Bending apparatus for coiled tubing

Abstract

A bending device (10) for coiled tubing protects the entire path from reel to injector while protecting the main controlled bend from reel to injector. The bending device includes a conduit (20) and a stand (80). The conduit (20) includes a bending section (30) and a flexible section (60). The main controlled bend is isolated in the bending section (30) while the flexible section (60) is designed with a smaller adjustment elbow. Changes in the vertical angle no longer cause damage when dispensing coiled tubing from different positions on the reel. Changes in the lateral angle when dispensing coiled tubing from both sides of the reel no longer cause damage. The stand (80) can be added to make more adjustments to the lateral angle.

Description

[0001] Divisional application

[0002] This application is a divisional application of Chinese Patent Application No. 202180060266.3, filed on September 14, 2021, entitled "Bending Device for Continuous Oil Tubing".

[0003] Priority Declaration

[0004] This application claims the benefit of the following non-provisional applications, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference:

[0005] USN 17026195, filed on September 19, 2020, is entitled "Bending device for coiled tubing". Technical Field

[0006] This invention relates to oil and gas machinery and apparatus. In particular, it relates to a coiled tubing device. More specifically, it relates to a bending device for inserting coiled tubing into a wellhead. Background Technology

[0007] Coiled tubing is a standard component of well workover operations, i.e., well maintenance work such as injecting different fluids into the well. Coiled tubing is a long, continuous metal tube stored on a large spool and accessed by rotating the spool. Typically, under pressure, coiled tubing is inserted into the well through the wellhead. Coiled tubing is important because fluids can be pumped into it without relying on gravity. The fluids can be dispersants to break down deposits or release gases at the downhole location, or additives used to adjust the viscosity of the production fluids in the well.

[0008] A significant issue with coiled tubing is that the metal tubing must undergo multiple bends. The first bend occurs when the coiled tubing is distributed from the spool, as it is initially straightened. A second bend occurs as the coiled tubing passes through the gooseneck or guide arch. Then, the coiled tubing is bent a third time from the gooseneck to the injector. A fourth bend occurs as the coiled tubing is pulled from the well and bent back into the gooseneck. A fifth bend occurs when the coiled tubing is straightened from the gooseneck and rewound onto the spool. A sixth bend occurs as the straightened coiled tubing is wound back onto the spool. Four of the six bends occur at the gooseneck, and the other two occur on the spool.

[0009] Prior art patent documents related to bent coiled tubing include USP5279364, USP6695048, and USPub20040211555. US Patent Nos. 6695048, 5454419, 4899823, and 20040211555 also disclose gooseneck tubes and other arched guide structures. US Patent Nos. 6209634, 7165619, 5803168, and 7810556 disclose various guide members to protect coiled tubing from damage during bending. Knurling and excessive angles can damage coiled tubing. Gaps or other structural defects can affect strength, durability, and functionality. Damaged coiled tubing cannot protect the contents of the coiled tubing at remote downhole locations. Tears or cracks will weaken the integrity of the coiled tubing, making it impossible to safely retain fluids and gases under pressure and temperature conditions. When bending coiled tubing, the amount of bending should be controlled to reduce the risk of damage. Existing guides and arches create a smooth curve for bending the coiled tubing at a safe curvature. Furthermore, existing guides further protect the coiled tubing from the forces applied during bending. No rapid, forceful bending of the coiled tubing into place is achieved. The amount of bending and the applied bending force are controlled.

[0010] As a metal tubing, the amount of bending it can withstand before losing its structural integrity is limited. A computer model evaluated 20 cycles (6 bends) of coiled tubing before degradation within an internal tubing pressure range of 5000 psi, indicating low reusability. These 20 cycles apply to the internal coiled tubing pressurized relative to the external coiled tubing, i.e., coiled tubing used in the open. If there is no pressure differential between the internal and external coiled tubing, the computer model also evaluated 130 cycles (6 bends). The pressure differential during bending affects the service life of the coiled tubing.

[0011] Pressure bending is another protective measure for coiled tubing. U.S. Patent Nos. 4,091,867 and 6,006,839 disclose pressure equalization during the bending process. This equalizes the pressure inside and outside the coiled tubing, extending its service life. Reducing the pressure difference between the inside and outside of the coiled tubing further reduces the risk of damage during bending.

[0012] Protection of coiled tubing is limited to the coiled tubing within the bending device. Gaps exist between the coiled tubing stored on the spool or bobbin and the necking device used for bending the coiled tubing, and between the necking device used for bending and the injector at the injection wellhead. Although bending conditions are controlled within the prior art necking device, the coiled tubing is not protected until it actually reaches the prior art necking device. The distribution of coiled tubing on the spool or bobbin can lead to damage due to sharp bends or kinks as the coiled tubing is delivered to and aligned with the prior art necking device.

[0013] Figure 1 is a schematic side view of the prior art system 1 for the neck 2 at wellhead 6. Figure 1 shows that the vertical angle allocated from the reel 3 changes as more coiled tubing 4 is allocated to the injector 5. The allocated vertical angle changes continuously as the path to the neck device changes. When the vertical angle of the reel 3 changes at full capacity, medium capacity, and low capacity, there is a high risk of kinking and sharp bending damage 7 to the coiled tubing at the neck device inlet. Only one capacity level can be aligned with the prior art neck 2 to reduce the risk of damage.

[0014] Figure 2 is a top plan view of the prior art system 1 of the neck 2. Figure 2 shows the change in the lateral angle of distribution from the reel 3 as more coiled tubing 4 is distributed to the injector 5. Figure 2 shows the change in the lateral angle of distribution from the reel 3 as more coiled tubing is distributed. The lateral angle of distribution is constantly changing and swings back and forth between the ends of the reel 3 or spool. At the inlet of the neck device, the coiled tubing even has greater kinks and sharp bends 8.

[0015] Due to the rigidity of the neck 2 in the prior art, as shown in Figure 3, kinking and sharp bending damage may also occur at the connection between the neck 2 and the injector 5. The coiled tubing may be pulled at the outlet (as shown in Figure 3) or inlet (as shown in Figures 1 and 2) of the neck 2.

[0016] One object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus for inserting coiled tubing from a spool or bobbin and into a well through a wellhead.

[0017] One object of the present invention is to provide a device for protecting the continuous tubing between the reel and the bending device.

[0018] One object of the present invention is to provide a device for protecting the continuous tubing between the bending device and the wellhead injector.

[0019] One object of the present invention is to provide a bending device that is aligned with the vertical and lateral distribution angles of a roll.

[0020] Another object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus with a flexible conduit for bending a continuous tubing from a reel to an injector.

[0021] Another object of the present invention is to provide a device having a conduit, the distal flexible portion of which aligns a continuous tubing from a reel with the device.

[0022] Another object of the present invention is to provide a device having a conduit, the proximal flexible portion of which aligns a continuous tubing from the device with an injector.

[0023] Another object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus having an adjustable support frame for a flexible catheter.

[0024] Another object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus for eliminating pressure differentials in a coiled tubing when bending it in a pressure conduit.

[0025] One object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus for reducing bending stress in coiled tubing between the reel and the apparatus of the present invention.

[0026] One object of the present invention is to provide a safe and reliable apparatus and method for distributing coiled tubing to bend to the wellhead.

[0027] These and other objects and advantages of the invention will become apparent from reading the accompanying specification. Summary of the Invention

[0028] Embodiments of the present invention include a bending device for inserting coiled tubing from a reel into a wellhead via an injector. The coiled tubing is stored on the reel and either unwound and distributed to the wellhead, or wound up and collected from the wellhead. The vertical angle of the coiled tubing distributed from different positions on the reel varies. The lateral angle of the coiled tubing distributed from one side of the reel to the other also varies. Even with prior art devices protecting controlled bending from the reel to the injector, the varying vertical and lateral angles of the coiled tubing between the reel and the bending device cannot prevent damage to the coiled tubing. The bending device of the present invention ultimately protects the coiled tubing along the entire path from the reel to the injector, while also protecting against the primary controlled bending or critical bending from the reel to the injector.

[0029] An embodiment of the bending device includes a guide tube and a stand. The guide tube has a proximal end and a distal end, which determine the guide tube bending angle. The guide tube is bent, and the bending angle corresponds to the amount of bending of the coiled tubing that enters the guide tube in one direction and exits the guide tube in another direction. The stand is connected to the proximal end of the guide tube. The stand consists of a plate and a base. The guide tube and the plate are rotatable relative to the base. The base can be fixed to the injector. The stand accommodates additional variations in the lateral angle between the coiled tubing and the reel, variations that the guide tube cannot accommodate.

[0030] To accommodate variations in the vertical angle and lateral angle of the coiled tubing on the reel, the guide tube comprises a bend and a flexible section. The bend has an injector end facing proximal to the reel and a spool end facing distal to the reel, which determine the bend angle. The flexible section has a first flexible end facing proximal to the reel and a second flexible end facing distal to the reel, which determine the flexible bend angle. The guide tube bend angle is composed of the bend angle and the flexible bend angle. The main controlled bend is isolated in the bend, while a smaller adjusting bend is designed for the flexible section. When dispensing coiled tubing from different positions on the reel, variations in the vertical angle no longer cause damage because the flexible bend angle can be adjusted accordingly. When dispensing coiled tubing from different positions on the reel, variations in the lateral angle no longer cause damage because the flexible bend angle can also be adjusted accordingly. The test bench complements the guide tube; therefore, the test bench of this invention has a smaller range of rotation than other test benches.

[0031] Embodiments of the present invention include a bend between a flexible portion and a proximal end, and a flexible portion between the bend and the proximal end. Furthermore, the bend can prevent the same impact between the distal and proximal ends. The bend can be controlled to provide equal protection for bend sharpness, bend force magnitude, and bend rate, thereby preventing damage and kinking of the coiled tubing. That is, the bend can have an impact sleeve to protect the coiled tubing. The bend can also be pressurized to equalize the pressure inside and outside the coiled tubing, reducing the pressure on the coiled tubing at the bend. The bend can also be lubricated to facilitate the passage of the coiled tubing.

[0032] Additional embodiments of the invention include a rigid or flexible bend and a conduit with additional flexibility, such that the bend has flexibility at both ends. Some embodiments do not include a test bench, depending on the amount of flexibility required to adjust the lateral angle of the coiled tubing away from the reel.

[0033] The invention also includes a support device for the flexible section. The support device includes a first support frame located at a first flexible end and a second support frame located at a second flexible end. A support arm may be disposed between the first and second support frames. The support arm can extend, retract, and rotate to accommodate changes in position. Although the flexible section is flexible, it must still be sufficiently stable and robust to deliver the coiled tubing to a critical bend within the bend, or to deliver the coiled tubing to the injector after a critical bend.

[0034] In some embodiments, the bend is flexible, meaning the catheter has both a flexible bend and a flexible portion, thus exhibiting flexibility from proximal to distal. In this embodiment, the flexible portion and the flexible bend are modular. The catheter bend angle still consists of the bend angle and the flexible bend angle, but the bend is no longer specified as a critical bend or a primary controlled bend for the injector; therefore, the flexible bend angle is not limited to being smaller than the bend angle. The catheter bend angle is simply the net set of the bend angle (flexible) and the flexible bend angle (also flexible). Furthermore, any flexible bend may also include support devices for achieving stability.

[0035] In the relevant embodiments, the conduit is flexible and not divided into other parts. Because the conduit is flexible, its bending angle is variable. In this embodiment, a support frame is optional, although the frame can also accommodate changes in the lateral angle between the coiled tubing and the reel. Thus, the entire conduit can accommodate changes in the vertical angle between the coiled tubing and the reel, and the lateral angle of the coiled tubing. Due to the flexibility of the conduit, additional support is required to maintain the position of the distal end relative to the proximal end. Support arms can be connected to different components to properly position the distal end. Furthermore, the entire flexible conduit can be pressurized. Attached Figure Description

[0036] Figure 1 is a schematic side view of a prior art system with a neck or guide arc.

[0037] Figure 2 is a top plan view of an existing technology system with a neck or guide arc.

[0038] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of the connection between the neck and the injector in the prior art.

[0039] Figure 4 This is a side view of an embodiment of a bending device for coiled tubing according to the present invention.

[0040] Figure 5 This is for wellhead systems of coiled tubing according to the present invention. Figure 4 Side view of the embodiment shown.

[0041] Figure 6 This is for wellhead systems of coiled tubing according to the present invention. Figure 4 The illustrated embodiment is shown in a top plan view.

[0042] Figure 7 This is a side view of another embodiment of the bending device for coiled tubing according to the present invention.

[0043] Figure 8 This is for wellhead systems of coiled tubing according to the present invention. Figure 7 The illustrated embodiment is shown in a top plan view.

[0044] Figure 9This is a side view of yet another embodiment of the bending device for coiled tubing according to the present invention.

[0045] Figure 10 This is for wellhead systems of coiled tubing according to the present invention. Figure 9 The illustrated embodiment is shown in a top plan view.

[0046] Figure 11 This is a side view of yet another embodiment of the bending device for coiled tubing according to the present invention.

[0047] Figure 12 It is according to the invention having a support member Figure 11 Perspective view of the embodiment shown.

[0048] Figure 13 This is a partially exploded perspective view of the flexible part or flexible conduit of the bending device according to the present invention.

[0049] Figure 14 This is a perspective view of the impact sleeve of the flexible part or flexible conduit of the bending device according to the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0050] Bending coiled tubing is simply one step in the process of inserting coiled tubing through the wellhead into the well. Coiled tubing is known to be stored on a spool or bobbin and dispensed from it. It is stored in a bent or arced form and unwound from the spool or bobbin to be bent again, aligned with the injector. The injector typically inserts the coiled tubing into the wellhead under pressure. Protection of the coiled tubing during the bending step and the devices used to perform the bending are known in the prior art. However, other risks of damage exist besides bending. In particular, the paths from the spool or bobbin to the neck and from the neck to the injector carry a high risk of damage, which could render the coiled tubing inoperable or negatively impact its service life.

[0051] The present invention discloses a bending device 10 for coiled tubing to protect the coiled tubing along the entire path from the spool to the injector, while also protecting the main controlled bending from the spool to the injector. Figure 4-12An embodiment of the bending device 10 is shown, comprising a guide tube 20 and a stand 80. The guide tube 20 has a proximal end 22 and a distal end 24 opposite to the proximal end. The proximal end 22 is positioned relative to the distal end 24 to determine a guide tube bending angle 26. The guide tube 20 is bent, and the guide tube bending angle 26 corresponds to the amount of bending of the coiled tubing entering the guide tube 20 in one direction and exiting the guide tube 20 in another direction. Due to the presence of the guide tube bending angle 26, the proximal end 22 does not face the distal end 24. The surface of the proximal end 22 forms an angle relative to the surface of the distal end 24. The guide tube bending angle 26 is a controlled and protected bending to distribute the coiled tubing from the reel or spool to the injector at the wellhead.

[0052] The stand 80 is connected to the proximal end 22 of the guide tube 20. The stand 80 consists of a platform 82 connected to the proximal end 22 and a base 84 rotatably engaged with the platform 82. The guide tube 20 and the platform 82 can rotate together with respect to the base 84. The base 84 can be fixed in a suitable position relative to the injector so that the guide tube 20 can accommodate changes in the lateral angle of the coiled tubing from the reel. The base 84 complements the guide tube and is used to adjust for changes in the lateral angle of the coiled tubing from the reel.

[0053] Figure 4-12 An embodiment of a catheter 20 comprising a bend 30 and a flexible portion 60 is shown. The bend 30 has an injector end 32 facing the proximal end 22 and a spool end 34 facing the distal end 24 and opposite to the injector end 32. The injector end 32 is positioned relative to the spool end 34 to determine the bend angle 36 of the bend 30. Figure 4-12 The catheter 20 is further shown to consist of a flexible portion 60 having a first flexible end 62 facing the proximal end 22 and a second flexible end 64 facing the distal end 24 and opposite to the first flexible end 64. The first flexible end 62 is disposed relative to the second flexible end 64 to determine the flexible bending angle 66 of the flexible portion 60.

[0054] Figure 4-6 Figures 11 and 12 show an embodiment of the bending device 10, wherein the bending portion 30 is located between the flexible portion 60 and the proximal end 22. Figure 7-8 Figures 11 and 12 show an embodiment of the bending device 10, wherein the flexible portion 60 is located between the bending portion 30 and the proximal end 22. Figure 9-10 An embodiment with an additional flexible portion 160 is shown, wherein the flexible portion 60 is present at the proximal end 22 and the additional flexible portion 160 is present at the distal end 24.

[0055] The bending angle 36 prevents collision between the distal end 24 and the proximal end 22. Analogous to the protection of the neck and guide in the prior art, the bending angle 36 of the bend 30 reduces bending stress and avoids kinking in controlled bending as in the prior art. The flexible bending angle 66 also prevents collision between the distal end 24 and the proximal end 22. The flexible bending angle 66 also reduces bending stress and avoids kinking in controlled bending as in the prior art.

[0056] Figure 4-8 The bending portion 30 is shown to be rigid, while Figure 9-12 The bending portions 30 and 330 are shown to be flexible. Figure 4-8 The embodiment shows that the bend 30 is rigid. The bend angle 36 can be constant. The positions of the injector end 32 and the spool end 34 are fixed. Figure 9-12 An embodiment of the flexible bending portion 30 is shown.

[0057] in particular Figure 9-10 The diagram shows an additional flexible portion 160, with a curved portion 30 located between the flexible portion 60 and the additional flexible portion 160. Figure 9-10 Furthermore, the bend 330 is also flexible. The bend angle is variable. The injector end 332 and the spool end 334 can move relative to each other.

[0058] Figure 4-12 All embodiments of the bending device 10 show that the conduit bending angle 26 consists of a bending angle 36 and a flexible bending angle 66. Figure 4-8 In this configuration, the flexible bending angle 66 is smaller than the bending angle 36. The bending angle 36 of the bending section 30 is responsible for most of the bending operations from the reel or spool to the injector. The bending section 30 can be controlled to provide the same protection for the sharpness of the bend, the magnitude of the bending force, and the rate of bending, thereby preventing damage and kinking in the coiled tubing. The flexible section 60 is adapted for finer adjustments to the vertical and lateral angles between the coiled tubing and the reel or spool. A platform assists in adjusting the lateral angle. Figure 4-8 The critical bend of the injector in the bend section 30 and the minor bend in the flexible section 60 are separated, and these bends are related to the adjustment required by the mechanical action of winding and unwinding from the spool.

[0059] An embodiment of device 10 includes a device 50 for accessing or exiting conduit 20. Figure 4-12A device 50 for passage is shown, including a proximal stripper 52 detachably connected to the proximal end 22 and a distal stripper 54 detachably mounted to the distal end 24. Other embodiments include a proximal flange bracket 56 at the proximal end 22 and a distal flange bracket 58 at the distal end 24 to stabilize the proximal end 22 and distal end 24 via these components (i.e., the proximal stripper 52, distal stripper 54, proximal flange bracket 56, and distal flange bracket 58). Alignment and stabilization of the coiled tubing at the proximal end 22 are important for safe insertion into the injector. At this junction, under pressure and mating with the wellhead, stability, support, and a reduction in the risk of coiled tubing damage are required.

[0060] In some embodiments, such as Figure 13-14 As shown, the bending portion 30 may be composed of multiple impact sleeves 38 concentrically aligned from the proximal end 22 to the distal end 24. Each impact sleeve 38 has an inner surface and an outer surface. Each impact sleeve may consist of a core 38A forming the inner surface, a shielding portion 38B surrounding the resin core, and multiple bearings 38C disposed on the inner surface, outer surface, or both the inner and outer surfaces. The core 38A may be made of polytetrafluoroethylene or perfluoroalkoxy polymer resin. The shielding portion 38B protects the core 38A from wear and damage to the conduit 20. Figure 14 The bearing 38C is shown to be located on the inner surface, the outer surface, or both. These impact sleeves 38 protect the coiled tubing during the main controlled bending or critical bending of the injector. The amount of bending and the magnitude of the bending force are controlled by the impact sleeves 38 to reduce the risk of damage to the coiled tubing.

[0061] exist Figure 4 , 11 In embodiments 1 and 12, the bend can also be pressurized. When the coiled tubing passes through the bend, the pressure inside and outside the coiled tubing is balanced, extending the service life of the coiled tubing. Pressure control inside and outside the coiled tubing reduces bending stress. Figure 4 , 11 Figures 1 and 12 illustrate a device 40 for pressurizing the bend 30 from the injector end 32 to the spool end 34. The pressurizing device 40 includes a pressure hose 42 that is fluidly connected to the bend 30 at the injector end 32. The pressure hose 42 can regulate the pressure within the bend 30. The pressurizing device 40 may include other components, such as a pump, seals, valves, O-rings, a drain ring 44, and a drain hose 46, to control the pressure, including releasing excess pressure from the bend 30. Similarly, the primary controlled bend or critical bend of the injector is protected within the bend 30.

[0062] Impact sleeves 38 can also be used in the flexible part 60 (e.g. Figure 13 As shown), and apply pressure to the flexible part (such as...). Figure 11-12(As shown). These protective measures in the flexible part 60 are Figure 4-8 Alternative embodiment of the bending device 10.

[0063] Figure 12 The embodiment illustrates another embodiment of the lubricated bend 30. The lubricant inside the conduit reduces friction, making it easier for the continuous tubing to pass through the conduit. Figure 12 A container 48 containing lubricant is shown. The container is positioned proximal to provide lubricant to the continuous tubing from the injector into the conduit 20 and to remove lubricant from the continuous tubing from the conduit 20 to the injector. The container 48 containing lubricant (e.g., grease or other compound) can facilitate movement through the conduit 20 without interfering with the injector.

[0064] Embodiments of the flexible part 60 also include, for example Figure 5-10 The support device 70 shown in Figure 12. The support device 70 includes a first support frame 74 located at a first flexible end 64, a second support frame 72 located at a second flexible end 62, and a plurality of support arms 76. Each support arm 76 is connected to the first support frame 74 and the second support frame 72. The support arms 76 maintain the position of the first flexible end 64 relative to the second flexible end 62. The support arms 76 can extend, retract, and rotate to accommodate changes in position. Although adjustable according to changes in the vertical and lateral angles of the reel, the flexible portion 60 can be stabilized to allow the coiled tubing to pass through any variation in vertical or lateral angles, or both. Because the distal end can accommodate a range of lateral angle variations between the coiled tubing and the reel, a test bench is no longer required. Figure 5-8 The support device 70 is shown in any position within the curved portion 30 and the flexible portion 60. Figure 7 An alternative embodiment is shown when the flexible portion 60 is located between the curved portion 30 and the proximal end 22. In this embodiment, the support arm 76 connects the first support frame 74 to the platform 82, rather than connecting the first support frame 74 to the second support frame 72. In this embodiment, the support arm 76 can be anchored to the platform 80.

[0065] Figure 9-10 Another embodiment of the invention with an additional flexible portion 160 is shown. Bends 30 and 330 are located between the flexible portion 60 and the proximal end 22, and the additional flexible portion 160 is located between the bend 30 and the proximal end 22. The flexible portions 60 and 160 are modular. The additional flexible portion 160 has a first additional flexible end 162 facing the proximal end 22 and a second additional flexible end 164 facing the distal end 24 and opposite to the first additional flexible end 162. The first additional flexible end 162 is also disposed relative to the second additional flexible end 164 to determine the additional flexible bending angle 166 of the additional flexible portion 160. The catheter bending angle 26 is composed of a bending angle 36, a flexible bending angle 66, and an additional bending angle 166. When the bend 30 is rigid, as... Figure 4-8As shown, the additional flexible bending angle 166 is less than the bending angle 36.

[0066] When the curved part is flexible, such as Figure 9-10 (and Figure 11-12 As shown, the limitations on the bending angle 36 and the flexible bending angle 66 (and the additional flexible bending angle 166) can be relatively small. The bends 30 and 330 are no longer specified as critical or primary controlled bends for the injector; therefore, the flexible bending angle 66 and the additional flexible bending angle 166 are not limited to being less than the bending angle 36. The catheter bending angle is simply the net set of the bending angle (flexible) and the flexible bending angle (also flexible). The additional flexible bending angle is also flexible.

[0067] Figure 9-10 It is further shown that the bends 30, 330 are flexible rather than rigid, and the bend angle 36 is variable rather than constant. The bends 30, 330 now require support to maintain the position of the spool end 34 relative to the injector end 32. In this alternative embodiment, the device 10 also includes a bend support device 370. The bend support device 370 consists of a first bend support frame 372 located at the injector end 32, a second bend support frame 374 located at the spool end 34, and a plurality of support arms 376. Each support arm 376 is connected to the first bend support frame 374 and the second bend support frame 372. The support arms 376 maintain the position of the spool end 34 relative to the injector end 32 at the bend angle 36. Although... Figure 9-10 A module style with an additional flexible section 160 is shown, but the bending support device is also compatible with only one flexible section and is compatible at any location of the flexible section and the bending section.

[0068] Figure 11-12 Another alternative embodiment of the invention is shown. (Compared to...) Figure 9-10 Similarly, since the curved portion is flexible and the flexible portion is flexible, the present invention can be restated as the entire conduit 20 being flexible. Figure 11-12 This scenario is illustrated. The bending device 210 for coiled tubing includes a conduit 220 and a support device 270. The conduit 220 has a proximal end 222 and a distal end 224 opposite to the proximal end. The proximal end 222 is positioned relative to the distal end 224 to determine a conduit bending angle 226 of the conduit 20. The conduit 220 is flexible, so the conduit bending angle 226 is variable. A stand is optionally connected to the proximal end 222 of the conduit 220 (not shown). The optional stand may also consist of a base connected to an injector and a plate rotatably engaged with the base. The conduit 220 and the plate can rotate together with the base. The base is optional because the distal end 224 can be adjusted for the vertical angle of the coiled tubing from the reel and for the lateral angle along the front and rear of the reel. The support device 270 can be adjusted in multiple dimensions to accommodate adjustments of the vertical and lateral angles.

[0069] Because the conduit 220 is flexible, support is required to maintain the position of the distal end 224 relative to the proximal end 222. The support device 270 may consist of a first support frame 272 located at the proximal end 222 and a second support frame 274 located at the distal end 224. The second support frame 274 may be attached to other structures to maintain the position of the distal end 224, thereby aligning it with the continuous tubing from the reel. Other structures, such as brackets and support arms 276, may also be used. Figure 12 The first support frame 272 can be adjusted according to different vertical and lateral angles of the continuous tubing on the reel. It can also be connected to other structures, such as a bracket connected to the injector. Figure 12 ).

[0070] Figure 12 A specific embodiment of the support device 270 is shown. The support device 270 also includes a plurality of first support arms 276 connected above and to the top side of the second support frame 274, and a plurality of second support arms 278 connected below and to the bottom side of the second support frame 274. The support arms 276, 278 maintain the position of the distal end 224 relative to the proximal end 222 at a guide bend angle 226. The guide bend angle 226 still allows for safe distribution of coiled tubing from the spool to the injector at the wellhead. The support arms 276, 278 are telescopic and rotatable to adjust their length and orientation as the distal end 224 adjusts to accommodate changes in the vertical and lateral angles of the coiled tubing from the spool or reel.

[0071] In alternative embodiments, conduit 220 may also be pressurized. A device 240 is included for pressurizing conduit 220 from distal end 224 to proximal end 222. The pressurizing device 240 includes a pressure hose 242 that is in fluid connection to the conduit at the proximal end 222. The pressure hose 242 can regulate the pressure within conduit 220. Other components of the pressurizing device 240 include pumps, seals, valves, and other known components. Alternative embodiments also include conduit 220 lubricated by a collector 48 to coat and remove lubricant as the continuous tubing passes through conduit 220 in both directions.

[0072] This invention provides a bending device for inserting coiled tubing from a spool or bobbin and into a wellhead. The bending device protects the coiled tubing between the spool and the bending device, and between the bending device and the wellhead injector. Between the spool and the bending device, the vertical angle allocated to the spool changes as the coiled tubing is unwound and wound up. As the coiled tubing is unwound and wound up, the lateral angle allocated to the spool swings back and forth on the spool. The bending device of this invention includes a flexible section to accommodate these changing angles, thus preventing damage such as tearing, strain, and kinking. A stand can provide a rotary engagement for additional adjustments to accommodate changes in the lateral angle. Compared to the prior art, this invention reduces the amount of rotation. This invention can be adapted to more locations with less movement.

[0073] It also includes a bend section for safely and reliably bending the coiled tubing into the injector. The bend section provides protection against bending amount, bending rate, and bending force. Critical bending or main controlled bending can be separated from the bend section. The bend section can also be pressurized to equalize the inside and outside of the coiled tubing during critical bending.

[0074] In some embodiments, the curvature of the flexible portion may be less than that of the bend. The flexible portion fine-tunes the alignment of the coiled tubing to prevent tearing, straining, or kinking as the coiled tubing enters or exits the conduit. The flexible portion at the distal end of the conduit can be adjusted before the coiled tubing enters the bend. The flexible portion can also be located proximally for adjustment after the coiled tubing exits the bend. The invention also includes an adjustable support for the flexible portion. The flexible portion is adjustable, but it must also be sufficiently stable to maintain alignment with the conduit.

[0075] In other embodiments, an additional flexible portion is provided. Adjustable flexible portions may be provided at both the distal and proximal ends.

[0076] It may also include a flexible bend. The critical bend may still be separated from the flexible bend. Components (e.g., impact sleeves) may still limit flexibility to prevent damage to the coiled tubing. Therefore, the conduit may have both a flexible bend and a flexible section, or the conduit may be flexible from distal to proximal. The above embodiments remain adjustable for the vertical and lateral angles of coiled tubing dispensing from the reel or spool, and these embodiments still require a support system for the flexible section or flexible conduit.

[0077] The above disclosure and description of the present invention are illustrative and explanatory. Details of the shown structures, constructions, and methods may be altered without departing from the true nature of the invention.

Claims

1. A bending device (10) for coiled tubing, the device comprising: The catheter (20) has a proximal end (22) and a distal end (24) opposite the proximal end. The proximal end is positioned relative to the distal end to determine the catheter bending angle (26) of the catheter. The catheter (20) mentioned above includes: A bend (30) having an injector end (32) facing the proximal end and a spool end facing the distal end, the distal end being opposite the spool end, wherein the injector end is positioned relative to the spool end to determine the bend angle (36) of the bend; and The flexible portion (60) has a first flexible end (62) facing the proximal end and a second flexible end (64) facing the distal end and opposite to the first flexible end. The first flexible end is positioned relative to the second flexible end to determine the flexible bending angle (66) of the flexible portion. The catheter bend angle is composed of the bend angle and the flexible bend angle to isolate the critical bend of the injector in the bend (30) and to isolate the smaller bend corresponding to the adjustment required for unwinding and rewinding from the spool in the flexible section (60); and The flexible bending angle is smaller than the bending angle, which protects the coiled tubing from damage when it bends at the bending section with the bending angle.

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