Device for steel pipes used in tubular hydrocarbon columns

Abstract

A device (10) for a steel pipe (20), the device being designed to be fixed to a portion (22) of the pipe, the pipe being used in a tubular hydrocarbon column, the device comprising: a substantially cylindrical housing (11), the housing extending along a longitudinal axis (A1) and being designed to surround a box portion (22) of a first steel pipe (20), the housing forming an open ring so that a circumferential gap exists between two free ends (11c, 11d) of the housing (11); and a locking mechanism (16), the locking mechanism being fixed to the housing (11) in the vicinity of the circumferential gap and being configured to bring the free ends of the housing closer to each other in a locked position.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of devices for metal pipes intended for use in tubular strings for oil and gas applications, energy applications or storage applications such as operating hydrocarbon wells, geothermal or carbon capture, and more particularly to cable clamping devices.

[0002] The invention relates in particular to a clamping device for supporting at least one cable, in particular to a clamping device for a box section of a metal pipe intended for use in a tubular hydrocarbon string.

[0003] The invention also relates to a metal pipe equipped with such a clamping device. Background Art

[0004] A tubular hydrocarbon string or working string is usually composed of a plurality of pipes attached together. More specifically, a tubular hydrocarbon string for a hydrocarbon well or similar well usually includes a tubing string and several casing strings. The tubing string is composed of a plurality of completion pipes housed in the casing string. The casing string is composed of a plurality of casings arranged in the borehole of the well. The casing has a cross-sectional diameter greater than that of the completion pipe and surrounds the completion pipe. In the lower portion of the casing string, the casing is also called a liner.

[0005] During drilling, production, and / or well servicing operations, casing strings are required to maintain wellbore stability, prevent contamination from water-bearing sands, and control well pressure.

[0006] The casing and completion pipe are made of steel and can be made without restriction according to API standard specification 5CT or 5CRA for standard casing and tubing. For example, the steel is one of L80 grade, P110 grade or Q125 grade standards.

[0007] The two pipes of the pipe string can be attached by a threaded joint or connector. A typical threaded joint for connecting a first pipe to a second pipe may include a male threaded portion (also called a pin end) formed on an outer peripheral surface of the first pipe, and a female threaded portion (also called a box end) formed on an inner peripheral surface of the second pipe. The threaded portions cooperate to attach the first pipe to the second pipe, thereby forming a threaded joint.

[0008] Another known type of threaded joint may include a coupling box for attaching a first tube and a second tube. Each of the first tube and the second tube includes a tube having a male threaded portion (also referred to as a pin end) formed on an outer peripheral surface at both ends thereof. The first tube includes a coupling box having an internal hole, the internal hole being provided with a female threaded portion formed on the inner periphery of the hole. The coupling box is usually pre-connected to one end of the steel tube by means of a male threaded portion of one end of the steel tube and a female threaded portion of the coupling box. With this arrangement, the first tube has a male threaded portion (also referred to as a pin end) and a coupling box portion with a female threaded portion. The second tube can be attached to the first tube by means of the male threaded portion of the second tube and the female threaded portion of the coupling box.

[0009] Such threaded tubular connections are subject to various combinations of stresses that may vary in magnitude or direction, such as axial tension, axial compression, internal pressure bending, torsion, etc. Therefore, threaded tubular connections are typically designed to support these stresses, withstand rupture, and provide a tight seal.

[0010] Therefore, the robustness of a string of pipe generally relies on the absence of wear on the components or parts forming the threaded connection or fitting.Accordingly, devices for protecting the threaded portion of a pipe having a male and female threaded portion have been proposed.

[0011] For field work, it is necessary to remove the protection device before installing the pipe in the well. Preferably, the protection device is removed at the last stage before installing the pipe in the well. Therefore, the protection device must be unscrewed from the pipe. These operations are particularly time-consuming and require special attention from the operator who has to manage the pipe. Therefore, the use of known protection devices makes the installation process of the column more complicated and during the installation of the column, the weak points of the pipe are not protected.

[0012] In addition, when installing the male threaded portion of the second tube into the female threaded portion of the first tube, a stabbing guide is generally used. Such a stabbing guide is positioned by an operator before inserting the end of the second tube into the end of the first tube, and then removed before screwing the second tube into the first tube. Such an operation also increases the operation time of the column installation.

[0013] Moreover, tubular hydrocarbon columns may be installed onshore or offshore drilling collars, and they may be used to support cables to power submersible equipment such as pumps, safety valves, and other downhole equipment. Tools known as clamps are often used to accommodate such cables. These clamps are often installed on pipes, particularly on box-type couplings, and often require multiple operators. Therefore, it is time-consuming to install such clamps on all the box-type couplings of the column on a drilling rig, resulting in an expensive operation.

[0014] Therefore, there is a need to reduce the installation time of the column, which is also called the "critical path activity".

[0015] In fact, the critical path activity is currently about 200 seconds per pipe, which results in expensive installation operations considering the high cost of daily rental of drilling rigs.

[0016] The object of the present invention is to overcome the above-mentioned disadvantages. Summary of the invention

[0017] A particular object of the invention is to improve the operations on site, in particular to improve the ease and speed of the operations involved in operating the cross-clamping devices in view of reducing the time required for the installation process of the pipes of the string on the drilling rig.

[0018] The present invention may also integrate a stab guide that makes alignment of the ends of the tubes easier and faster.

[0019] According to another aspect, another object of the present invention is to improve the protection of the coupling box portion of the pipe used to form the threaded joint during the pipe installation process.

[0020] According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a device for a first steel pipe, the device being designed to be fixed to a portion of the pipe, the pipe being used in a tubular hydrocarbon column for energy applications and storage applications, such as operating hydrocarbon wells, geothermal and carbon capture. The device comprises:

[0021] a substantially cylindrical casing extending along a longitudinal axis and designed to surround, protect and / or guide said portion of said first steel tube, said casing forming an open ring of less than 360° so that a circumferential gap exists between the two free ends of said casing; and

[0022] - A locking mechanism fixed to the housing in the vicinity of the circumferential gap and configured to bring the free ends of the housing closer to each other in a locked position, thereby securely fixing the device to the first tube.

[0023] Advantageously, the locking mechanism comprises a locking lever pivotally mounted on the housing and configured to rotate between an unlocked position in which the locking lever is radially away from the housing and a locked position in which the locking lever is rotated towards the housing.

[0024] For example, the locking mechanism is further configured to clamp at least one cable in the locked position while bringing the free ends of the housings closer to each other.

[0025] The cable may be an electrical cable, a telecommunication cable, a control cable, a hydraulic cable, an optical cable, a chemical injection cable or any other cable.

[0026] The locking lever may be designed to clamp the at least one cable in the locking position.

[0027] The locking mechanism is thus configured to reduce the circumferential play of the housing in the locked position.

[0028] For example, the radial cross section of the housing forms an arc of a circle that is smaller than 360°, for example in a range between 320° and 359°.

[0029] In addition, since the device according to the present invention does not require tools to fix the device to the corresponding pipe, and does not require tools to clamp the cable, the critical path activity or installation time of the pipe is significantly reduced, for example, to about 3 seconds to 5 seconds, which significantly reduces the cost of the installation operation.

[0030] The device can be installed prior to operation on the drilling rig and does not interfere with the handling of the pipe.

[0031] Advantageously, said housing comprises, in the vicinity of said circumferential gap, at least one longitudinal groove extending along an axis parallel to the axis of said housing, said groove being configured to receive said at least one cable.

[0032] Alternatively, the outer circumferential surface of the housing comprises two or more longitudinal parallel grooves, each groove being configured to receive at least one cable.

[0033] Alternatively, the longitudinal slot may be configured to receive two or more cables.

[0034] The slots may be located on both lateral ends of the housing.

[0035] For example, the longitudinal length of the longitudinal slot may be equal to the longitudinal length of the housing.

[0036] Alternatively, the longitudinal slot comprises a first portion and a second portion coaxial with the first portion, each of the first portion and the second portion being located at one of the two lateral ends of the housing.

[0037] For example, an inner surface of a locking lever of the locking mechanism includes a plurality of teeth or stretch marks configured to grip the cable in the locked position of the locking lever.

[0038] The teeth may, for example, be parallel to each other.

[0039] Advantageously, the locking mechanism comprises at least one transverse cap screw or locking bar, which is attached to one of the free ends of the housing and the locking rod, and in the locked position of the locking mechanism, the cap screw is located in a hollow cavity provided in the other free end.

[0040] Alternatively, the locking mechanism may comprise at least two parallel transverse cap screws, each of which is attached to one of the free ends of the housing and to the locking rod and, in the locked position of the locking mechanism, is located in a hollow cavity provided in the other free end.

[0041] The device may include at least one longitudinal pivot axis or shaft extending along an axis of rotation parallel to the longitudinal axis of the housing, the locking lever being pivotably mounted on the shaft.

[0042] Alternatively, the device may comprise at least two coaxial longitudinal shafts on which the locking lever is pivotably mounted.

[0043] For example, the cap screw is fixed to the longitudinal axis for the locking rod.

[0044] In one embodiment, the locking bar includes an eccentric portion adjacent the circumferential gap, the eccentric portion being offset relative to the rotational axis such that when the locking bar is rotated into the locked position, the eccentric shape contacts the housing, thereby pre-tensioning the cap screw.

[0045] The eccentric portion of the locking lever acts as a retaining system. In fact, when the locking lever is rotated about the longitudinal axis of rotation of the lever, the eccentric portion comes into contact with the housing near the second free end, thereby prestressing the cap screw.

[0046] In practice, the cap screw connected to the shaft of the rod slides in the corresponding hollow cavity, thereby bringing the first free end of the housing towards the second free end. In the locked position of the locking rod, the cap screw is pretensioned so that it is intended to return to its initial position. The specific shape of the locking rod in the vicinity of the circumferential gap allows maintaining the locking rod in the locked position.

[0047] In one embodiment, the housing comprises at least two frames or shells which are hinged relative to each other between an open position and a closed position in which the shells surround the first steel tube.

[0048] In the alternative, the housing may comprise another number of hinged shells, for example three or more.

[0049] The housing is articulated, for example, via at least one hinge, for example two or more hinges.

[0050] The outer circumferential surface of the housing may include a recess designed to receive a locking rod of the locking mechanism in the locked position. In the locked position, the locking rod does not radially extend beyond the radial dimension of the housing so that the locking rod is not damaged when the tube is installed in the sleeve.

[0051] For example, the locking lever has a rounded shape so as to match the shape of the outer circumferential surface of the housing in the locked position. Such a rounded shape enhances the locking strength of the locking mechanism in the locked position.

[0052] The housing is made of, for example, a metal material, such as steel.

[0053] The locking lever of the locking mechanism is made of, for example, a metal material, or, for example, a plastic material.

[0054] In one embodiment, the inner circumferential surface of the housing includes at least one anti-rotation tooth or rib to prevent rotation of the housing relative to the first tube when the locking mechanism is in the locked position.

[0055] In one embodiment, the locking mechanism includes a retention system configured to maintain the locking bar in the locked position.

[0056] The retention system may include, for example, a button pin mounted on the locking bar and configured to be inserted into a corresponding hole provided on the housing for maintaining the locking bar in the locked position. Alternatively, the button may be mounted on the housing and configured to be inserted into a corresponding hole provided on the locking bar. Other retention systems may also be used to maintain the locking bar in the locked position.

[0057] In another embodiment, the retaining system includes an elastically deformable linear member arranged in a safety clip provided on the locking rod, and the elastically deformable linear member is configured to be able to elastically deform between a retaining position and a free position, in which the free end of the linear member is arranged in a corresponding narrow slot provided in the housing, and in the free position, the free end is away from the narrow slot.

[0058] For example, the retaining system comprises: a first longitudinal portion extending along an axis substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the housing and arranged in the safety clip; two transverse portions extending from the first longitudinal portion and each connected to a coaxial second and third longitudinal portion extending outwards in corresponding through holes provided on the locking bar. When the retaining system is in the retaining position, the free ends of the second and third longitudinal portions are located in corresponding slots.

[0059] Thus, depending on the material used and / or its dimensions, the retaining system can be deformed under a slight solicitation, for example when two lateral parts of the retaining system are pressed towards each other, and can return to its initial position when no solicitation is applied to the parts.

[0060] The retaining system may be made of a flexible, deformable and resilient material, such as a thermoplastic, for example low-density polyethylene (LDPE), high-density polyethylene (HDPE), a thermoplastic elastomer (TPE), a thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) or any material that is capable of elastic deformation.

[0061] In another embodiment, the retaining system includes at least one lug extending from a free end of the locking rod opposite to the cap screw toward the housing, the free end of the lug including an attachment pin configured to be arranged in a corresponding hole provided on the housing when the locking rod is in the locking position.

[0062] For example, the retaining system comprises two lugs extending from a free end of the locking lever, the free ends of the lugs comprising attachment pins configured to be arranged in corresponding holes provided on the housing when the locking lever is in the locking position.

[0063] A device as claimed in any preceding claim, further comprising at least one radio frequency identification chip, or a tracking device, or a product tag.

[0064] The outer shell may be radially inwardly bounded by an inner conical surface. The inner conical surface may serve as a stab guide for a second completion tubular. For example, the inner conical surface forms an angle in the range of 20° to 70°, such as in the range of 45° to 50°, relative to a longitudinal axis of an outer circumferential surface of the outer shell.

[0065] For example, the device further comprises a temporary protective closure covering the inner conical surface of the housing. The purpose of the protective closure is to protect the threads of the tube during transport.

[0066] The protective closure may be made of plastic or metal material.

[0067] For example, the device further comprises at least one radio frequency identification chip, or a tracking device, or a product tag.

[0068] For example, the RFID chip is located on a groove provided on the outer circumferential surface of the housing.

[0069] According to another aspect, the present invention relates to a steel pipe intended for use in a tubular string for energy applications and storage applications, such as operating hydrocarbon wells, geothermal and carbon capture, the steel pipe preferably being a completion pipe, the pipe comprising a male part and a box part configured to receive the male part of another second steel pipe, and a device as described above.

[0070] According to another aspect, the present invention relates to a tubular hydrocarbon column, comprising: a first tube comprising a first pin portion and a first box portion; a second tube comprising a second pin portion and a second box portion configured to be screwed into the first box portion; and at least one device as described above, which is installed to be fixed on the first box portion of the first tube. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0071] The invention and its advantages will be better understood by studying the detailed description of specific embodiments given by way of non-limiting examples and illustrated by the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0072] Figure 1is a perspective view of a cable clamping device according to an embodiment of the present invention, the cable clamping device being mounted on a first tube and having a locking lever in a locking position for a cable;

[0073] Figure 2a for Figure 1 The device of claim 1, wherein the locking lever is in an unlocked position;

[0074] Figure 2b Shown with temporary protective closure Figure 1 Devices;

[0075] Figure 3a for Figure 1 A front view of the device;

[0076] Figure 3b for Figure 3a Detail view of

[0077] Figure 4a for Figure 3a A top view of the device;

[0078] Figure 4b for Figure 4a Another embodiment of the device;

[0079] Figure 5 is in the open position before being installed on the first tube Figure 2a Devices;

[0080] Figure 6 for Figure 2a Detailed view of the device;

[0081] Figure 7 For along Figure 4a A longitudinal sectional view taken along line VII-VII;

[0082] Figure 8 and Fig. 9 An example of a retention mechanism for a locking lever in a locked position;

[0083] Fig.10 is a perspective view of a cable clamping device according to another embodiment of the present invention, the cable clamping device being mounted on a first tube and having a locking lever in a locking position for a cable;

[0084] Fig.11 for Fig.10 A cross-sectional view of a device showing a locking lever of the locking mechanism in a locked position; and

[0085] Fig.12 for Fig.10 sectional view of a device of the type shown, showing a locking lever of the locking mechanism in an unlocked position. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0086] In the following description, the terms "longitudinal", "lateral", "vertical", "front", "rear", "left", and "right" are defined according to a general orthogonal reference as shown in the accompanying drawings, which includes:

[0087] - a longitudinal axis X, which is horizontal and runs from left to right in front view;

[0088] - a transverse axis Y, perpendicular to said longitudinal axis X and extending from the rear to the front in front view; and

[0089] - a vertical axis Z, orthogonal to the longitudinal axis X and to the transverse axis Y.

[0090] exist Figures 1 to 9 An embodiment of a cable clamping device 10 is shown in FIG. 4 ; the cable clamping device 10 extends along a longitudinal axis A1 and is designed to be mounted on a first pipe 20 , such as a completion pipe, before being operated on a drilling rig.

[0091] The first tube 20 is coaxial with the cable clamping device along the longitudinal axis A1. The first tube 20 is substantially cylindrical and includes a first lower end (not shown), which is also referred to as a pin portion, and has a male thread (not shown) provided on an outer circumferential surface of the first lower end. The first tube 20 further includes a second upper end 22 opposite to the first lower end, which is also referred to as a box portion, and has a female thread 22a provided on an inner circumferential surface of the box portion.

[0092] The male threaded portion of the first lower end of the first tube 20 is designed to cooperate with the female threaded portion of the lower tube (not shown), and the female threaded portion 22 of the first tube 20 is designed to cooperate with the female threaded portion of the lower tube (not shown). Figure 7 The male thread 32a of the male threaded portion 32 of the upper tube 30 shown in FIG.

[0093] The cable clamping device 10 is mounted around the second upper end 22 of the first tube 20. Alternatively, the first tube may be a coupling box formed as a sleeve having a substantially cylindrical shape and having an inner female thread provided on its inner circumferential surface, the inner female thread being designed to cooperate with the male thread of the lower tube (not shown) and the male thread of the upper tube 30 that follows.

[0094] The device 10 comprises a cylindrical housing 11 , for example made of a metallic material such as steel. The housing 11 is delimited radially inwardly by an inner cylindrical surface 11 a having a diameter substantially equal to the outer diameter of the first tube 20 .

[0095] The housing 11 is further delimited radially outwardly by an outer cylindrical surface 11 b and circumferentially by two tangential free ends 11 c , 11 d .

[0096] As can be seen from Figure 4, the radial cross section of the housing 11 forms an arc of a circle of angle α. Angle α is selected so that the tangential free ends 11c, 11d of the radial cross section of the housing 11 are circumferentially spaced apart by a circumferential gap J1. Angle α is less than 360°, for example in the range of 320° to 359°, for example in the range of 320° to 350°.

[0097] The housing 11 is designed to surround the box portion 22 of the first tube 20. However, the housing may be mounted on any portion of the tube.

[0098] The housing 11 is further delimited by two lateral ends 11e, 11f.

[0099] As shown, the housing 11 includes two generally cylindrical shells 12a, 12b, which are Figure 1 to the closed position shown in FIG. 4 and as shown in FIG. Figure 5 The housings are hinged relative to each other between the open position shown in FIG. 1 and in the closed position the housings surround the first steel tube 20 .

[0100] As an alternative, the housing may comprise another number of articulated housings, for example three or more.The housing may also comprise a single housing slidably mounted on the first tube.

[0101] The housing is hinged by two hinges 13a, 13b. Alternatively, the housing may be hinged by one hinge or more than three hinges.

[0102] The outer circumferential surface 11 b of the housing 11 comprises a longitudinal groove 14 near the circumferential gap J1 , the longitudinal groove comprising two coaxial longitudinal groove portions 14 a , 14 b . The groove portions 14 a , 14 b are configured to receive at least one cable 40 .

[0103] Each of the groove portions 14 a , 14 b is located at one of the two lateral ends 11 e , 11 f of the housing 11 .

[0104] The cable 40 may be an electrical cable, a control cable, a hydraulic cable or an optical cable.

[0105] Alternatively, the outer peripheral surface 11b of the housing 11 may include Figure 4a The two or more longitudinal parallel grooves 14, 14' shown in FIG. 1 , each groove 14, 14' is configured to receive at least one cable.

[0106] Alternatively, each longitudinal slot may be configured to receive two or more cables.

[0107] The housing is further delimited radially inwardly by an inner tapered surface 11g which acts as a stab guide for the second completion tubular 30. For example, the inner tapered surface 11g forms an angle in the range of 20° to 45° with respect to the longitudinal axis A1 of the outer circumferential surface 11b of the housing 11.

[0108] As in Figure 2a As can be seen in FIG. 1 , the device 10 comprises a temporary protective closure 13 covering the inner conical surface 11g of the housing 11. The purpose of said protective closure 13 is to protect the threads of the tube during transport.

[0109] As in Figure 5 As can be seen in FIG. 1 , the inner circumferential surface 11 a of the housing 11 comprises a plurality of parallel anti-rotation teeth 15 so as to prevent the housing 11 from rotating relative to the first tube 20 when locked thereto.

[0110] The device 10 further comprises a locking mechanism 16 fixed to the housing 11 in the vicinity of the circumferential gap J1 .

[0111] The locking mechanism 16 includes a locking rod 17. Figure 1 The locking positions shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 are similar to those shown in FIGS. Figure 5 and Figure 6 The locking mechanism 16 is pivotally mounted on the housing 11 between an unlocked position shown in FIG. 1 , in which the locking lever 17 is rotated toward the housing 11 and clamps the cable 40, and in which the locking lever is radially away from the housing 11. The locking mechanism 16 is configured to reduce the circumferential gap J1 of the housing 11 in the locked position, as shown in FIG. Figure 4a and Figure 4b shown.

[0112] In other words, in the locked position, the locking mechanism 16 is configured to circumferentially bring the free ends 11 c , 11 d of the housing 11 closer to each other, thereby firmly fixing the device 10 to the first tube 20 , in particular via the anti-rotation teeth 15 of the housing 11 .

[0113] The locking mechanism 16 comprises two parallel transverse cap screws 18a, 18b attached to one 11c of the free ends of the housing 11 and a locking rod 17. As non-limiting examples, the cap screws may be screws or rods.

[0114] In the locked position of the locking lever 17, each cap screw 18a, 18b slides in a corresponding through hole 11h provided in the other free end 11d of the housing 11. Alternatively, the locking mechanism may include at least one transverse cap screw, or more than two parallel cap screws. The hollow cavity is here a through hole 11h, but may be a slot or notch or have any other shape designed to allow the cap screws 18a, 18b to pass through.

[0115] The locking mechanism 16 further comprises Figure 6 1 and 2. The locking lever 17 is pivotally mounted on the two coaxial longitudinal shafts 19a, 19b shown in detail in FIG. The shafts 19a, 19b extend along a rotation axis A2 parallel to the longitudinal axis A1 of the housing 11. The locking lever 17 is pivotally mounted on the shafts 19a, 19b. Cap screws 18a, 18b are attached to the respective shafts 19a, 19b.

[0116] The cross section of the locking rod 17 has an eccentric portion 17' with respect to the rotation axis A2 near the circumferential gap J1, so that when the locking rod 17 is rotated about the longitudinal rotation axis A2 of the rod passing through the shafts 19a, 19b, the locking rod 17 contacts the housing 11 near the second free end 11d, thereby displacing the shafts 19a, 19b. The cap screws 18a, 18b connected to the shafts 19a, 19b slide in the corresponding hollow cavities, thereby bringing the first free end 11c towards the second free end 11d of the housing 11. The specific shape of the locking rod 17 near the circumferential gap allows the locking rod to be maintained in the locked position. Therefore, the eccentric portion 17' of the locking rod 17 acts as a retention system for the locking rod in the locked position by prestressing the screw caps 18a, 18b.

[0117] Alternatively, the device may comprise at least one longitudinal shaft fixed to the housing 11 , on which the locking lever 17 is pivotably mounted.

[0118] like Figure 6 As shown in FIG. 1 , an inner surface (not labeled) of the locking lever 17 of the locking mechanism 16 includes a plurality of parallel teeth 17 a or stretch marks configured to grip the cable 40 in the locked position of the locking lever 17 .

[0119] like Figure 4a and Figure 4b As shown in FIG. 1 , the outer surface 17 b of the locking lever 17 has a rounded shape so as to match the shape of the outer circumferential surface 11 b of the housing 11 in the locking position of the locking lever 17 .

[0120] like Figure 3a As shown, the locking lever 17 includes an operating portion 17 c opposite to the locking bars 18 a , 18 b so as to easily manipulate the locking lever 17 .

[0121] The locking rod 17 of the locking mechanism 16 is made of, for example, a metal material. The locking rod 17 can also be made of a plastic material.

[0122] The locking mechanism 16 further comprises Figure 6 The additional retention system 24 shown in the figure is configured to maintain the locking rod 17 in the locked position. For example, the retention system 24 includes a button pin, which is mounted on the locking rod 17 and is configured to be inserted into a corresponding hole (not marked) provided on the housing 11, so as to maintain the locking rod 17 in the locked position. As an alternative, the button can also be mounted on the housing and configured to be inserted into a corresponding hole provided on the locking rod. The retention system is not limited to such an example and can include any other element configured to maintain the locking rod in the locked position.

[0123] refer to Figure 8 Another example of a retention system 50 of a locking lever 17 in a locked position is described.

[0124] The retaining system 50 has a generally thin-wire shape, which is configured to be elastically deformable between a free position, in which the locking lever is not maintained in the locking position, and a retaining position, in which the locking lever is maintained in the locking position. The retaining position corresponds to the rest position of the retaining system 50.

[0125] The retention system 50 may be made of a flexible, deformable and resilient material, such as a thermoplastic, for example, low density polyethylene (LDPE), high density polyethylene (HDPE), thermoplastic elastomer (TPE), thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) or any material capable of elastically deforming.

[0126] The retaining system 50 comprises a first longitudinal portion 50a extending along an axis substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis A1 of the housing 11. The first longitudinal portion 50a is arranged in a safety clip 17d provided on the locking lever 17.

[0127] The holding system 50 comprises two transverse portions 50b, 50c extending from the first longitudinal portion 50a towards the operating portion 17c and connected to second and third longitudinal portions 50d, 50e respectively. The second and third longitudinal portions 50d, 50e are coaxial and extend outwards in corresponding through holes 17e, 17f provided on the locking lever 17.

[0128] like Figure 8 As shown in FIG. 5 , when the retaining system 50 is in the retaining position, the free end of each second and third longitudinal portion 50 d , 50 e is located in a corresponding slot 11 j provided in the housing 11 .

[0129] The free end of each second and third longitudinal portion 50 d , 50 e may be provided with a positioning ring 50 f , 50 g between the housing 11 and the rod 17 , said positioning ring being used to position the retaining system 50 .

[0130] When the two transverse portions 50b, 50c of the retaining system 50 are pressed towards each other along arrows F1 and F2, the second and third longitudinal portions 50d, 50e translate towards each other, unlocking the free end of said retaining system 50 from the slot 11j provided on the housing 11.

[0131] The retaining system 50 is configured to return to its rest position when no triggering action is applied to the two lateral portions 50b, 50c.

[0132] In other words, depending on the material used and / or its dimensions, the retaining system is therefore capable of being deformed under a slight triggering action, for example when the two lateral portions 50b, 50c of the retaining system 50 are pressed towards each other along the arrows F1 and F2, and of being able to return to its initial position when no triggering action is applied to the said portions.

[0133] refer to Fig. 9 Another example of a retaining system 52 of a locking lever 17 in a locked position is described.

[0134] The locking lever 17 is provided with a free end 17g opposite to the locking bars 18a, 18b.

[0135] The retention system 52 comprises two parallel lugs 52a, 52b extending from the free end 17g of the locking bar 17 towards the housing 11. Each free end of the lugs 52a, 52b comprises an attachment pin (not numbered) configured to be located in a corresponding hole 11k, 11L provided on the housing when the locking bar is maintained in the locked position.

[0136] Alternatively, the retention system 52 may include a single lug.

[0137] The outer circumferential surface 11b of the housing 11 comprises a recess 11i designed to receive, in the locked position, a locking rod 17 of the locking mechanism 16. As can be seen in FIG4 , in the locked position, the locking rod 17 does not extend radially beyond the radial dimension of the housing 11 so that it is not damaged when the tube is installed in the sleeve.

[0138] The groove 14 for the cable 40 is located in the recess 11 i for the locking lever 17 .

[0139] exist Figures 10 to 12 Another embodiment of the cable clamping device 100 is shown in FIG. Figures 1 to 9 The cable clamping device 100 extends along the longitudinal axis A′1 and is designed to be mounted on the first tube 20 , in particular around the second upper end 22 of the first tube 20 .

[0140] The device 100 comprises a cylindrical housing 111 , for example made of a metallic material such as steel. The housing 111 is delimited radially inwardly by an inner cylindrical surface 111 a having a diameter substantially equal to the outer diameter of the first tube 20 .

[0141] The housing 100 is further delimited radially outwardly by an outer cylindrical surface 111 b and circumferentially by two tangential free ends 111 c , 111 d .

[0142] As from Fig.11 As can be seen, the radial cross section of the housing 111 forms an arc of an angle α'. The angle α' is selected so that the tangential free ends 111c, 111d of the radial cross section of the housing 111 are circumferentially spaced apart by a circumferential gap J2. The angle α' is less than 360°, for example in the range of 320° to 359°, for example in the range of 320° to 350°.

[0143] The housing 111 is designed to surround the box portion 22 of the first tube 20. However, the housing may be mounted on any portion of the tube.

[0144] The housing 111 is further defined by two lateral ends 111e, 111f.

[0145] As shown, the housing 111 includes two generally cylindrical shells 112a, 112b, which are generally cylindrical. Fig.10 and Fig.11 The closed position shown in Fig.12 The housings are hinged relative to each other between the open position shown in FIG. 1 and in the closed position the housings surround the first steel tube 20 .

[0146] As an alternative, the housing may comprise another number of articulated housings, such as three or more articulated housings.The housing may also comprise a single housing slidably mounted on the first tube.

[0147] The housing is hinged by two hinges 113a, 113b. Alternatively, the housing may be hinged by one hinge or more than three hinges.

[0148] The outer circumferential surface 111b of the housing 111 includes two longitudinal parallel grooves 114a, 114b near the circumferential gap J2. Each groove 114a, 114b is configured to receive at least one cable 140, 142.

[0149] Each of the grooves 114 a , 114 b is located on one of the two lateral ends 111 e , 111 f of the housing 111 .

[0150] The cables 140, 142 may be electrical cables, control cables, hydraulic cables or optical cables. The cables may be of the same type or of different types.

[0151] Alternatively, each longitudinal slot may be configured to receive two or more cables.

[0152] The housing 111 is further defined radially inwardly by an inner tapered surface 111g which acts as a stab guide for the second completion tubular 30. For example, the inner tapered surface 111g forms an angle with respect to the longitudinal axis A'1 of the outer circumferential surface 111b of the housing 111 in the range of 20° to 45°.

[0153] The inner circumferential surface 111 a of the housing 111 may include a plurality of parallel anti-rotation teeth (not shown) to prevent the housing 111 from rotating relative to the first tube 20 when locked on the first tube 20 .

[0154] The device 100 further includes a locking mechanism 116 fixed to the housing 111 in the vicinity of the circumferential gap J2.

[0155] The locking mechanism 116 includes Fig.10 and Fig.11 The locking position shown in Fig.12 140, 142, and a locking lever 117 pivotally mounted on the housing 111 between an unlocked position shown in FIG. 141 , in which the locking lever 117 rotates toward the housing 111 and clamps the cables 140, 142, and an unlocked position in which the locking lever 117 radially moves away from the housing 111. The locking mechanism 116 is configured to reduce a circumferential gap J2 of the housing 111 in the locked position.

[0156] In other words, in the locked position, the locking mechanism 116 is configured to circumferentially bring the free ends 111 c , 111 d of the housing 111 closer to each other, thereby firmly fixing the device 100 to the first tube 20 , in particular via the anti-rotation teeth of the housing 111 .

[0157] The locking mechanism 116 includes a transverse cap screw 118 attached to one 111c of the free ends of the housing 111 and a locking rod 117. As non-limiting examples, the cap screw may be a screw or a rod.

[0158] In the locked position of the locking lever 117, the cap screw 118 slides in a corresponding through hole 111h provided in the other free end 111d of the housing 111. Alternatively, the locking mechanism 116 may include two parallel transverse cap screws, or more than two parallel cap screws. The hollow cavity is here a slot or notch 111h, but may be a through hole or have any other shape designed to allow the cap screw 118 to pass through.

[0159] The locking mechanism 116 further comprises a longitudinal shaft 119. The shaft 119 extends along a rotation axis A'2 parallel to the longitudinal axis A'1 of the housing 111. The locking lever 117 is pivotally mounted on the shaft 119. A cap screw 118 is attached to the shaft 119.

[0160] As in Fig.11 and Fig.12 As can be seen in the figure, the cross section of the locking rod 117 has an eccentric portion 117' with respect to the rotation axis A'2 near the circumferential gap J2, so that when the locking rod 117 is rotated about the longitudinal rotation axis A'2 of the rod 117 passing through the shaft 119, the locking rod 117 contacts the housing 111 near the second free end 111d, thereby displacing the shaft 119. The cap screw 118 connected to the shaft 119 slides in the corresponding hollow cavity, thereby bringing the first free end 111c towards the second free end 111d of the housing 111. The specific shape of the locking rod 117 near the circumferential gap J2 allows the locking rod to be maintained in the locked position. Therefore, the eccentric portion 117' of the locking rod 117 acts as a retention system for the locking rod in the locked position by pretensioning the screw cap 118.

[0161] Alternatively, the device may comprise two or more parallel longitudinal axes on which the locking lever 117 is pivotably mounted.

[0162] An inner surface (not labeled) of the locking bar 117 of the locking mechanism 116 may include a plurality of parallel teeth (not shown) or stretch markings configured to grip the cables 140 , 142 in the locked position of the locking bar 117 .

[0163] The outer circumferential surface 111b of the housing 111 includes a recess 111i designed to receive a locking rod 117 of a locking mechanism 116 in a locked position. Fig.11 As can be seen in FIG. 1 , in the locked position the locking bar 117 does not extend radially beyond the radial dimension of the housing 111 , so that the locking bar is not damaged when the tube is installed in the sleeve.

[0164] like Fig.11As shown in FIG. 1 , an outer surface (not numbered) of the locking lever 117 has a rounded shape so as to match the shape of the outer circumferential surface 111 b of the housing 111 in the locking position of the locking lever 117 .

[0165] The locking rod 117 of the locking mechanism 116 is made of, for example, a metal material, or may be made of a plastic material.

[0166] The locking mechanism 116 may further include additional retention systems, such as Figure 6 The retention system 24 shown in FIG. Figure 8 The retention system 50 described or referenced Fig. 9 Depicted retention system 52. As can be seen in the figures, housing 11,111 may include recessed portions of material (not numbered) in order to reduce the weight of device 10,100.

[0167] The device 10, 100 may further comprise a radio frequency identification chip (RFID chip) (not shown), for example, located in a groove on the outer surface of the housing 11, 111. The chip may contain data, such as the dimensions of the tube and / or the threaded portion. With the aid of the chip, the device does not need to be removed from the tube in order to determine such data.

[0168] The apparatus 10, 100 may also include sensors (not shown), such as pressure sensors, temperature sensors, to monitor the pressure applied to the box portion 22 of the pipe 20 and / or the pressure of the drilling fluid or cement, and the temperature of the box portion and / or the temperature of the drilling fluid or cement.

[0169] The completion tubular 20 may be equipped with the device 10 immediately after it is manufactured, before being installed on a drilling rig. The device 10, 100 may adequately protect the box portion 22 of the tubular 20 during transportation and storage of said tubular, and may therefore be considered a protective device.

[0170] After the first completion pipe 20 is installed, the next completion pipe 30 can be guided by the funnel formed by the surface so that the male threaded portion 32 of the next completion pipe 30 is inserted into the box portion 22 of the first pipe 20. Thus, the device acts as a threading guide for the next completion pipe without the need for additional tools. The first and second pipes are metal pipes intended for use in a tubular hydrocarbon column.

[0171] The device 10, 100 according to the present invention is a multi-purpose tool configured to clamp the cable, protect the box portion of the pipe and guide the male threaded portion of the second pipe to be inserted into the female threaded portion of the first pipe. The device thus has three functions and does not need to be removed before installing the completion pipe into the casing.

[0172] Furthermore, due to the fact that no tools are required to fix the device to the corresponding pipe and no tools are required to clamp the cable, the critical path activity or installation time of the pipe is significantly reduced, for example, to about 3 to 5 seconds, which significantly reduces the cost of the installation operation. Therefore, the device facilitates the installation process of the pipe in the casing string or the borehole.

Claims

1. A device (10; 100) for a first steel pipe (20), the device being designed to be fixed to a portion (22) of the first steel pipe, the first steel pipe being intended for use in a tubular string for oil and gas applications, energy applications, or storage applications, the device (10; 100) comprising: - a generally cylindrical housing (11; 111), the housing is arranged along a longitudinal axis (A1; A'1) extends and is designed to surround the portion (22) of the first steel tube (20), the housing forming an open ring so that a circumferential gap (J1; J2) exists at both free ends (11c, 11d; 111c, 111d); as well as - a locking mechanism (16; 116) fixed to the housing (11; 111) in the vicinity of the circumferential gap (J1; J2) and configured to bring the free ends (11c, 11d; 111c, 111d) of the housing (11; 111) closer to each other in the locked position; wherein the locking mechanism (16; 116) comprises a locking rod (17; 117) pivotally mounted on the housing (11; 111) and configured to rotate between an unlocked position and a locked position, in which the locking rod (17; 117) is radially away from the housing (11; 111); wherein the locking mechanism (16; 116) is further configured to clamp at least one cable (40; 140, 142) while bringing the free ends of the housing (11; 111) closer to each other in the locked position; and The inner surface of the locking rod (17; 117) of the locking mechanism (16; 116) comprises a plurality of teeth (17a) configured to clamp the cable (40; 140, 142).

2. The device (10; 100) according to claim 1, characterized in that The locking lever (17; 117) is designed to clamp the cable (40; 140, 142) in the locking position.

3. The device (10; 100) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that The housing (11; 111) comprises, near the circumferential gap (J1; J2), at least one longitudinal groove (14; 114a, 114b) extending along an axis parallel to the longitudinal axis (A1; A'1) of the housing, the at least one longitudinal groove (14; 114a, 114b) being configured to receive the at least one cable (40; 140, 142).

4. The device (10; 100) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that The locking mechanism (16; 116) comprises at least one transverse cap screw (18a, 18b; 118) attached to one of the free ends (11c; 111c) of the housing (11; 111) and the locking rod (17; 117), the cap screw (18a, 18b; 118) being located in a hollow cavity provided in the other free end (11d; 111d) of the housing (11; 111) in the locked position of the locking mechanism (16; 116).

5. The device (10; 100) according to claim 4, comprising at least one longitudinal axis (19a, 19b; 119) extending along a rotation axis (A2; A'2) parallel to the longitudinal axis (A1; A'1) of the housing (11; 111), and the locking lever (17; 117) is pivotally mounted on the longitudinal axis (19a, 19b; 119).

6. The device (10; 100) according to claim 5, characterized in that The cap screw (18a, 18b; 118) is fixed to the longitudinal axis (19a, 19b; 119) for the locking rod (17; 117).

7. The device (10; 100) according to claim 6, characterized in that The locking rod (17; 117) includes an eccentric portion (17'; 117') near the circumferential gap (J1; J2), and the eccentric portion (17'; 117') is offset relative to the rotation axis (A2; A'2) so that when the locking rod is rotated in the locked position, the eccentric shape contacts the housing (11; 111) to pre-tension the cap screw (18a, 18b; 118).

8. The device (10; 100) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that The housing (11; 111) comprises at least two shells (12a, 12b; 112a, 112b) which are hinged relative to each other between an open position and a closed position, in which the shells (12a, 12b; 112a, 112b) are configured to surround the first steel tube (20).

9. The device (10; 100) according to claim 8, characterized in that The housing (12a, 12b; 112a, 112b) is hinged via at least one hinge (13a, 13b; 113a, 113b).

10. The device (10; 100) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that The outer circumferential surface (11b; 111b) of the housing (11; 111) comprises a recess (11i; 111i) designed to receive a locking rod (17; 117) of the locking mechanism (16; 116) in the locking position.

11. The device (10; 100) according to claim 10, characterized in that The locking lever (17; 117) has a rounded shape so as to match the shape of the outer circumferential surface of the housing in the locking position.

12. The device (10; 100) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that The housing (11; 111) is made of metal material.

13. The device (10; 100) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that The locking rod (17; 117) of the locking mechanism (16; 116) is made of metal material.

14. The device (10; 100) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that The inner circumferential surface (11a; 111a) of the housing (11; 111) comprises at least one anti-rotation tooth (15).

15. The device (10; 100) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that The locking mechanism (16; 116) includes a retaining system (24, 50, 52) configured to maintain the locking lever (17; 117) in the locked position.

16. The device (10) according to claim 15, characterized in that The retaining system (50) comprises an elastically deformable linear member arranged in a safety clip (17d), wherein the safety clip is arranged on the locking rod (17), and the elastically deformable linear member is configured to be able to elastically deform between a retaining position and a free position, wherein in the retaining position, the free end of the linear member is arranged in a corresponding slot (11j) provided in the housing (11), and in the free position, the free end of the linear member is away from the slot (11j).

17. The device (10) according to claim 16, characterized in that The retaining system (50) comprises: a first longitudinal portion (50a), which extends along an axis substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis (A1) of the housing (11) and is arranged in the safety clip (17d); two transverse portions (50b, 50c), which extend from the first longitudinal portion (50a) and are respectively connected to a coaxial second longitudinal portion and a third longitudinal portion (50d, 50e), the second longitudinal portion and the third longitudinal portion extending outwardly in corresponding through holes (17e, 17f) provided on the locking rod (17), and when the retaining system (50) is in the retaining position, the free ends of the second longitudinal portion and the third longitudinal portion (50d, 50e) are located in corresponding narrow grooves (11j).

18. The device (10) according to claim 15, characterized in that The locking mechanism (16; 116) comprises at least one transverse cap screw (18a, 18b; 118) attached to one of the free ends (11c; 11c) of the housing (11; 111) and the locking rod (17; 117), the cap screw (18a, 18b; 118) being located at the other free end (11d; 11d) of the housing (11; 111) in the locked position of the locking mechanism (16; 116). 1d), wherein the retaining system (52) includes at least one lug (52a, 52b), the lug extending from a free end (17g) of the locking rod (17) opposite to the cap screw (18a, 18b) toward the housing (11), the free end of the lug (52a, 52b) including an attachment pin, the attachment pin being configured to be arranged in a corresponding hole (11k, 11L) provided on the housing when the locking rod (17) is in the locked position.

19. The device (10; 100) according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising at least one radio frequency identification chip.

20. The device (10; 100) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that The housing (11; 111) comprises an inner conical surface (11g; 111g).

21. Device (10; 110) according to claim 20, comprising a protective enclosure (13) covering the inner conical surface (11g) of the housing.

22. A steel pipe (20) for use in a tubular hydrocarbon column, the steel pipe being used as a completion pipe, the completion pipe comprising: a pin portion and a box portion (22), the box portion being configured to receive the pin portion of a further second steel pipe (30); and an apparatus (10; 100) according to any one of the preceding claims.

23. A tubular hydrocarbon column comprising: A first tube (20) comprising a first pin portion and a first box portion (22); a second tube (30) comprising a second pin portion (32) and a second box portion, wherein the second pin portion is configured to be screwed into the first box portion (22); as well as At least one device (10; 100) according to any one of claims 1 to 21, mounted so as to be fixed to the first box portion (22) of the first tube (20).

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