Coiled Slit Tube Seam Joining for Continuous Borehole Deployment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for deploying pipes and tubes in boreholes or pipelines are inefficient, requiring numerous short sections to be transported and joined end-to-end, which is time-consuming and costly, especially for long lengths, and often necessitate repetitive drilling to insert and reinsert pipes.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus and method using a coiled member with a thermoplastic matrix and fibre reinforcement that transitions from a flat coiled form to a resiliently biased slit tube form, where a pig with joining means heats the edges to form a longitudinal seam, allowing continuous deployment behind a drill and reducing friction by temporarily constraining the member to a smaller diameter for easier insertion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If pipes are transported in short sections and joined end-to-end, then the pipes can be deployed in boreholes, but the shipping cost and time increase significantly for long lengths
Solution Approach 1:
The pipe is segmented into a coiled form that can be compactly stored and transported on a spool, then deployed continuously in one operation. The pipe maintains the ability to be joined into a continuous length while in the coiled state, eliminating the need to transport and join multiple short sections.
Solution Approach 2:
The pipe transitions dynamically between two states: a coiled configuration for transport and storage, and an extended configuration for final deployment. This dynamic transformation allows the pipe to adapt to different operational requirements, enabling long lengths to be handled as compact units during shipping then deployed as continuous structures.
2Ease of operation
If the tube is constrained to a smaller diameter for insertion, then friction is reduced and insertion is easier, but the final diameter must be expanded
Solution Approach 1:
The pipe is preliminarily constrained to a smaller diameter before insertion to reduce friction and facilitate easy insertion into the borehole. After insertion, the constraint is released and the pipe is expanded to its final diameter using a pig or expansion mechanism that pushes the tube walls outward.
Solution Approach 2:
The pipe diameter is dynamically adjusted: initially constrained to a smaller diameter for insertion, then expanded to the final operating diameter after placement. This dynamic size transformation simplifies the insertion process while achieving the required final dimensions.
3Volume of moving object
If the member is coiled in flat form, then it can be stored compactly on a spool, but it must be transformed to slit tube form for deployment
Solution Approach 1:
The pipe structure is designed to dynamically transform from a flat coiled configuration to a slit tube configuration during deployment. This dynamic shape transformation allows the pipe to be stored in a compact coiled form on a spool then automatically form into the required tubular shape when deployed.
Solution Approach 2:
The pipe undergoes parameter changes in its geometric configuration: transitioning from a flat cross-section when coiled to a slit tube cross-section when extended. This parameter transformation enables compact storage while maintaining the ability to form the required structural shape during deployment.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables the efficient deployment of long lengths of closed tubes with reduced shipping and drilling costs, increased throughput, and the ability to repair or line pipes without the need for grouting, while ensuring a strong and leak-proof seal.
Implementation Method 1
the pig has joining means arranged to provide energy to a portion of the member to cause heating so as to progressively join together the edges of the slit tube
Implementation Method 2
provide energy to a portion of the member to cause heating so as to progressively join together the edges of the slit tube
Implementation Method 3
the pig has a greater diameter than the diameter of the slit tube in its resiliently biased form such that it expands the slit tube as it passed along the inside of the extended member prior to joining it at the expanded diameter
Implementation Method 4
the member transitions from a flat form in transverse cross section when coiled to a slit tube form when extended, in which form the member is resiliently biased
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to an apparatus and method of joining a longitudinal seam in a tube in a borehole and to a pig. Apparatus includes a spool (304) for holding a coiled member (10). The member (10) transitions from a flat form when coiled to a slit tube form when extended, in which form the member is resiliently biased. A device is provided for pushing or pulling the extended member into the borehole until the member has reached a desired position. A pig (350) is arranged to move down the inside of the extended member and has joining means (354) arranged to provide energy to a portion of the member to cause heating so as to progressively join together the edges of the slit tube as the pig passes along the inside of the tube to form a longitudinal seam in the tube.