Axial transport of coilable tubing

Abstract

A method for handling coilable wellbore tubing includes disposing a segment of uncoiled coilable wellbore tubing within, and substantially along an axis of, a tubing receiving volume defined at least in part by upper surfaces of a plurality of platforms hingedly connected and configured to traverse as a train along a conveyance and bollards attached to each of the plurality of platforms. The plurality of platforms are transported along the conveyance to a destination. The bollards of each of the plurality of platforms retain, as the train traverses a curve along the conveyance, the segment of coilable wellbore tubing within the tubing receiving volume while permitting movement of the segment of tubing along a longitudinal axis of tubing.

Description

F&R Ref. 50511-0091W01AXIAL TRANSPORT OF CQILABLE TUBINGTECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] This disclosure relates to transportation of coilable wellbore tubing and other tubular goods.BACKGROUND

[0002] Coilable tubing is commonly used for well intervention, stimulation, and other well operations worldwide. Sometimes, coilable tubing is used for drilling. An advantage of coilable tubing stems from the tubing having no or few joints between the surface and the depth in the well it is used to access. This allows the tubing to be tripped to the desired depth and back out more quickly than jointed tubing, which requires each joint of the tubing to be assembled at the surface, joint by joint. In some circumstances, and particularly for very deep wells, it may be necessary or desirable to transport long segments of coilable tubing over long distances (for example, from a manufacturing facility to a wellsite, or from one wellsite to another, or between a seaport and a wellsite). A challenge presented by such transport is not only the segment of the coilable tubing but also the associated minimum bend radius of the tubing that dictates the diameter to which the coilable tubing can be coiled / reeled. For example, a string of coilable tubing sized in diameter and wall thickness to accommodate drilling may have a minimum a bend radius of over 5 meters. Such a minimum bend radius may require shipping reels over 10 meters in diameter - much wider than road and rail widths allow. Hence, conventional transport by road and / or rail over long distances may be either impossible or not economically feasible.SUMMARY

[0003] In general, this document describes systems and processes for transportation of coilable wellbore tubing and other tubular goods.

[0004] Certain aspects of the present disclosure encompass a method for handling coilable wellbore tubing. The method includes disposing a segment of uncoiled coilable wellbore tubing within, and substantially along an axis of, a tubing receiving volume defined at least in part by upper surfaces of a plurality of platforms hingedly connected and configured to traverse as a train along a conveyance and bollards attached to respective ones of the plurality of platforms. TheF&R Ref. 50511-0091W01 method further includes transporting the plurality of platforms along the conveyance to a destination, the bollards of each of the plurality of platforms retaining, as the train traverses a curve along the conveyance, the segment within the tubing receiving volume while permitting movement of the segment along a longitudinal axis of the segment relative to the respective ones of the plurality of platforms to which the pairs of bollards are attached. The method further includes, after the plurality of platforms have reached the destination, removing the coilable wellbore tubing from the tubing receiving volume and coiling the coilable wellbore tubing.

[0005] Certain aspects of the present disclosure encompass as a system for handling coilable wellbore tubing. The system includes a plurality of platforms hingedly connected and configured to traverse along a conveyance, bollards attached to each of the plurality of platform, wherein upper surfaces of the plurality of platforms and the pair of bollards define at least in part a tubing receiving volume, and a segment of uncoiled coilable wellbore tubing disposed within, and substantially along an axis of, the tubing receiving volume. The plurality of platforms and the bollards are configured to retain, as the train traverses a curve along the conveyance, the segment of coilable wellbore tubing within the tubing receiving volume while permitting movement of the segment of tubing along a longitudinal axis of tubing.

[0006] Certain aspects of the present disclosure encompass a method for handling coilable wellbore tubing. The method includes disposing a segment of uncoiled coilable wellbore tubing within, and substantially along an axis of, a tubing receiving volume defined at least in part by upper surfaces of a plurality of platforms hingedly connected and configured to traverse as a train along a conveyance and bollards attached to respective ones of the plurality of platforms. As the plurality of platforms traverses a curve along the conveyance, the bollards retain the segment within the tubing receiving volume while permitting movement of the segment relative to respective ones of the plurality of platforms to which the pairs of bollards are attached, and an anchor attached to one of the plurality of platforms restrains movement of the segment along the longitudinal axis of the segment relative to the platform to which the anchor is attached.

[0007] The aspects above can include some, none, or all of the following features. Coiling the segment of coilable wellbore tubing can include winding the segment of coilable wellbore tubing onto or into coiling apparatus such as a reel, basket, or carousel. The coiling apparatus can be a second coiling apparatus and the method can further include, before disposing the segment ofF&R Ref. 50511-0091W01 coilable wellbore tubing within the tubing receiving volume, unwinding the segment of coilable wellbore tubing from a first coiling apparatus (which likewise can be, for example, a reel, basket, or carousel). The segment of coilable tubing can be a first segment of coilable wellbore tubing and the method can further include attaching an end of the first segment of coilable wellbore tubing to an end of a second segment of coilable wellbore tubing at least partially disposed within the tubing receiving volume after winding at least a portion of the first segment of coilable wellbore tubing onto or into the coiling apparatus. The method can further include, after coiling the segment of coilable wellbore tubing, uncoiling the segment of coilable wellbore tubing and disposing the segment of coilable wellbore tubing into a wellbore. The conveyance can be a railway track and the platforms are platforms of railway cars. The conveyance can be a roadway, the platforms can be platforms of trailers, and the transporting can be by locomoting by a semi-tractor. The conveyance can be a waterway, the platforms can be platforms of barges, and the transporting can be by propelling the barges by one or more motors or drifting the barges by a water current. The segment of coilable wellbore tubing can have a length of at least approximately 1000 meters. As the plurality of platforms are transported along the conveyance to a destination, at least some of eight or more segments of coilable wellbore tubing disposed within the tubing receiving volume can be stacked upon some others of the eight or more segments of coilable wellbore tubing. Each of the eight or more segments of coilable wellbore tubing can have a length of at least approximately 1000 meters.

[0008] The bollards can include one or more roller assemblies in contact with the segment of coilable wellbore tubing and configured to rotate about a respective axis substantially a right angle to a longitudinal axis of the segment of coilable wellbore tubing. At least one of the platforms can include an anchor attached thereto that restrains movement of the segment along the longitudinal axis of the segment relative to the platform to which the anchor is attached

[0009] The systems and techniques described here may provide one or more of the following advantages. First, a system can provide transport for segments of coilable tubing having lengths that exceed the lengths of conventional rail cars, tractor-trailers, and / or water barges. Second, the system can protect coilable tubing from bends that exceed a predetermined minimum bend radius. Third, the system can protect coilable tubing from excessive contact and / or point stresses. Fourth, the system can increase the reliability of transport of, for example, thermoplastic composite pipe.F&R Ref. 50511-0091W01Fifth, the system can increase the use of renewable geothermal “green” energy that reduces greenhouse gas emissions in the production of electric power through the reliable transport of composite, polymer insulated pipe to geothermal power generation construction sites.

[0010] The details of one or more implementations are set forth in the accompanying drawings and the description below. Other features and advantages will be apparent from the description and drawings, and from the claims.DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0011] FIGS. 1A - IE are perspective schematic illustrations of a system for transporting and otherwise handling coilable tubing, in accordance with the concepts herein.

[0012] FIG. 2 is a perspective schematic illustration depicting a bundle of coilable tubing segments on example flat rail cars and restrained with example bollards in accordance with the concepts herein.

[0013] FIG. 3 is a perspective schematic illustration of a detailed view of FIG. 1 showing an example bundle of coilable tubing segments restrained by an example bollard in accordance with the concepts herein,

[0014] FIG. 4 is a perspective schematic illustration of an example roller bollard in accordance with the concepts herein.

[0015] FIG. 5 is a perspective schematic illustration of FIG. 3 showing the example roller bollard carrying coilable tubing segments in accordance with the concepts herein.

[0016] FIG. 6 is a perspective schematic illustration depicting several coilable tubing segments spanning example rail cars and restrained laterally by example roller bollards, such as the bollards of FIG. 3, in accordance with the concepts herein,

[0017] FIG. 7is a schematic illustration depicting an end view of an example flat rail car with one or more example roller bollards, such as the bollards of FIG. 3, and segments of coilable tubing in accordance with the concepts herein.

[0018] FIG. 8 is a perspective schematic illustration an example pipe guide assembly in accordance with the concepts herein.F&R Ref. 50511-0091W01

[0019] FIG. 9 is a perspective schematic illustration of an example rail car with several roller bollards, such as the bollards of FIG. 4, with pipe guide assemblies, such as the pipe guide assemblies of FIG. 7, between them in accordance with the concepts herein.

[0020] FIG. 10 is a perspective schematic illustration of the example rail car of FIG. 9 with roller bollards and pipe guide assemblies connected to a second example rail car with roller bollards, such as the bollards of FIG. 4, in accordance with the concepts herein.

[0021] FIG. 11 is a perspective schematic illustration depicting of an example of axial road transport of coilable tubing segments in accordance with the concepts herein.

[0022] FIGS. 12A - 12B are perspective schematic illustrations of platforms including anchors in accordance with the concepts here.

[0023] FIGS. 12C - 12D are perspective schematic illustrations of example anchors in accordance with the concepts here.

[0024] The drawings are not to scale. Like reference numbers designate like items.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0025] The concepts herein encompass various methods, systems, and apparatus for transportation of long segments of tubulars over long distances. The examples provided herein relate to coilable tubing (CT) used for well operations; however, it will be understood that the concepts herein are not limited to coilable tubing and may be applicable to other tubular and not tubular structures or goods. It should be understood that the concepts herein could be applicable to coilable tubing intervention and workover strings as well as coilable tubing drill strings. The term “coilable tubing” or “CT” as used herein can be understood to include that which, in well operations parlance, may be referred to as “coiled tubing” (when in either a coiled state or an uncoiled state). CT can have many advantages over conventional tubing strings. CT operations require fewer connection and disconnection stems than conventional tubing, allowing for efficient, cost effective continuity of operations. Moreover, CT can be inserted and lowered into the well for intervention without killing a well, making it an effective and efficient well intervention option on live wells.

[0026] As described in greater detail below, the concepts herein can include transport of coilable tubing where a continuous segment of coilable tubing is transported axially. One continuousF&R Ref. 50511-0091W01 segment of coilable tubing can have, for example, no joints or other readily-breakable connections (such as box-and-pin or J-lock or other threaded connections) along its length from end-to-end (but may comprise welded, glued, or other adhered connections at one or more points along its length). One or more of the segments can be transported on multiple rail cars or other platforms on railways or other suitable conveyances. For example, in some instances, the segments can be transported overland using one or more steer cars pulled by class 6, class 7, or class 8 commercial vehicles. The segments can be assembled into a longer coilable tubing string and installed on a coiling apparatus (such as a reel, carousel, or basket) once on location and can be coiled back up again for short distance travel.

[0027] Using the concepts herein, the coilable tubing segments can be transported while not straining the segments beyond their maximum elastic yield strain during axial transport. In some embodiments, the coilable tubing can be made of any combination of alloy steel, aluminum, beryllium copper, stainless steel, nickel, polymers (e.g., thermoplastic polymers, thermoset polymers, crosslinked polymers, and / or other polymers) and composite materials. In some embodiments, the coilable tubing can include reinforcing materials such as glass fiber, aramid fiber, olefinic fiber, carbon fiber, plant based organic fibers and / or other fibers. In some instances, the coilable tubing can be composite coilable tubing (CCT) and in some instances can be, for example, thermoplastic composite pipe (TCP).

[0028] In some embodiments, composite, polymer insulated pipe can be used to construct geothermal well systems for heat and / or electric power generation. The reliable transport of such composite, polymer insulated pipes from a point of manufacture to a point of use (e.g., geothermal power generation facility construction sites) can make the use of such composite, polymer insulated pipes practical for use in renewable, “green” power production without the use of combustion or the release of pollutants and / or greenhouse gasses.

[0029] Referring to FIGS. 1A - IE, in accordance with an instance of the present disclosure, a system 10 for handling coilable wellbore tubing is shown. System 10 includes a plurality of platforms 12a, 12b, 12c, 12d (which may be hereinafter referred to generally as platforms “12n”) that are hingedly connected to form a train 14 to roll, float, or otherwise traverse along a conveyance 16. Four platforms 12n are shown in FIG. 1A but a greater or lesser number of platforms may be used. In the illustrated instance, the platforms 12n are railway cars andF&R Ref. 50511-0091W01 conveyance 16 is a railroad track, and the translating can by (for example) locomoting by a railway engine. In other instances the conveyance may be, for example, a roadway and the locomoting cane locomoting by a semi-tractor. As another example, the conveyance can be a waterway and the platforms can be barges or other watercraft, which can be propelled with one or more motors and / or sails and / or can be drifted by a water current. In the illustrated instance each platform 12n has a plurality of bollards 18, which in the illustrated instance are arranged in one or more pairs but can be arranged differently (such as in triplets).

[0030] Collectively, the upper surfaces 20 of each of the platforms 12n and the pair(s) of bollards 18 of each platform 12n at least partially define a tubing receiving volume (TRV) 22. Depending on the shape, spacing, and orientation of the platforms, bollards, and other components that define the edges of TRV 22, portions or all of TRV 22 can be (or can be comprised of sections that are) cuboid, cylindrical, or other three-dimensional shapes, and the shape of some or all of TRV 22 can change as train 14 traverses conveyance 16. For example, as train 14 traverses a curve in conveyance 16, some or all of the defining edges of TRV 20 can bend as platforms follow the curve. In the illustrated instance, as train 14 traverses conveyance 16, bollards 18 maintain the portions of TRV 22 immediately above the platforms 12n in a cuboid shape (with straight edges), while portions of TRV 22 between the platforms 12n (i.e., above the hinged connections) dynamically change shape to match the shape and tightness / sharpness of the curvatures along the conveyance 16. In the instance shown in FIGS. 1A - ID, the bollards 18 are straight and vertical and parallel with each other, such that TRV 22 has a rectangular cross section. In other instances, bollards 18 can be curved, angled, horizontal, or otherwise other than straight, vertical, and / or parallel with each other. In the illustrated instance the pairs of bollards 18 are aligned with respect to each other at a right angle from the axis of the platforms, but in other instances can be differently arranged (such as staggered or alternating sides). In the instance shown in FIG IE, for example, bollards 18 are angled to form a TRV 22 that is trapezoidal in cross-section.

[0031] In the illustrated instances, coilable tubing is disposed on the platforms 12n. In the illustrated instance, the coilable tubing is wellbore tubing, and is disposed as multiple segments of tubing, each in an uncoiled state, between bollards 18 and so within TRV 22. In the illustrated instance, each segment of coilable tubing has a length greater than the axial length of the individual platforms 12n and so extends axially across multiple platforms 12n. For example, in someF&R Ref. 50511-0091W01 instances, a train can comprise 50, 100, 200, or another suitable number of platforms 12n and the length of each platform 12n can be approximately 30 meters and each segment of coilable tubing can have a length of approximately 1000 meters, 3000 meters, 10,000 meters, 20,000 meters, or another suitable length.

[0032] Platforms 12n can be configured to carry a number of uncoiled segments. For example, in some instances, platforms 12n can be configured to carry eight uncoiled segments. In some instances, platforms 12 can be configured to carry a greater or lesser number of segments. For example, in the illustrated instance, sixteen such uncoiled segments of tubing are loaded onto the platforms 12: segment 30a, segment 30b, segment 30c, segment 30d, segment 30e, segment 3 Of, segment 30g, segment 3 Oh, segment 3 Oi, segment 30j, segment 30k, segment 301, segment 30m, segment 3 On, segment 30o, segment 3 Op, and segment 30q (and can be referred to generally as “segments 3 Ox”), arranged vertically in two stacks of 8 segments each. In other instances, a greater or lesser number of segments 3 Ox can be loaded onto the platforms and stacked or otherwise arranged in a different manner. As described in greater detail below, platforms 12n, bollards 18, and other components of train 14 can be configured to permit axial movement of the tubing, while keeping the coilable tubing within TRV 22, as the train 14 traverses the conveyance 16. In the instance shown in FIG. IE, segments 30a - 30j are stacked in a 5-4-3-2-1 arrangement within a trapezoidal TRV 22. The elastic bending force exerted from the pipe onto the top of the bollards in such a trapezoidal configuration may be less than in the rectangular arrangement shown in FIG. IB, and the risk of tipping the rail cars may be lessened because the lateral load closer to the conveyance 16.

[0033] As shown in FIG. ID, train 14 can transport the coilable tubing from an origin 60 to a destination 70. Origin 60 can be, for example, a coilable tubing manufacturing facility or transport hub, and may be either proximate to or a substantial distance from, conveyance 16 and train 14. Suitable transportation systems and methods (such as forklifts, trucks, or trains), can be utilized to transport the tubing from origin 60 to conveyance 16. In the illustrated instance, tubing segments 3 Ox are initially in a coiled state on a coiling apparatus 62 (which can be, for example, a reel, carousel, or basket) before being uncoiled by unwinding them for transport and loading onto train 14. As an example, a carousel may comprise a stationary base and a platform configured to rotate about an axis of the stationary base. The tubing lays on the platform of the carousel and is coiledF&R Ref. 50511-0091W01 about the axis as the platform rotates. The platform of the carousel may in some instances have a radius equal to or greater than the radius of curvature of the tubing, such that the tubing coils stack as layers on the platform. A basket may be rotatable or static and may in some instances have a radius less than a radius of curvature of the tubing, such that the tubing coils stack as layers against the inner perimeter wall of the basket.

[0034] In some instances, origin 60 can be the manufacturing facility where the coiled tubing is produced. For steel coiled tubing, manufacture can involves roll forming and longitudinal seam welding of a metal strip. Alternatively, composite coiled tubing is made from fiber-reinforced polymer matrices, including thermoplastics such as polyamide, polyolefins, polyetheretherketone (PEEK), and polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF), as well as thermoset resins such as epoxy, polyester, polyurethane, and vinyl ester compounds. In this process, impregnated fibers may be helically wound around a mandrel or liner and then consolidated through curing and / or thermal fusion. The final mechanical characteristics of the coiled tubing may be determined by the fiber winding angle and the wall thickness.

[0035] During manufacturing, coiled tubing may be collected by winding or placing it onto or into a coiling apparatus such as a reel, basket, or carousel. For composite coiled tubing, the tubing may be moved back and forth through one or more stationary winding machines as successive fiber layers are applied. This reciprocating motion of the tubing enables continuous layer buildup while the winding machines remain fixed. Depending on the setup, the tubing may be accumulated on reels or carousels or other coiling apparatus located on either side of the winding station.

[0036] As an alternative to using carousels or reels or other coiling apparatus on both ends of the coiled tubing during manufacturing, rail cars may be equipped with pipe containment systems may be positioned on one or both sides of the winding machine. This allows the tubing to be laid out directly onto the rail cars as it is produced. Upon completion of manufacturing, the tubing can remain on the rail cars for transport. This concept may be applicable to either composite or steel coiled tubing, enabling straight-line transport on rail cars rather than requiring the tubing to be wound onto coiling apparatus. Upon arrival at the wellsite, the tubing may be transferred directly into a coiling apparatus such as a carousel or basket or a work reel integrated with the rig, thereby eliminating the need to transport large and cumbersome reels globally.F&R Ref. 50511-0091W01

[0037] After the train 14 has reached destination 70, the segments 3 Ox can be removed from TRV 22 by being unloaded from the platforms by, for example, a crane or other suitable unloading mechanism. In the illustrated instance, destination 70 includes a wellbore 72 drilled (or to be drilled) into a subterranean zone. At destination 70, the tubing can be coiled by, for example, winding the tubing onto a coiling apparatus 74 (which can be, for example, a standard coiled tubing reel, a carousel, a basket, or other suitable coiling apparatus) that can be, for example, a component of a wellsite coiled tubing handling system.

[0038] In some instances, ends of one or more segments 3 Ox can be attached (via suitable connections) to ends of other segments 3 Ox as the segments are wound onto the coiling apparatus, thus creating a segment of tubing comprising multiple segments 3 Ox. For example, as shown in FIG. 1C, an end 32 of segment 30p can be attached to an end 34 of segment 30o after winding segment 30p onto coiling apparatus 74. Accordingly, for example, in the illustrated instance, the sixteen segments 3 Ox, each having a length of approximately 1000 meters, can be attached end- to-end as they are sequentially wound onto coiling apparatus 74, such that coiling apparatus 74 has wound around it a continuous segment of tubing having a length of approximately 16,000 meters. After coiling the tubing onto coiling apparatus 74, the tubing can be uncoiled by unwinding it from coiling apparatus 74 and disposing the tubing into a wellbore of well 72 using standard (or other suitable) coiled tubing handling methods and systems, to be used as a drill string, workover string, or other suitable well operations component.

[0039] FIG. 2 depicts an example bundle 100 of coilable tubing segments laid across three flat rail cars 101 (platforms) and restrained with bollards 102. In some instances the rail cars can be approximately 18.29 meters in length; in other instances, the rail cars can be a greater or lesser length (for example, 17.37 meters or 27.12 meters). The flat rail cars 101 are arranged as a collection of platforms hingedly connected and configured to travel as a train along a conveyance (e.g., railroad track). Although shown as flat deck of rail cars 101, the “platform” need not be a flat deck and could, for example, be a beam (tubular, I-beam, C-beam or another cross section), truss or other structure that can support the bollards 102 and, in the case of a rail car 101, support the rail car axles relative to one another. The rail cars 101 can be part of a larger train and / or a train of cars 101 to transport just the bundle 100. FIG. 2 is a detailed view of the bundle 100 of sixteen coilable tubing segments 105 restrained by a collection of bollards 102. The bollards 102 areF&R Ref. 50511-0091W01 mounted to an upper surface (top deck) 104 of a flat rail car 101. The rail car 101 can be constructed with the bollards 102, and in certain instances, can be provided with or without a top deck 104. As shown in FIG 3 , the bollards 102 can be affixed to a base 103 on an existing rail car 101 by welding, bolting, via a mount, via a turn table and / or in another manner to the rail car 101.

[0040] In some embodiments, the bollards 102 can be configured to move rotationally (e.g., on a vertical axis), axially, and / or laterally across the top deck 104 as the train negotiates curves. For example, as the three illustrated rail cars 101 round a curve, the natural spring force of the bundle 100 will resist the bend, urging the bollards 102 of the lead and rear rail car 101 to slide toward the outside of the curve while the bollard 102 of the center rail car 101 can slide toward the inside of the curve. As such, the severity and / or frequency of bending of the bundle 100 can be reduced as the train travels. In some embodiments, the bollards 102 can be biased toward the longitudinal center of the top deck 104 with the use of springs such that the bollard assembles 102 are able to move laterally as the train as the train negotiates curves and then substantially re-center the load when the train is travelling straight.

[0041] One of the challenges associated with transporting long items that span several rail cars is the ‘slack’ needed for rail car coupler movement as the trains negotiate corners, accelerate, or decelerate. The rule of thumb is 3% of the rail car length is required for movement. The slack equates to 30m on a 1000m segment of coilable tubing drill string. In some instances the length of the slack can be longer than the length of a long flat car. To overcome the potential for movement on one end of the bundle of coilable tubing segments, the coilable tubing can be restrained in the middle or at some other point intermediate the ends of the coilable tubing. For example, in an example having a potential 30m of movement, the flat rail cars 101 on each end can easily accommodate about 15 meters of slack. Such an anchor in accordance with an instance of the disclosure is described in reference to FIGS. 12A-12D.

[0042] In an instance of the concepts herein, shown in FIG. 4, bollards 102 include roller assemblies 203 thereon configured to rotate to facilitate motion of the bundle of coilable tubing segments on the flat rail cars 101 as the train accelerates, decelerates, and negotiates corners of the conveyance . The roller assemblies 203 can thus reduce friction and damage to the coilable tubing segments during transit. Each roller of the roller assemblies 203 is configured to rotate about a respective axis that is oriented at substantially a right angle to a major longitudinal axis of theF&R Ref. 50511-0091W01 segment of tubing that the roller assembly 203 is meant to support. In the illustrated example, the roller assemblies 203 are configured to rotate about axes that are oriented substantially vertical and horizontal relative to the substantially planar surface of the top deck 104 the flat rail car 101. One of the roller assemblies 203 is arranged to contact the bundle of coilable tubing segments on one lateral side (e.g., left), and another one of the roller assemblies 203 is configured to contact the bundle of coilable tubing segments on the opposite lateral side (e.g., right).

[0043] The roller assemblies 203 can also reduce friction and damage to the coilable tubing segments as they are loaded and unloaded from the rail cars 101. In some embodiments, the bundle of coilable tubing segments can be biased to one or more of the bollards 102 with the use of biased roller mounts, biased with a spring and / or in another manner, but able to move axially or longitudinally as the train accelerates and decelerates. Such biased roller mounts can be configured to compliantly resist axial movement of the segment of tubing away from a predetermined position and urge movement of the segment of tubing toward the predetermined position. In some instances, the roller diameter and hardness can be selected to allow the rollers to conform to the curvature of the pipe as it is supported in the bollard system vertically and laterally and prevent the point contact that would take place with hard rollers and prevent damage to the pipe. In some instances, pneumatic tires may be utilized rollers.

[0044] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of an example bollards 200 including a base 201, gussets 202, vertical shafts 205, horizontal shafts 206, and roller assemblies 203 that surround openings 204 within which the coilable tubing segments can be disposed. The shafts 205, 206 can function as axles for the roller assemblies 203. The bollards 200 are mounted to the top deck 104 of the flat rail car 101. The instance shown is capable of holding sixteen segments of coilable tubing in a 2 wide X 8 high arrangement. Other instances with different arrangements configured to hold different quantities of coilable tubing segments are possible. In some embodiments, the roller assemblies 203 can be loosely mounted to the horizontal shafts 206 to facilitate lateral movement and minimize external damage to the coilable tubing segments. In some embodiments, the roller assemblies 203 can be biased into position with the use of a bias member, such as a metal or elastomeric spring, but able to move laterally on the horizontal shafts 206.

[0045] In some embodiments, the roller assemblies 203 can be cylindrical and / or have a radial curvature or concavity (e.g., hourglass shape) that is complimentary with a same or similar shapeF&R Ref. 50511-0091W01 to the predefined shape of the contacting surfaces of coilable tubing segments. For example, each of the coilable tubing segments 105 is substantially cylindrical, with a substantially circular outer surface having a predetermined shape (e.g., diameter). The roller assemblies 203 can be formed with a concavity that can receive and cradle a coilable tubing segment, increasing the surface area of contact between the roller assemblies 203 and the coilable tubing segment 105 and reducing point stresses. In certain instances, the concavity of the roller assemblies 203 outer surface has a radius equal to or slightly larger (within 5%, 10%, or 25%) of the radius of the outer surface of the coilable tubing segment it is intended to support.

[0046] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of an example bollards 200 with coilable tubing segments 105 mounted to the top deck 104 of a flat rail car 101. In the illustrated example, some of the roller assemblies 203 are configured to rotate about axes that are oriented substantially vertical relative to the substantially planar surface of the top deck 104 the flat rail car 101 (e.g., to provide lateral support and guidance for the coilable tubing segments 105), and some of the roller assemblies 203 are configured to rotate about axes oriented substantially horizontal relative to the substantially planar top deck 104 of the flat rail car 101 (e.g., to support the lateral (e.g., bottom) sides of the coilable tubing segments 105).

[0047] In the illustrated instance, the roller diameter and / or shape is configured to reduce or minimize contact stress between the coilable tubing segment and the rollers, and the number of bollards per flat car is configured to provide adequate support for the coilable tubing and reduce or minimize bending and contact strain during transportation. For example, the quantity of bollards 200 and / or the distance between adjacent bollards 200 can be selected in order to distribute the weight of the drill segments and reduce, limit, control, or minimize contact forces at the bollards that might damage the coilable tubing segments. In another example, the quantity of bollards 200 and / or the distance between adjacent bollards 200 can be selected in order to reduce, limit, control, or minimize the amount of bending of coilable tubing segments, such as over a bollard 200 and / or droop of drill segments between adjacent bollards 200.

[0048] FIG. 6 depicts coilable tubing segments 105 spanning at least three example rail cars 101 and restrained laterally by one or more bollards 200. In the illustrated example, the distance between the coupling of two adjacent rail cars and the first and last bollard is configured such that the coilable tubing is adequately supported yet does not result in a tight bend in the coilable tubingF&R Ref. 50511-0091W01(e.g., smaller than the minimum bend radius of the coilable tubing segments) as the rail cars negotiate curves in the track.

[0049] FIG. 7 is an end view of an example flat rail car 101 with one or more example bollards 200 and sixteen example segments of coilable tubing segment 105.

[0050] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of an example pipe guide assembly 300 that is used between the roller bollards on an end car in the train used to transport coilable tubing segments axially. The pipe guide assembly 300 has bases 301 that mount to a rail car. In the illustrated example, the pipe guide assembly 300 is an assembly of one or more hollow tubes 302 with openings 303 in each end to allow coilable tubing segments to enter and be disposed within the hollow tubes 302 and be guided to the adjacent rollers as the slack in the train is collected. Although shown as square tubing, other shapes of tubes 302 can be used (e.g., cylindrical, oval, and / or other shapes). The pipe guide assemblies 300 support the coilable tubing segments over the length of the tubes 302, both laterally and vertically, and, in certain instances, can be used to support an end of the coilable tubing segment.

[0051] FIG. 9 shows an example of a rail car 101 that can be used at either end of the coilable tubing segments 105. There are several bollards 200 with one or more pipe guide assemblies 300 dispersed between them. The one or more hollow tubes 302 of the pipe guide assemblies guide the coilable tubing segments 105 into the one or more openings 204 of the adjacent bollards 200. Further, the one or more hollow tubes 302 act as guards to protect the coilable tubing segments 105 as they move with respect to the rail car 101 as slack is taken up and collected.

[0052] FIG. 10 shows an example of a rail car 101 with bollards 200 and pipe guide assemblies 300 connected to another rail car 101 with one or more bollards 200. The rail car 101 with pipe assemblies 300 is at the end of the train or is the last car supporting the illustrated coilable tubing segments 105. One or more coilable tubing segments 105 are loaded onto the rail cars 101 and terminate somewhere in the combination of pipe guide assemblies 300 and the bollards 200 depending on how much slack there is within the interconnected rail cars 101.

[0053] Similar concepts to those above can be applied to road transport of coilable tubing segments. FIG. 11 shows an example of axial roadway transport of coilable tubing segments. The bundle 100 of coilable tubing segments is affixed to and propelled by a class 6, 7, or 8 commercial vehicle 401 (e.g., a tractor) at one end using the bollards 102. One or more steer cars 400 or trailersF&R Ref. 50511-0091W01 are used to support the bundle of coilable tubing segments 100 and guide the bundle 100 of coilable tubing segments around corners. The bundle 100 is affixed to the steer cars 400 using the bollards 102 or equivalent. In some embodiments, the number of steer cars 400 used can be determined based on the route conditions including radius of corners, stiffness of the bundle 100, and how smooth the route is. In some embodiments, the steer cars 400 can be remote controlled, and / or in some embodiments, the steer cars 400 can be operated by a driver in the steer car 400.

[0054] In other embodiments, coilable tubing segments can be transported by water. For example, barges, floats (e.g., pontoons), boats, or any other appropriate form of watercraft could include the bollards 102 and 200 of FIGS. 2-11. Multiples of such watercraft could be interconnected in a train to transport coiled tube segments as the transport navigates curves in rivers and canals of a waterway. In some embodiments, the water craft can be self-propelled, and / or they can be pushed or towed by a tug configured to propel the train.

[0055] In other embodiments, coilable tubing segments can be transported by air. For example, dirigibles (e.g., blimps, balloons), helicopters, quadcopters or other multirotor aircraft (e.g., drones), fixed wing airplanes, or any other appropriate form of aircraft could include the bollards 102 and 200 of FIGS . 2-11. Multiples of such aircraft could be interconnected in a train to transport coiled tube segments around curves in the train’s navigational course. In some embodiments, one or more of the aircraft can be operated by onboard pilots, by remote control, or by autopilot.

[0056] In accordance with instances of the present disclosure, coilable tubing segments can be restrained in a manner that accommodates the dynamic conditions typical of rail or other types of transit. Specifically, for example, rail transportation commonly involves approximately 3% axial slack between connected rail cars. Slack can also be due to thermal expansion of the segments as they move from one location to the other. Slack is the intentional free movement between coupled cars due to loose couplings and shock-absorbing draft gears. This slack may be necessary to allow trains to navigate curves, start heavy trains, and absorb the forces generated during braking and acceleration. To accommodate this inherent variability without inducing (or without significantly inducing) mechanical stress or risking structural failure, a segment (or bundles of segments) can be restrained axially at only a single location along its length. In some instances, the segments can be fully restrained such that no movement at all is permitted. In other instances, the segments canF&R Ref. 50511-0091W01 be restrained so as to restrict axial movement but allow some axial movement such as by springs or elastomers.

[0057] Constraining the segments in more than one axial location could limit the slack necessary for rail transport (or other types of transport) and may generate damaging stress in the segments as the relative spacing between platforms varies during motion, particularly while traversing curved conveyances (such as curved track sections). Such forces may impose bending or compressive loads on the segments, which may result in structural deformation or damage. In severe cases, these induced loads could lead to mechanical failure of the segments or even contribute to (for example) derailment of one or more rail cars.

[0058] To prevent such outcomes while still ensuring axial stability, an anchor can be incorporated onto a platforms of the train. For example, as shown in FIG. 12A, an anchor (axial restraint) 500 can be mounted on an upper surfaces of one of the platforms (rail cars 101) of a train. The anchor 500 may be positioned proximal to either end or near the midpoint of the bundle 100 of segments, depending on operational preferences or transport configurations. The other railcars 101 of the train include bollards 200 as described above. As shown in FIG. 12B, a rail car 101 can include an axial restraint 500 and also one or more bollards 200.

[0059] As shown in FIGS. 12C and 12D, each anchor 500 comprises a rigid frame 501, which defines a series of holes or apertures aligned to permit individual segments 105 of the wellbore tubular bundle 100 to pass through. The frame 501 serves as a fixed structural interface relative to the railcar or platform 12.

[0060] To inhibit undesired axial movement of the segments 105 relative to the frame 501, clamps 502 are employed. These clamps 502 are positioned on at least one side of the frame 501 — either the leading side 504 or trailing side 505, with reference to the direction of transport. When clamps 502 are installed on only one side of the frame 501, each clamp must be affixed directly to the frame 501 to resist axial motion.

[0061] In one instance, bolts 503 are used to tighten the clamps 502 onto the segments 105, securing them in place by mechanical compression. This bolted arrangement provides a reliable and adjustable means of axial restraint. In alternative embodiments, other forms of pipe clamps may be used, including but not limited to wedge-locking clamps over center clamps, or hydraulic clamping collars.F&R Ref. 50511-0091W01

[0062] Alternatively, when clamps 502 are positioned on both the leading and trailing sides of the frame 501, it is not necessary for the clamps to be affixed to the frame 501, provided they are physically prevented from passing through the holes of the frame 501. This configuration allows the clamps 502 to restrain movement of the segments 105 through physical interference alone, while reducing the need for direct fasteners between the clamps and the frame.

[0063] This restraint arrangement can ensure that the bundle 100 is held axially secure at a single, defined location, thereby minimizing mechanical stress and ensuring safe and reliable transport under the dynamic loading conditions characteristic of rail shipping. While in the instance shown in FIGS. 12B and 12C the segments are fully restrained such that no (or substantially no) axial movement of the segments is permitted, in other instances an anchor may restrain axial movement only to the extent necessary reduce mechanical stress to a desired level but permit some axial movement.

[0064] A number of implementations have been described. Nevertheless, it will be understood that various modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of this disclosure. Accordingly, other implementations are within the scope of the following claims.

Claims

F&R Ref. 50511-0091W01WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. A method for handling coilable wellbore tubing, the method comprising: disposing a segment of uncoiled coilable wellbore tubing within, and substantially along an axis of, a tubing receiving volume defined at least in part by: upper surfaces of a plurality of platforms hingedly connected and configured to traverse as a train along a conveyance; and bollards attached to respective ones of the plurality of platforms; transporting the plurality of platforms along the conveyance to a destination, the bollards of each of the plurality of platforms retaining, as the train traverses a curve along the conveyance, the segment within the tubing receiving volume while permitting movement of the segment along a longitudinal axis of the segment relative to the respective ones of the plurality of platforms to which the bollards are attached; and after the plurality of platforms have reached the destination: removing the coilable wellbore tubing from the tubing receiving volume; and coiling the coilable wellbore tubing.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein coiling the segment of coilable wellbore tubing comprises winding the segment of coilable wellbore tubing onto or into a coiling apparatus.

3. The method of claim 2, wherein the coiling apparatus comprises a carousel.

4. The method of claim 2, wherein the coiling apparatus comprises a basket.

5. The method of claim 2, wherein the coiling apparatus comprises a second coiling apparatus and further comprising, before disposing the segment of coilable wellboreF&R Ref. 50511-0091W01 tubing within the tubing receiving volume, unwinding the segment of coilable wellbore tubing from a first coiling apparatus.

6. The method of claim 2, wherein the segment of coilable tubing comprises a first segment of coilable wellbore tubing and wherein the method further comprises attaching an end of the first segment of coilable wellbore tubing to an end of a second segment of coilable wellbore tubing at least partially disposed within the tubing receiving volume after winding at least a portion of the first segment of coilable wellbore tubing onto or into the coiling apparatus.

7. The method of claim 1, further comprising, after coiling the segment of coilable wellbore tubing: uncoiling the segment of coilable wellbore tubing; and disposing the segment of coilable wellbore tubing into a wellbore.

8. The method of claim 1, wherein the conveyance comprises a railway track and the platforms are platforms of railway cars.

9. The method of claim 1, wherein the conveyance comprises a roadway, the platforms are platforms of trailers, and the transporting is by locomoting by a semitractor.

10. The method of claim 1, wherein the conveyance comprises a waterway, the platforms are platforms of barges, and wherein the transporting is by at least one of: propelling the barges by one or more motors; and drifting the barges by a water current.

11. The method of claim 1, wherein the segment of coilable wellbore tubing has a length of at least approximately 1000 meters.F&R Ref. 50511-0091W0112. The method of claim 1, wherein, as the plurality of platforms are transported along the conveyance to the destination at least some of eight or more segments of coilable wellbore tubing disposed within the tubing receiving volume are stacked upon some others of the eight or more segments of coilable wellbore tubing.

13. The method of claim 12, wherein each of the eight or more segments of coilable wellbore tubing has a length of at least approximately 1000 meters.

14. The method of claim 1, wherein the bollards include one or more roller assemblies in contact with the segment of coilable wellbore tubing and configured to rotate about a respective axis substantially a right angle to a longitudinal axis of the segment of coilable wellbore tubing.

15. The method of claim 1, wherein at least one of the platforms comprises an anchor attached thereto that restrains movement of the segment along the longitudinal axis of the segment relative to the platform to which the anchor is attached.

16. A system for handling coilable wellbore tubing, the system comprising: a plurality of platforms hingedly connected and configured to traverse along a conveyance; bollards attached to each of the plurality of platform, wherein upper surfaces of the plurality of platforms and the pair of bollards define at least in part a tubing receiving volume; and a segment of uncoiled coilable wellbore tubing disposed within, and substantially along an axis of, the tubing receiving volume, the plurality of platforms and the bollards configured to retain, as the train traverses a curve along the conveyance, the segment of coilable wellbore tubing within the tubing receiving volume while permitting movement of the segment of tubing along a longitudinal axis of tubing.F&R Ref. 50511-0091W0117. The system of claim 16, wherein the conveyance comprises a railway track and the platforms are platforms of railway cars.

18. The system of claim 16, wherein the conveyance comprises a roadway, the platforms are platforms of trailers configured to be locomoted by a semi-tractor.

19. The system of claim 16, wherein the conveyance comprises a waterway, the platforms are platforms of barges.

20. The system of claim 19, wherein the barges are configured to be propelled by one or more motors.

21. The system of claim 16, wherein the segment of coilable wellbore tubing has a length of at least approximately 1000 meters.

22. The system of claim 16, wherein the tubing receiving volume is configured to receive eight or more segments of coilable wellbore tubing within the tubing receiving volume, at least some of which are stacked upon some others of the eight or more segments of coilable wellbore tubing.

23. The system of claim 22, wherein each of the eight or more segments of coilable wellbore tubing has a length of at least approximately 1000 meters.

24. The system of claim 16, wherein the bollards include one or more roller assemblies in contact with the segment of coilable wellbore tubing and configured to rotate about a respective axis substantially a right angle to a longitudinal axis of the segment of coilable wellbore tubing.F&R Ref. 50511-0091W0125. The system of claim 26, wherein at least one of the platforms comprises an anchor attached thereto that restrains movement of the segment along the longitudinal axis of the segment relative to the platform to which the anchor is attached.

26. A method for handling coilable wellbore tubing, the method comprising: disposing a segment of uncoiled coilable wellbore tubing within, and substantially along an axis of, a tubing receiving volume defined at least in part by: upper surfaces of a plurality of platforms hingedly connected and configured to traverse as a train along a conveyance; and bollards attached to respective ones of the plurality of platforms; traversing the plurality of platforms along the conveyance, wherein (a) the bollards retain, as the train traverses a curve along the conveyance, the segment within the tubing receiving volume while permitting movement of the segment relative to respective ones of the plurality of platforms to which the bollards are attached, and (b) an anchor attached to one of the plurality of platforms restrains movement of the segment along the longitudinal axis of the segment relative to the platform to which the anchor is attached.

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