Sealing basket

Abstract

The invention relates to a sealing basket (1) for sealing a space (300) between a first tube (100) and a second tube (200). Thereby, the first tube (100) extends at least partially within the second tube (200). The sealing basket (1) comprises a mounting portion (2) configured for mounting on an outside portion of a first tube (100). The sealing basket (1) further comprises an annular portion (3) having a first end portion (4) and a second end portion (5) and having a tapered region between the second end portion (5) and the first end portion (4). The first end portion (4) is connected to the mounting section (2) such that the annular section (3) is pivotable relative to the mounting section (2). The second end portion (5) is configured to be in contact with an inner surface of the second tube (200) to seal a space (300) between the first tube (100) and the second tube (200).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to a sealing basket for sealing a space between a first pipe and a second pipe, in particular in the field of oil production. Furthermore, the invention relates to a corresponding method and a corresponding system. Prior art

[0002] In the field of oil extraction, in particular in the field of offshore oil production, safety is highly relevant. Oil rigs are usually installed far from the shore, which complicates the rescue of workers in the event of an emergency. In addition, the limited space on the oil rig carries the risk of not being able to escape from burning substances or escaping gases. In addition, measures for damage repair and / or limitation involve a considerable amount of work and are often complex to implement. Exemplarily, for firefighting that cannot be carried out on site on the oil rig, fireboats and / or helicopters are required.

[0003] Furthermore, oil and / or gas leaks beneath the water surface are more difficult to control and contain than oil and / or gas leaks on the Earth's surface, for example in a desert. Additionally, environmental damage is often greater in the case of offshore oil spills, since oil can spread unhindered in the ocean and it is not possible to clean up the local soil as with oil on land. These aspects became particularly evident during the Deepwater Horizon oil spill in 2010 and the containment of the associated oil spill.

[0004] A particularly critical area in offshore and / or underwater applications is a place where a first pipe conducting oil is surrounded by another second pipe, which is used, for example, to stabilize the borehole and / or to protect the first oil pipe. When the oil pipe is surrounded by another pipe, inspection of the oil pipe is impossible or only partially possible because the accessibility of robots and / or divers to the corresponding equipment is hindered. Therefore, this area must be reliably sealed. One way to solve this problem is to fill the space between the inner pipe (i.e., the oil pipe) and the outer pipe with a filling medium such as cement. Using the terminology of oil drilling technology, the space between the inner pipe and the outer pipe can be called an annular space. As a result, corrosion and / or oil leakage of the inner pipe can be effectively prevented.

[0005] However, another problem is that the space between the inner and outer pipes must be sealed so that the filling medium fills the defined section and does not diffuse into the surrounding area, as this would have a negative impact on the seal or even prevent proper sealing. This is generally not a problem if the space between the inner and outer pipes is naturally sealed, for example, by the solid seabed. However, if, for example, the outer pipe ends above the seabed as seen from an oil platform, the liquid filling medium must be prevented from flowing unhindered into the sea. Likewise, if, for example, the outer pipe ends below the surface before the inner pipe ends, the filling medium must be prevented from diffusing between the inner pipe and the larger borehole. Therefore, corresponding sealing elements are required.

[0006] When trying to seal the space between the inner and outer pipes with the aid of sealing elements, the problem is that the filling medium, such as cement, has a high density and the sealing elements must therefore withstand high forces. In addition, the central axes of the pipes are often tilted and / or offset from each other, making proper sealing difficult. These deviations in the alignment of the pipes must be compensated by the sealing elements.

[0007] It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide an improved sealing element which allows sealing of the space between an inner tube and an outer tube for different tube arrangements, in particular for filling with media having a high density. Summary of the invention

[0008] This object is achieved at least in part by the subject matter of the independent claims and in particular by a sealing basket for sealing a space between a first tube and a second tube according to claim 1. Further embodiments of the invention are defined in the dependent claims.

[0009] In particular, the object is achieved at least in part by a sealing basket for sealing a space between a first tube and a second tube, wherein the first tube extends at least partially within the second tube and wherein the sealing basket comprises: a mounting section configured to be mounted on an outer portion of the first tube; and an annular section having a first end portion and a second end portion. The annular section has a tapered region between the second end portion and the first end portion. Furthermore, the first end portion is connected to the mounting section so that the annular section is pivotable relative to the mounting section. The second end portion of the annular section is configured to contact an inner surface of the second tube to seal the space between the first tube and the second tube.

[0010] The space between the inner and outer tubes may be referred to as an annulus, particularly when using the terminology of oil drilling technology.Further details regarding the first and second tubes and their configuration are provided below with respect to the description of the system according to the invention.

[0011] The mounting section can be sealingly mounted on the outer part of the first pipe. In addition, the mounting section can have an annular shape. Optionally, the mounting section has the shape of a hollow cylindrical member. The mounting section in the shape of a hollow cylindrical member can include at least two sections in the axial direction and / or perpendicular to the axial direction. In addition, the mounting section can be provided with a seal, which is configured to contact the outer part of the first pipe. In addition, the mounting section and the annular section can form a through hole. The mounting section can have an inner diameter in the range of between 10cm and 30cm, optionally between 15cm and 25cm, further optionally between 18cm and 22cm.

[0012] The annular section can be connected to the mounting section sealingly. In addition, the annular section has a tapered area between the second end portion and the first end portion. The tapered area can extend from the second end portion to the first end portion. Alternatively, the tapered area can only exist in a partial section between the second end portion and the first end portion. Further, the annular section can have a plurality of tapered areas (at least two), thereby providing a gradual tapering of the annular section between the second end portion and the first end portion. Therefore, the volume to be filled and / or sealed between the first tube and the second tube can be tapered toward the first tube. In particular, from the filling direction (that is, from the second end portion of the annular section toward the first end portion), the volume to be filled and / or sealed can be tapered toward the first tube. Therefore, the volume can be easily filled and / or improved load distribution can be achieved.

[0013] The term "annular" may include a circular shape, an elliptical shape and / or a shape that is substantially formed as a circle. At the second end portion, the annular segment may have an equivalent diameter in the range of between 20 cm and 45 cm, optionally between 25 cm and 40 cm, further optionally between 30 cm and 35 cm, wherein the term equivalent diameter corresponds to the diameter of a circle having the same total cross-sectional area as the annular segment at its second end portion. The equivalent diameter of a circle corresponds to the diameter of the circle. Furthermore, at the first end portion, the annular segment may have an equivalent diameter in the range of between 10 cm and 30 cm, optionally between 15 cm and 25 cm, further optionally between 18 cm and 22 cm.

[0014] The surface of the ring segment between the first end portion and the second end portion may be inclined at an angle of between 3 and 25 degrees, optionally between 5 and 20 degrees, further optionally between 7 and 15 degrees, and even further optionally between 8 and 12 degrees relative to the central axis of the ring segment. Thus, the load capacity of the sealing basket may be optimized. This is because instability of the ring segment may be avoided.

[0015] The center axis of the first tube and the center axis of the second tube can be tilted and / or offset relative to each other. The annular section that is pivotable relative to the mounting section can be configured to compensate for the tilt and / or offset between the first tube and the second tube. The annular section can be pivoted relative to the mounting section (and therefore, relative to the first tube when mounted on the outer portion of the first tube) in each direction by at least 1 degree, optionally at least 3 degrees, further optionally at least 5 degrees and even further optionally at least 10 degrees. Therefore, different tube configurations can be sealed by the sealing basket. In addition, the annular section can be flexible so that the center axis of the first end portion can be radially offset and / or tilted from the center axis of the second end portion. Therefore, the sealing basket can provide appropriate sealing in the event that the center axis of the first tube and the center axis of the second tube are tilted and / or offset relative to each other.

[0016] The term "seal" may refer to a medium that is to achieve a sealing effect. The sealing basket may seal the space between the first tube and the second tube against cement. The sealing basket may be permeable to water and / or air. This may facilitate filling of the sealing basket. The sealing basket may be configured to receive a filling medium such that the filling medium is in contact with an outer portion of the first tube and an inner surface of the second tube at least near the second end portion of the annular segment.

[0017] The filling medium can be a curable material. In addition, the filling medium can be a cement material, such as polymer cement, hydraulic cement, portland cement, portland cement blends and / or fiber reinforced cement.

[0018] The annular segment may include an annular sealing member comprising a resilient material, such as a rubber-based material, an elastomeric material, a thermoplastic material, a thermoset material, a fiber-reinforced composite material, and / or a fabric material.

[0019] Since the annular sealing member has a tapered area between the second end portion and the first end portion, the volume to be filled and / or sealed between the first tube and the second tube also tapers from the inner wall of the second tube towards the outer wall of the first tube. In particular, the volume to be filled and / or sealed can taper towards the first tube, seen in the filling direction. Thus, the volume can be easily filled and / or an improved load distribution can be achieved.

[0020] Fiber reinforced composite materials can include fibers such as glass fibers, carbon fibers and / or aramid fibers. The fibers can be short fibers, unidirectional fibers, woven fibers and / or fabric fibers. The fibers can be of natural origin and / or synthetic. The fibers can be embedded in elastic materials such as rubber-based materials, elastomeric materials, thermoplastic materials, thermosetting materials. Therefore, the characteristics of the sealing member can be suitable for a specific filling medium. If cement with high density is used as the filling medium, high-strength carbon fibers can be used.

[0021] The annular sealing member may be configured to press against the mounting element. In addition, the annular sealing member may be configured to press against the outer portion of the first tube. In addition, the annular sealing member may be configured to contact the inner surface of the second tube to seal the space between the first tube and the second tube. An improved sealing behavior can thereby be achieved.

[0022] The surface of the annular sealing member between the first end portion and the second end portion may be inclined at an angle between 3 and 25 degrees, optionally between 5 and 20 degrees, further optionally between 7 and 15 degrees, and even further optionally between 8 and 12 degrees relative to the central axis of the annular sealing member. Thus, the load capacity of the sealing basket may be optimized. This is because instability of the annular sealing member may be avoided.

[0023] The annular segment may include at least one first stabilizing member attached to the inner surface and / or the outer surface of the annular sealing member, wherein the at least one first stabilizing member has an annular shape and wherein, optionally, the first end portion and the second end portion are spaced apart from each other by a distance X and the first stabilizing member is displaced from the second end portion by at most X / 2, optionally at most X / 3, further optionally at most X / 4, and even further optionally at most X / 5.

[0024] The at least one first stabilizing member can stabilize the shape of the annular sealing member. Thus, the load capacity of the sealing basket can be increased. Furthermore, the at least one first stabilizing member can be configured to pre-tension the annular sealing member on the inner surface of the second tube. Thus, a better seal can be achieved. Furthermore, by the displacement of the at least one first stabilizing member from the second end portion as mentioned above, the annular sealing member can achieve improved shape stabilization and improved pre-tensioning force.

[0025] The annular segment may comprise at least one second stabilizing member attached to the inner and / or outer surface of the annular sealing member, wherein the at least one second stabilizing member extends substantially in a linear direction, wherein, optionally, the central axis of the at least one second stabilizing element and the annular sealing member lies substantially in one plane.

[0026] The at least one second stabilizing member can stabilize the annular sealing element against buckling. This may be particularly applicable for high pivot angles of the annular section relative to the mounting section. Furthermore, the at least one second stabilizing member can stabilize the annular sealing element against vertical loads. Vertical loads can occur, for example, when a vertically mounted sealing basket is filled with a filling medium from above.

[0027] The at least one first stabilization member and / or the at least one second stabilization member may be formed integrally with the annular sealing member.Therefore, the at least one first stabilization member and / or the at least one second stabilization member may be protected from the filling medium.

[0028] Optionally, the mounting section comprises at least one guide element, wherein the annular section comprises at least one pivot element, wherein the at least one pivot element and the at least one guide element are configured to be slidably and / or rotatably engaged.

[0029] The at least one pivot element and the at least one guide element may be configured to allow a translational movement relative to each other in all spatial directions. Thus, a high flexibility of the sealing basket may be achieved. Furthermore, the at least one pivot element and the at least one guide element may be configured to allow a translational movement relative to each other in a plane. The plane may be tangential to a diameter of the mounting section. Furthermore, the at least one pivot element and the at least one guide element may be configured to allow a translational movement relative to each other in one direction. By limiting the translational movement of the at least one pivot element and the at least one guide element relative to each other, the stability of the sealing basket may be increased.

[0030] The at least one pivot element and the at least one guide element may be configured to allow a rotational movement relative to one another about all spatial directions. Thus, a high flexibility of the sealing basket may be achieved.

[0031] The at least one pivot element may include a groove, a slot, a pin, a screw, a bolt and / or a rib.

[0032] At least one pivot element may extend along an outer surface of the annular sealing member, wherein at least one pivot element optionally extends substantially in a linear direction, wherein at least one pivot element is further optionally attached to the annular sealing member, wherein at least one pivot element even further optionally is beam-shaped.

[0033] The at least one pivot element may be a rod, a bolt and / or a beam.The at least one pivot element may have a circular cross section, an oval cross section and / or an angular cross section, such as a rectangular cross section.

[0034] The at least one pivoting element and the at least one guiding element may be configured such that a rotational movement of the at least one pivoting element around an extension direction of the pivoting element is fixed. Thus, the vertical stability of the sealing basket may be increased.

[0035] At least one pivot element may extend further at the second end portion in a direction opposite to the first end portion than the annular sealing member, wherein the at least one pivot element may optionally bend inwardly toward the central axis of the annular segment. In particular, a tip portion of the at least one pivot element near the second end portion may bend inwardly toward the central axis of the annular segment.

[0036] If at least one pivot element is bent inwardly towards the central axis of the ring segment, a wider contact surface of the pivot element on the inner surface of the second tube can be achieved. Thus, the adjustment of the ring segment can be enhanced.

[0037] At least one guide element may be arranged on an outer diameter of the mounting section, wherein the at least one guide element optionally comprises a groove, a slot, a pin, a screw, a bolt and / or a rib.

[0038] Optionally, the mounting section comprises a plurality of guide elements, wherein the annular section comprises a plurality of pivot elements, wherein at least one of the pivot elements and at least one of the guide elements are slidably and / or rotatably engaged.

[0039] A plurality of guide elements can be evenly distributed on the circumference of the mounting element. A plurality of pivot elements can be evenly distributed on the circumference of the annular sealing member. The mounting section can include at least 15, optionally at least 20, further optionally at least 30, and even further at least 40 guide elements. The annular section can include at least 15, optionally at least 20, further optionally at least 30, and even further at least 40 pivot elements. Therefore, the stability of the connection between the mounting section and the annular section can be increased. Optionally, each guide element in a plurality of guide elements engages with at least one pivot element.

[0040] At least one pivot element of the plurality of pivot elements and at least one guide element of the plurality of guide elements may be fixed in only rotational engagement.

[0041] Alternatively, two of the plurality of pivot elements and two of the plurality of guide elements may be fixed to be only rotatably engaged. Further alternatively, the two of the plurality of pivot elements and the two of the plurality of guide elements may be arranged opposite to each other on the circumference of the annular sealing member. Thus, the robustness of the sealing basket is enhanced while maintaining the level of flexibility.

[0042] At least one pivot element of the plurality of pivot elements and at least one guide element of the plurality of guide elements may be fixed such that no translational movement relative to each other is possible.

[0043] Furthermore, at least one of the plurality of pivot elements and at least one of the plurality of guide elements may be fixed so that the rotational movement of the at least one pivot element around the extension direction of the pivot element is fixed. Thus, the vertical stability of the sealing basket may be increased.

[0044] Optionally, the annular segment comprises at least one annular frame element, wherein the at least one annular frame element is connected to the at least one pivot element, wherein, optionally, the annular frame element at least partially surrounds the annular sealing member.

[0045] The at least one annular frame element may at least partially surround a plurality of pivot elements. Furthermore, the at least one annular frame element may support the at least one pivot element from the outside. Furthermore, the at least one annular frame element may comprise two semicircular elements.

[0046] At least one annular frame element may be fixedly connected to at least one pivot element. At least one annular frame element may be connected to at most 2, optionally at most 4, further optionally at most 8, and even further optionally at most 10 pivot elements. Thus, the flexibility of the annular section may be enhanced. At least one annular frame element may be in sliding contact with at least one pivot element.

[0047] The annular segment may include a plurality of annular frame elements, wherein the plurality of pivot elements and the plurality of annular frame elements may form a lattice structure, wherein the lattice structure optionally surrounds the annular sealing member.

[0048] At least two of the plurality of annular frame elements may be coaxially arranged. Optionally, the plurality of annular frame elements are coaxially arranged. Furthermore, each of the plurality of annular frame elements may be evenly spaced apart from another annular frame element.

[0049] The components and elements of the annular segment, such as at least one first stabilizing member, at least one second stabilizing member, annular sealing member, at least one pivoting element and at least one annular frame element, can be arranged so that the annular sealing member is sandwiched in the radial direction by at least one of the at least one first stabilizing member and at least one second stabilizing member on the one hand and by at least one pivoting element and at least one annular frame element on the other hand. In addition, at least one first stabilizing member and / or at least one second stabilizing member can be arranged radially inside the annular sealing member and / or at least one pivoting element and at least one annular frame element can be arranged radially outside the annular sealing member.

[0050] The mounting section may comprise two semicircular elements, wherein the two semicircular elements are optionally connected by means of a threaded connection, a bolt connection and / or a welded connection.

[0051] The two semicircular elements may be two halves of a hollow cylinder.

[0052] The mounting section may comprise at least one rib, wherein the at least one rib extends substantially parallel to a central axis of the mounting section, optionally at an outer diameter of the mounting section.Thereby, the stability of the mounting section may be increased.

[0053] The mounting section may include an annular clamping member, wherein the annular clamping member is configured to clamp a portion of the annular sealing member against an outer portion of the first pipe.

[0054] The annular clamping member may clamp a portion of the annular sealing member against an outer portion of the first pipe such that a seal is achieved between the first pipe and the annular sealing element.The portion of the annular sealing element may be a first end portion of the annular segment.

[0055] The present invention also relates to a method for sealing a space between a first tube and a second tube, wherein the first tube extends at least partially inside the second tube, wherein the method comprises the steps of: (a) mounting a sealing basket according to any one of claims 1 to 17 on an outer portion of the first tube; and (b) arranging the sealing basket to contact an inner surface of the second tube to seal the space between the first tube and the second tube.

[0056] The method may further include the step of: (c) filling the sealing basket with a filling medium such that the filling medium contacts the outer portion of the first tube and the inner surface of the second tube above the second end portion of the annular segment.

[0057] Arranging the seal basket may include pivoting the annular section of the seal basket relative to the mounting section of the seal basket.

[0058] Pivoting may include at least one rotational movement and / or at least one sliding movement.

[0059] Arranging the seal basket may include changing the position of the first tube and / or the second tube relative to each other. Exemplarily, the first tube with the installed seal basket may be moved vertically and / or laterally within the second tube.

[0060] The method may also include the following steps: (1) drilling a first hole in the ground surface, wherein the first hole has a diameter corresponding to the outer diameter of the second tube, and the second tube is at least partially positioned inside the first hole; (2) drilling a second hole in the ground surface inside the first hole, wherein the second hole has a diameter greater than the outer diameter of the first tube, wherein the second hole has a diameter less than the inner diameter of the second tube, and the first tube is at least partially positioned inside the second hole.

[0061] The ground surface may be a seabed. Steps (1) and (2) may be performed before steps (a) to (b) or steps (a) to (c). Furthermore, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the previously mentioned method steps may be interchanged in a meaningful manner.

[0062] The present invention also relates to a system for sealing a space between a first tube and a second tube, wherein the first tube extends at least partially within the second tube, wherein the system comprises the first tube, the second tube and a sealing basket as described above, wherein a mounting section of the sealing basket is mounted on an outer portion of the first tube, and wherein an annular section of the sealing basket contacts an inner surface of the second tube to seal the space between the first tube and the second tube.

[0063] The first pipe and / or the second pipe may be part of a casing. Casing is a series of steel pipes that extend into a drilled oil well to stabilize the well, keep contaminants and water away from the oil flow, and / or prevent oil from leaching into groundwater. Casing is installed in layers in sections of decreasing diameter that are joined together to form a casing string.

[0064] Furthermore, the first pipe may be an oil pipe of an oil drilling platform.The first pipe may have an outer diameter between 10 cm and 30 cm, optionally between 15 cm and 25 cm, further optionally between 18 cm and 22 cm.

[0065] In addition, the second pipe can be a conduit. The conduit can be a large diameter pipe set into the ground surface to provide an initial stable structural foundation for a borehole or oil well. The conduit can be a first casing string. In addition, the conduit can have a casing with the maximum diameter installed in the well. The second pipe can have an inner diameter between 20 cm and 45 cm, optionally between 25 cm and 40 cm, and further optionally between 30 cm and 35 cm.

[0066] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0067] In the following, exemplary embodiments of the present invention are described with reference to the accompanying drawings. The accompanying drawings show:

[0068] Figure 1 An exemplary sealing basket for sealing a space between a first tube and a second tube is shown in perspective view;

[0069] Figure 2 Shown in side view Figure 1 An exemplary sealing basket of;

[0070] Figure 3 An exemplary method for sealing a space between a first tube and a second tube is shown, and

[0071] Figure 4 An exemplary system for sealing a space between a first tube and a second tube is shown.

[0072] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0073] In the following, only some possible embodiments of the present invention are described in detail. It should be understood that these exemplary embodiments can be modified in various ways and can be combined with each other as long as they are compatible, and some features can be omitted as long as they appear to be dispensable.

[0074] Figure 1 An exemplary sealing basket 1 is shown for sealing a space 300 between a first tube 100 and a second tube 200, wherein the first tube 100 extends at least partially within the second tube 200 (see also Figure 4 ), wherein the sealing basket 1 includes: a mounting section 2, the mounting section 2 being configured to be mounted on an outer portion of a first tube 100; and an annular section 3, the annular section 3 having a first end portion 4 and a second end portion 5, wherein the first end portion 4 is connected to the mounting section 2 so that the annular section 3 is pivotable relative to the mounting section 2, and wherein the second end portion 5 is configured to contact an inner surface of the second tube 200 to seal a space 300 between the first tube 100 and the second tube 200.

[0075] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 The sealing basket 1 depicted in comprises an annular sealing member 6 comprising an elastic material, ie rubber. In other embodiments, the material may be an elastomeric material, a thermoplastic material, a thermosetting material, a fiber reinforced composite material and / or a fabric material.

[0076] In addition, if Figure 1 The sealing basket 1 depicted in FIG. 1 comprises at least one first stabilizing member 7 attached to the inner surface of the annular sealing member 6, wherein the at least one first stabilizing member 7 has an annular shape and the first end portion 4 and the second end portion 5 are spaced a distance X from each other and the first stabilizing member 7 is displaced from the second end portion 6 by at most X / 3.

[0077] In addition, if Figure 1 The annular segment 3 of the sealing basket 1 depicted in FIG. 1 comprises at least one second stabilizing member 8 attached to the inner surface of the annular sealing member 6. The at least one second stabilizing member 8 extends substantially in a straight direction, wherein the central axes of the second stabilizing member 8 and the annular sealing member 6 are substantially located in one plane.

[0078] Figure 1 and Figure 2 The mounting section 2 of the sealing basket 1 includes at least one guide element 9, wherein the annular section 3 includes at least one pivot element 10, wherein the at least one pivot element 10 and the at least one guide element 9 are configured to be slidably and rotatably engaged. The depicted at least one pivot element 10 includes a slot 11. In other embodiments, the pivot element may include a groove, a pin, a screw, a bolt, and / or a rib.

[0079] The at least one pivot element 10 extends along an outer surface of the annular sealing member 6 , wherein the at least one pivot element 10 extends substantially in a straight direction, wherein the at least one pivot element is attached to the annular sealing member 6 , wherein the at least one pivot element 10 is beam-shaped.

[0080] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As depicted in FIG, at least one pivot element 10 extends further at the second end portion 5 in a direction opposite to the first end portion 4 than the annular sealing member 6, wherein the at least one pivot element 10 is bent inwardly towards the central axis of the annular segment 3.

[0081] In an exemplary embodiment of the sealing basket 1 , at least one guide element 9 is arranged on the outer diameter of the mounting section 2 , wherein the at least one guide element 9 comprises a pin 12 .

[0082] In addition, if Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown in , the mounting section 2 includes a plurality of guide elements 9, 13, wherein the annular section 2 includes a plurality of pivot elements 10, 14, wherein at least one of the pivot elements 10 and at least one of the guide elements 9 are slidably and rotatably engaged. In addition, at least one of the plurality of pivot elements 14 and at least one of the plurality of guide elements 13 are fixed to be only rotatably engaged.

[0083] As depicted, the annular segment of the exemplary sealing basket 1 includes at least one annular frame element 20, wherein the at least one annular frame element 20 is connected to at least one pivot element 10. The annular frame element completely surrounds the annular sealing member 6. The annular segment 3 includes a plurality of annular frame elements 20, wherein the plurality of pivot elements 10 and the plurality of annular frame elements 20 form a lattice structure, wherein the lattice structure surrounds the annular sealing member 6.

[0084] The mounting section 2 of the exemplary sealing basket 1 comprises two semicircular elements 15, wherein the two semicircular elements 15 are connected by means of a threaded connection 16. Furthermore, the mounting section 2 comprises at least one rib 17 extending substantially parallel to the central axis of the mounting section 2 at its outer diameter.

[0085] In other embodiments, the mounting section 2 may include an annular clamping member, wherein the annular clamping member may be configured to clamp a portion of the annular sealing member 6 against an outer portion of the first tube 100 .

[0086] Figure 3An exemplary method 500 for sealing a space 300 between a first tube 100 and a second tube 200 is shown, wherein the first tube 100 extends at least partially within the second tube 200, wherein the method 500 includes the steps of: (a) mounting 3000 a sealing basket 1 according to any one of claims 1 to 17 on an outer portion of the first tube 100; and (b) arranging 4000 the sealing basket 1 in contact with an inner surface of the second tube 200 to seal the space 300 between the first tube and the second tube.

[0087] like Figure 3 The exemplary method depicted in includes an optional step (c): filling 5000 the sealing basket 1 with a filling medium such that the filling medium contacts the outer portion of the first tube 100 and the inner surface of the second tube 200 above the second end portion 5 of the annular segment 3 .

[0088] The step of arranging 4000 the seal basket 1 may include pivoting the annular section 3 of the seal basket 1 relative to the mounting section 2 of the seal basket 1. Furthermore, arranging 4000 the seal basket 1 may include changing the position of the first tube and the second tube relative to each other.

[0089] like Figure 3 The exemplary method 500 depicted in the drawing includes the optional steps of: (1) drilling 1000 a first hole in the ground surface, wherein the first hole has a diameter corresponding to the outer diameter of the second tube 200, and the second tube 200 is at least partially positioned inside the first hole; and (2) drilling 2000 a second hole in the ground surface within the first hole, wherein the second hole has a diameter greater than the outer diameter of the first tube 100, wherein the second hole has a diameter less than the inner diameter of the second tube 200, and the first tube 100 is at least partially positioned inside the second hole.

[0090] Figure 4 An exemplary system 10000 for sealing a space 300 between a first tube 100 and a second tube 200 is shown, wherein the first tube 100 extends at least partially within the second tube 200, wherein the system 10000 includes the first tube 100, the second tube 200, and a sealing basket 1 as described above, wherein a mounting section 2 of the sealing basket is mounted on an outer portion of the first tube 100, and wherein an annular section 3 of the sealing basket contacts an inner surface of the second tube 200 to seal the space 300 between the first tube 100 and the second tube 200.

[0091] like Figure 4 As shown in the system 10000, the central axis of the first tube 100 and the central axis of the second tube 200 are tilted and offset relative to each other. The annular section 3 is pivotable relative to the mounting section 2, compensating for the tilt and offset between the first tube 100 and the second tube 200.

[0092] Reference numerals list

[0093] 1 Sealing basket

[0094] 2 Installation section

[0095] 3 Ring sections

[0096] 4 First end portion

[0097] 5 Second end portion

[0098] 6 Annular sealing member

[0099] 7 First stabilizing member

[0100] 8 Second stabilizing member

[0101] 9 Guide element

[0102] 10 Pivoting element

[0103] 11 slots

[0104] 12 pins

[0105] 13 Guiding elements

[0106] 14 Pivoting element

[0107] 15 semicircular elements

[0108] 16 threaded connectors

[0109] 17 ribs

[0110] 20 Ring frame elements

[0111] 100 First Tube

[0112] 200 Second Tube

[0113] 300 Space between the first tube and the second tube

[0114] 500 Method for sealing a space between a first tube and a second tube

[0115] 1000 Drilling the first hole

[0116] 2000Drilling the second hole

[0117] 3000 Installation Seal Basket

[0118] 4000 Arrangement Sealing Basket

[0119] 5000 Fill the sealing basket with filling medium

[0120] 10000 System for sealing a space between a first tube and a second tube

Claims

1. A sealing basket (1) for sealing a space (300) between a first tube (100) and a second tube (200), wherein: The first tube (100) extends at least partially within the second tube (200), wherein the sealing basket (1) comprises: a mounting section (2) configured to be mounted on an outer portion of the first tube (100), and an annular segment (3) having a first end portion (4) and a second end portion (5) and having a tapered region between the second end portion (5) and the first end portion (4), wherein the first end portion (4) is connected to the mounting section (2) such that the annular section (3) is pivotable relative to the mounting section (2), And wherein the second end portion (5) is configured to contact the inner surface of the second tube (200) to seal the space (300) between the first tube (100) and the second tube (200).

2. The sealing basket (1) according to claim 1, wherein: The sealing basket (1) is configured to receive a filling medium such that the filling medium contacts the outer portion of the first tube (100) and the inner surface of the second tube (200) at least near the second end portion (5) of the annular segment (3).

3. The sealing basket (1) according to any one of claims 1 or 2, wherein: The annular segment (3) comprises an annular sealing member (6) comprising a resilient material, such as a rubber-based material, an elastomeric material, a thermoplastic material, a thermosetting material, a fiber-reinforced composite material and / or a fabric material.

4. The sealing basket (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein: The annular segment (3) comprises at least one first stabilizing member (7) attached to the inner surface and / or the outer surface of the annular sealing member (6), wherein: The at least one first stabilizing member (7) has an annular shape, and wherein, optionally, The first end portion (4) and the second end portion (5) are spaced a distance X from each other and the first stabilizing member (7) is displaced from the second end portion (5) by at most X / 2, optionally at most X / 3, further optionally at most X / 4, and even further optionally at most X / 5.

5. Sealing basket (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein The annular segment (3) comprises at least one second stabilizing member (8) attached to the inner surface and / or the outer surface of the annular sealing member (6), wherein: The at least one second stabilizing member (8) optionally extends substantially in a straight line direction, wherein, further optionally, The central axes of the at least one second stabilizing member and the annular sealing member (6) are located substantially in one plane.

6. Sealing basket (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein The mounting section (2) comprises at least one guide element (9), wherein the annular section comprises at least one pivot element (10), wherein at least one pivot element (10) and at least one guide element (9) are configured to be slidably and / or rotatably engaged.

7. The sealing basket (1) according to claim 6, wherein: At least one of the pivoting elements (10) comprises a groove, a slot (11), a pin, a screw, a bolt and / or a rib.

8. The sealing basket (1) according to any one of claims 6 or 7, wherein: At least one of the pivoting elements (10) extends along the outer surface of the annular sealing member (6), wherein: At least one of the pivoting elements (10) optionally extends substantially in a straight line, wherein: At least one of the pivoting elements (10) is further optionally attached to the annular sealing member (6), wherein: At least one of the pivoting elements (10) is even further optionally beam-shaped.

9. The sealing basket (1) according to any one of claims 6 to 8, wherein: At least one of the pivoting elements (10) extends further at the second end portion (5) than the annular sealing member (6) in a direction opposite to the first end portion (4), wherein: At least one of the pivot elements (10) is optionally bent inwardly towards the central axis of the annular segment (3).

10. The sealing basket (1) according to any one of claims 6 to 9, wherein: At least one of the guide elements (9) is arranged on the outer diameter of the mounting section (2), wherein: At least one of the guide elements (9) optionally comprises a groove, a slot, a pin (12), a screw, a bolt and / or a rib.

11. The sealing basket (1) according to any one of claims 6 to 10, wherein: The mounting section (2) comprises a plurality of guide elements (9, 13), wherein: The annular section (3) comprises a plurality of pivot elements (10, 14), wherein: At least one of the pivot elements (10, 14) and at least one of the guide elements (9, 13) are slidably and / or rotatably engaged.

12. The sealing basket (1) according to claim 11, wherein: At least one pivot element (14) among the plurality of pivot elements (10, 14) and at least one guide element (13) among the plurality of guide elements (9, 13) are fixed so as to be engaged only in rotation.

13. The sealing basket (1) according to any one of claims 6 to 12, wherein: The annular section (3) comprises at least one annular frame element (20), wherein at least one annular frame element (20) is connected to at least one pivot element (10), wherein, optionally, The annular frame element (20) at least partially surrounds the annular sealing member (6).

14. The sealing basket (1) according to any one of claims 11 to 13, wherein: The annular section (3) comprises a plurality of annular frame elements (20), wherein the plurality of pivot elements (10, 14) and the plurality of annular frame elements (20) are capable of forming a grid structure, wherein: The lattice structure optionally surrounds the annular sealing member (6).

15. Sealing basket (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein The mounting section (2) comprises two semicircular elements (15), wherein: The two semicircular elements (15) are optionally connected by means of a threaded connection (16), a bolt connection and / or a welded connection.

16. Sealing basket (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein The mounting section (2) comprises at least one rib (17), wherein: The at least one rib (17) optionally extends substantially parallel to a central axis of the mounting section (2) at an outer diameter of the mounting section (2).

17. Sealing basket (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein The mounting section (2) comprises an annular clamping member, wherein the annular clamping member is configured to clamp a portion of the annular sealing member (6) against the outer portion of the first tube (100).

18. A method (500) for sealing a space (300) between a first tube (100) and a second tube (200), wherein: The first tube (100) extends at least partially within the second tube (200), wherein the method comprises the following steps: (a) installing (3000) a sealing basket (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 17 on the outer side portion of the first tube (100); and (b) arranging (4000) the sealing basket (1) to contact the inner surface of the second tube (200) to seal the space (300) between the first tube (100) and the second tube (200).

19. The method (500) according to claim 18, further comprising the steps of: (c) filling (5000) the sealing basket (1) with a filling medium such that the filling medium is in contact with the outer portion of the first tube (100) and the inner surface of the second tube (200) at least in the vicinity of the second end portion (5) of the annular section (3).

20. The method (500) according to any one of claims 18 or 19, wherein: Arranging (4000) the seal basket (1) includes pivoting an annular section (3) of the seal basket (1) relative to a mounting section (2) of the seal basket (1).

21. The method (500) according to any one of claims 18 to 20, wherein: Arranging (4000) the sealing basket (1) includes changing the position of the first tube (100) and / or the second tube (200) relative to each other.

22. The method according to any one of claims 18 to 21, further comprising the steps of: (1) Drilling a first hole (1000) in the ground surface, wherein: The first hole has a diameter corresponding to the outer diameter of the second tube (200), and the second tube (200) is at least partially disposed inside the first hole; (2) drilling a second hole (2000) in the ground surface within the first hole, wherein the second hole has a diameter greater than the outer diameter of the first tube (100), wherein the second hole has a diameter less than the inner diameter of the second tube (200), and placing the first tube (100) at least partially inside the second hole.

23. A system (10000) for sealing a space (300) between a first tube (100) and a second tube (200), wherein: The first tube (100) extends at least partially within the second tube (200), wherein the system comprises the first tube (100), the second tube (200) and a sealing basket (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 17, wherein The mounting section (2) of the sealing basket (1) is mountable on an outer portion of the first tube (100), and wherein the annular section (3) of the sealing basket (1) is configured to contact an inner surface of the second tube (200) to seal the space (300) between the first tube (100) and the second tube (200).

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