feed of the tubing into the injector from a separate coil tube spool).
- The basic premise of a coil tube injector is to simply grip the tubing with sufficient traction so that it does not slip when performing the desired subterranean operations, and then either pushing the tubing into a well or extracting it out. To achieve this goal, generally there are two sets of grippers, attached to a chain drive mechanism. The drives are generally hydraulically powered and when combined with a reduction gearbox provide sufficient torque to adequately move the loads. It is desirable to have an injector head which can operate smoothly and which can be easily maintained and serviced without disrupting ongoing subterranean operations.
- A more complete and thorough understanding of the present embodiments and advantages thereof may be acquired by referring to the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.
-
FIG. 1 is an illustration of a coil tube injector configuration in accordance with certain embodiments of the present disclosure. -
FIG. 2A is a first perspective view of the injector head assembly ofFIG. 1 in accordance with an illustrative embodiment of the present disclosure. -
FIG. 2B is a second perspective view of the injector head assembly ofFIG. 1 in accordance with an illustrative embodiment of the present disclosure. -
FIG. 2C is a third perspective view of the injector head assembly ofFIG. 1 in accordance with an illustrative embodiment of the present disclosure. -
FIG. 3A is a side close up view of the injector head assembly ofFIGS. 2A-C in accordance with certain embodiments of the present disclosure. -
FIG. 3B is a cross-sectional view of the injector head assembly ofFIG. 3A in accordance with certain embodiments of the present disclosure. -
FIG. 3C is a cross-sectional view of the injector head assembly ofFIG. 3A with one side of the crash frame removed, in accordance with certain embodiments of the present disclosure. -
FIG. 4 is a close up view of one of the chain links of a gripper/chain assembly in accordance with certain embodiments of the present disclosure. - Illustrative embodiments of the present invention are described in detail herein. In the interest of clarity, not all features of an actual implementation may be described in this specification. It will of course be appreciated that in the development of any such actual embodiment, numerous implementation specific decisions must be made to achieve the specific implementation goals, which will vary from one implementation to another. Moreover, it will be appreciated that such a development effort might be complex and time consuming, but would nevertheless be a routine undertaking for those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of the present disclosure.
- To facilitate a better understanding of the present invention, the following examples of certain embodiments are given. In no way should the following examples be read to limit, or define, the scope of the invention. Embodiments of the present disclosure may be used with any wellhead system. Embodiments of the present disclosure may be applicable to horizontal, vertical, deviated, or otherwise nonlinear wellbores in any type of subterranean formation. Embodiments may be applicable to injection wells as well as production wells, including hydrocarbon wells.
- The terms “couple” or “couples” as used herein are intended to mean either an indirect or direct connection. Thus, if a first device couples to a second device, that connection may be through a direct connection, or through an indirect mechanical or electrical connection via other devices and connections.
- The methods and systems disclosed herein are not limited to any particular unit size. For instance, in certain implementations, the injector head unit may be an ‘80 k’ (80,000 psi) unit. However, the design concept can easily be upscaled and downscaled to suit the actual requirements. The methods and systems disclosed herein are directed to an actual operation constraint with regard to ease of operation and maintenance, making a ‘simple’ unit which is easily maintained and therefore, can be kept in production.
- A coil tube injector in accordance with an illustrative embodiment of the present disclosure is generally denoted with
reference numeral 100 inFIG. 1 . As shown inFIG. 1 , acoil tube injector 100 is comprised of aninjector head assembly 102, acrash frame 104 that provides mechanical protection to theinjector head assembly 102, aservice platform 106 that allows the operators to perform service on thecoil tube injector 100 and manage the operation of thecoil tube injector 100 during service, and agooseneck 108 that controls the feed of thecoil tubing 110 into theinjector head assembly 102 from an external coil tube spool (not shown). Specifically, a spool (not shown) may be disposed near thecoil tube injector 100 and acoil tubing 110 may be drawn from the spool and directed over thegooseneck 108, and through theinjector head assembly 102, into the wellbore. -
FIGS. 2A-C depict different perspectives of a close up view of theinjector head assembly 102 ofFIG. 1 , in accordance with an illustrative embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown inFIGS. 2A-C , theinjector head assembly 102 may include a pair ofgearbox units chain assembly gearbox units chain assembly corresponding gearbox unit injector head assembly 102 may further include one ormore traction cylinders 206 that operate to apply pressure to skidplates 208. - Turning now to
FIG. 3A-C , the operation of thetraction cylinders 206 and theskid plate 208 in accordance with an illustrative implementation of the present disclosure is disclosed in further detail. Specifically,FIG. 3A depicts a side close-up view of theinjector head assembly 102 ofFIG. 1 andFIGS. 2A-2C .FIG. 3B depicts a cross-sectional view of theinjector head assembly 102 ofFIG. 3A . Similarly,FIG. 3C depicts a cross-sectional view of the injector head assembly ofFIG. 3A with one side of thecrash frame 104 removed to show the components as they are configured therein. - As shown in
FIG. 3A-C , eachskid plate 208 is coupled to abearing plate 212. Theskid plates 208 and the bearingplates 212 may be made from any suitable material known to those of ordinary skill in the art. For instance, in certain illustrative embodiments, theskid plates 208 may be made from high grade aluminum and the bearingplates 212 may be made from hardened steel. The bearingplates 212 provide the wearing surface that is in contact with the roller bearings of the gripper/chain assembly 204, as discussed in more detail below. -
FIG. 4 depicts a close-up view of one of a chain link of a gripper/chain assembly reference numeral 400. In certain illustrative embodiments, thechain link 400 may consist of aroller bearing 402 on one side and agripper 404 on the other side. As shown inFIG. 4 , theroller bearing 402 may be disposed on the side opposite to thegripper 404. - Each gripper/
chain assembly chain links 400 each having one ormore roller bearings 402 and one ormore grippers 404 as shown inFIG. 4 . Thegrippers 404 are configured to engage a length of coil tubing running through theinjector head assembly 102. In certain illustrative embodiments, eachgripper 404 may be configured as a semi-cylinder shaped cut-out allowing the surface of thegripper 404 to engage a greater area of thecoil tubing 110 and more evenly apply pressure to thecoil tubing 110. The cut-out for agripper 404 may be sized differently to engage with different sizes ofcoil tubing 110. As shown inFIGS. 3A-C andFIG. 4 , thegripper 404 may be coupled toroller bearings 402, which in turn engage abearing plate 212. The use ofroller bearings 402 serves to reduce friction between the gripper/chain assembly bearing plate 212 by allowing theroller bearings 402 to roll across the surface of thebearing plate 212. Multiple links in the gripper/chain assembly 204 may be coupled throughchain links 400. This arrangement permits an operator to replace/repair either onegripper 404 at a time or to replace/repair the entire gripper/chain assembly chain assembly grippers 404 operate in a similar condition, i.e., a singular worn item does not get maintained with the system. This also allows service to be performed in a shorter amount of time. - Returning to
FIGS. 3A-C , the bearingplates 212 which are coupled tocorresponding skid plates 208 provide a wearing surface forrollers 402 on the gripper/chain assembly 204. Thetraction cylinders 206 provide the force to push and pull theskid plate 208 so as to engage thebearing plate 212 with the gripper/chain assembly 204. Accordingly, thetraction cylinders 206 can move theskid plates 208, and in turn, the bearingplates 212, between different positions to apply more, or less pressure, on to thecoil tubing 110. For instance, thetraction cylinders 206 may move theskid plates 208 and the bearingplates 212 between a first position which is further from thecoil tubing 110 being directed through theinjector head assembly 102 and a second position which is closer to thecoil tubing 110. Accordingly, this configuration of the bearingplates 212 provides for reduced friction under load and provides a means of controlling the pressure on eachgripper 404 as it is engaged within the load cycle via theskid plate 208 andtraction cylinders 206. - Specifically,
FIG. 3B provides an illustration of theinjector head assembly 102 focusing on the interaction of theskid plate 208, the bearingplate 212, and each gripper/chain assembly injector head assembly 102 is now discussed in conjunction with one of the gripper/chain assemblies 204A. The other gripper/chain assembly 204B operates in the same manner. As shown inFIG. 3B ,traction cylinders 206 apply pressure to theskid plate 208, which in turn applies pressure to thebearing plate 212. This brings thebearing plate 212 into contact with the gripper/chain assembly 204A, enabling theroller bearings 402 of the gripper/chain assembly 204A to roll across the surface of thebearing plate 212. Additionally, the pressure to thebearing plate 212 engages thegrippers 404 of the gripper/chain assembly 204A with a length of coil tubing that is being directed between the twogripper chain assemblies -
FIG. 3C is an illustration of aninjector head assembly 102 focusing on the motion of each gripper/chain assembly drive gearbox unit FIG. 3C , each gripper/chain assembly corresponding drive motor gear box unit drive motors coil tubing 110 into the well (or to pull thecoil tubing 110 out). Specifically, thedrive motors chain assemblies more grippers 404 from each gripper/chain assembly coil tubing 110 running between the two facing sides of the two gripper/chain assemblies - In operation, the
traction cylinders 206 are pressured, moving theskid plates 208 towards the centrally locatedcoil tubing 110 as it is passing through the gripper/chain assemblies chain assemblies coil tubing 110, a reaction force is applied back through the bearingplates 212 and theskid plates 208, thereby allowing a precise control of the position and load being applied to thecoil tubing 110. This arrangement is replicated about the vertical centerline of theinjector head assembly 102, allowing the gripper/chain assemblies coil tubing 110 and move thecoil tubing 110 up or down as directed by thedrive motors traction cylinders 206 apply pressure to theskid plates 208, to bring the bearingplates 212 into contact with the gripper/chain assembly coil tube 110. - In certain implementations, the
skid plate 208, which may be manufactured from high grade aluminum, may be guided via slides which are disposed on theskid plate 208. In certain implementations, there may be four slides, one located at each corner of theskid plate 208. Composite bearings may be used to ensure that theskid plate 208 slides smoothly on the guides. Thetraction cylinders 206 provide the force to push and pull theskid plate 208. Theskid plate 208 is of a robust design to minimize the amount of deflection it will experience under the load condition. Minimizing the distortion ensures that thebearing plate 212 provides a smooth and level surface on which theroller bearings 402 of the gripper/chain assembly 204 can run. - Returning now to
FIGS. 2A-2C , theinjector head assembly 102 may further include one ormore tensioning cylinders 210. In certain implementations, the tensioningcylinders 210 may be disposed to apply a force in a direction that is substantially perpendicular to the direction of the force applied by thetraction cylinders 206. The tensioningcylinders 210 are configured to apply sufficient force to ensure there is no chain ‘slap’ during operation. Specifically, the tensioningcylinders 210 are operable to maintain a desired degree of tension within the chain/gripper assembly 204. In certain implementations, the amount of force (pressure) applied to thetraction cylinders 206 is proportional to the amount of grip force that will be exerted to thecoil tubing 110. - In certain implementations, the
traction cylinders 206 and thetensioning cylinders 210 are located or accessible from the outside of theinjector head assembly 102. For instance, as shown inFIGS. 2A-C , thetraction cylinders 206 and thetensioning cylinders 210 may be mounted to an outer side of thecrash frame 104. Accordingly, a single cylinder (eithertraction cylinder 206 and/or tension cylinder 210) may be removed and disengaged from theskid plate 208 to allow for replacement and/or repair of the cylinder. The remaining cylinders will continue to operate. As a result, the operable items may be repaired/replaced insitu and theinjector head assembly 102 can remain in position above the well while it is being serviced. Additionally, in a preferred embodiment, the cylinders may all be of the same specification, simplifying the replacement of any cylinder during maintenance. - Accordingly, the use of the
roller bearings 402 which run against the bearingplate 212 under the load condition reduces the friction when operating under a load. Additionally, the interaction of the bearingplates 212 with theroller bearings 402 of the gripper/chain assembly 204 provides a means of controlling the pressure applied by each gripper/chain assembly coil tubing 110. Specifically, the applied pressure by each gripper/chain assembly 204 in a load cycle may be controlled by an operator using thetraction cylinders 206 which apply pressure to theroller bearings 402 through theskid plates 208 and the bearingplates 212. - Moreover, the bearing
plates 212 are sacrificial items given the arduous nature of coil tubing. The bearingplates 212 may be accessed from the front and rear of theinjector head assembly 102 and they may be easily removed to the sides of the injector head assembly. Accordingly, the bearingplates 212 may be easily replaced and/or repaired in situ. - Additionally, the gripper/
chain assemblies grippers 404 and the roller bearings 402) are highly loaded during service. Accordingly, in certain implementations, the vertical space may be maximized to allow additional gripper assemblies to be in the load path, thus reducing the load toindividual grippers 404, which in turn extends the life of theinjector head assembly 102. Further, thegrippers 404 are an integral part of the gripper/chain assembly 204. Accordingly, in certain implementations, a gripper carrier allows individual replacement ofgrippers 404. In another embodiment, the whole gripper/chain assembly 204 may be replaced in one operation. This results in a quick service period to change gripper size (e.g., going from 1½″ to 2″) and ensures that all grippers operate in a similar condition, i.e., a singular worn item does not get maintained with the system. When the gripper/chain assembly 204 or thegrippers 404 do become worn out, an effective replacement can be made in a short time period which may be in a matter of minutes. Operational time is typically of great importance when performing subterranean operations. Accordingly, the longer the machine can operate and maintain performance the better. - In certain embodiments, different components may be manufactured from high grade aluminum which is sufficiently strong while giving a reduced weight compared to steel (steel being roughly 2½ times the weight of aluminum). The benefit of reduced weight is the ease of handling during installation, making the operator's job easier and therefore more productive.
- Therefore, the present disclosure is well adapted to attain the ends and advantages mentioned as well as those that are inherent therein. The particular embodiments disclosed above are illustrative only, as the present invention may be modified and practiced in different but equivalent manners apparent to those skilled in the art having the benefit of the teachings herein. Furthermore, no limitations are intended to the details of construction or design herein shown, other than as described in the claims below. It is therefore evident that the particular illustrative embodiments disclosed above may be altered or modified, and all such variations are considered within the scope and spirit of the present invention. Also, the terms in the claims have their plain, ordinary meaning unless otherwise explicitly and clearly defined by the patentee.
Claims (18)
Priority Applications (8)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US14/250,156 US20140305632A1 (en) | 2013-04-12 | 2014-04-10 | Coil Tube Injector System |
MX2015014243A MX2015014243A (en) | 2013-04-12 | 2014-04-11 | Coil tube injector system. |
BR112015025168A BR112015025168A2 (en) | 2013-04-12 | 2014-04-11 | spiral tube injector system |
CA2906981A CA2906981A1 (en) | 2013-04-12 | 2014-04-11 | Coil tube injector system |
CN201480018678.0A CN105531441A (en) | 2013-04-12 | 2014-04-11 | Coil tube injector system |
PCT/US2014/033746 WO2014169178A1 (en) | 2013-04-12 | 2014-04-11 | Coil tube injector system |
EP14783502.9A EP2984276A1 (en) | 2013-04-12 | 2014-04-11 | Coil tube injector system |
AU2014250847A AU2014250847A1 (en) | 2013-04-12 | 2014-04-11 | Coil tube injector system |
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US201361811219P | 2013-04-12 | 2013-04-12 | |
US14/250,156 US20140305632A1 (en) | 2013-04-12 | 2014-04-10 | Coil Tube Injector System |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
US20140305632A1 true US20140305632A1 (en) | 2014-10-16 |
Family
ID=51685982
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US14/250,156 Abandoned US20140305632A1 (en) | 2013-04-12 | 2014-04-10 | Coil Tube Injector System |
Country Status (8)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (1) | US20140305632A1 (en) |
EP (1) | EP2984276A1 (en) |
CN (1) | CN105531441A (en) |
AU (1) | AU2014250847A1 (en) |
BR (1) | BR112015025168A2 (en) |
CA (1) | CA2906981A1 (en) |
MX (1) | MX2015014243A (en) |
WO (1) | WO2014169178A1 (en) |
Cited By (4)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US10000980B2 (en) | 2014-01-28 | 2018-06-19 | Stimline As | Conveyor apparatus |
US10077619B2 (en) | 2014-01-28 | 2018-09-18 | Stimline As | Conveyor apparatus |
US10113376B2 (en) * | 2014-01-28 | 2018-10-30 | Stimline As | Conveyor apparatus |
US10995563B2 (en) | 2017-01-18 | 2021-05-04 | Minex Crc Ltd | Rotary drill head for coiled tubing drilling apparatus |
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US7467659B2 (en) * | 2005-12-02 | 2008-12-23 | Shawn James Nielsen | Tubing injector head |
US8701754B2 (en) * | 2012-06-18 | 2014-04-22 | National Oilwell Varco, L.P. | Coiled tubing injector with strain relief |
US9243463B2 (en) * | 2012-03-14 | 2016-01-26 | Coil Solutions, Inc. | Coil tubing injector apparatus and method |
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US5309990A (en) * | 1991-07-26 | 1994-05-10 | Hydra-Rig, Incorporated | Coiled tubing injector |
US5533658A (en) * | 1994-11-10 | 1996-07-09 | Production Tube, Inc. | Apparatus having replaceable shoes for positioning and gripping tubing |
US7051814B2 (en) * | 2002-11-12 | 2006-05-30 | Varco I/P, Inc. | Subsea coiled tubing injector with pressure compensated roller assembly |
CN201581835U (en) * | 2009-07-31 | 2010-09-15 | 大连交通大学 | Continuous oil tube injection head device |
US8191620B2 (en) * | 2009-08-28 | 2012-06-05 | Serva Group Llc | Gripper for coiled tubing injectors |
-
2014
- 2014-04-10 US US14/250,156 patent/US20140305632A1/en not_active Abandoned
- 2014-04-11 BR BR112015025168A patent/BR112015025168A2/en not_active IP Right Cessation
- 2014-04-11 MX MX2015014243A patent/MX2015014243A/en unknown
- 2014-04-11 AU AU2014250847A patent/AU2014250847A1/en not_active Abandoned
- 2014-04-11 CA CA2906981A patent/CA2906981A1/en not_active Abandoned
- 2014-04-11 EP EP14783502.9A patent/EP2984276A1/en not_active Withdrawn
- 2014-04-11 WO PCT/US2014/033746 patent/WO2014169178A1/en active Application Filing
- 2014-04-11 CN CN201480018678.0A patent/CN105531441A/en active Pending
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US5845708A (en) * | 1995-03-10 | 1998-12-08 | Baker Hughes Incorporated | Coiled tubing apparatus |
US5890534A (en) * | 1995-03-10 | 1999-04-06 | Baker Hughes Incorporated | Variable injector |
US5975203A (en) * | 1998-02-25 | 1999-11-02 | Schlumberger Technology Corporation | Apparatus and method utilizing a coiled tubing injector for removing or inserting jointed pipe sections |
US7467659B2 (en) * | 2005-12-02 | 2008-12-23 | Shawn James Nielsen | Tubing injector head |
US9243463B2 (en) * | 2012-03-14 | 2016-01-26 | Coil Solutions, Inc. | Coil tubing injector apparatus and method |
US20160102506A1 (en) * | 2012-03-14 | 2016-04-14 | Coil Solutions, Inc. | Coil tubing injector apparatus and method |
US8701754B2 (en) * | 2012-06-18 | 2014-04-22 | National Oilwell Varco, L.P. | Coiled tubing injector with strain relief |
Cited By (5)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US10000980B2 (en) | 2014-01-28 | 2018-06-19 | Stimline As | Conveyor apparatus |
US10077619B2 (en) | 2014-01-28 | 2018-09-18 | Stimline As | Conveyor apparatus |
US10113376B2 (en) * | 2014-01-28 | 2018-10-30 | Stimline As | Conveyor apparatus |
US10995563B2 (en) | 2017-01-18 | 2021-05-04 | Minex Crc Ltd | Rotary drill head for coiled tubing drilling apparatus |
US11136837B2 (en) | 2017-01-18 | 2021-10-05 | Minex Crc Ltd | Mobile coiled tubing drilling apparatus |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
BR112015025168A2 (en) | 2017-07-18 |
MX2015014243A (en) | 2016-01-14 |
AU2014250847A1 (en) | 2015-10-01 |
CA2906981A1 (en) | 2014-10-16 |
WO2014169178A1 (en) | 2014-10-16 |
EP2984276A1 (en) | 2016-02-17 |
CN105531441A (en) | 2016-04-27 |
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Owner name: AMKIN TECHNOLOGIES, LLC, TEXAS Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNOR:AXON WELL INTERVENTION PRODUCTS, INC.;REEL/FRAME:043695/0404 Effective date: 20170112 Owner name: AXON WELL INTERVENTION PRODUCTS, INC., TEXAS Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNOR:AXON EP, INC.;REEL/FRAME:043695/0194 Effective date: 20170110 |