Composite-Lined Coiled Tubing With Embedded Power and Data Link
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing coiled tubing systems experience electric disconnect and data failure due to the vulnerability of electric cables to fluid exposure and mechanical forces during well service operations, necessitating frequent cable tightening and operation pauses.
Innovation Solution
A composite-lined coiled tubing system is introduced, featuring a metal pipe with an embedded elongate member such as an electrical conductor or optical fiber within a composite liner, which is resistant to chemical and mechanical stress, allowing continuous power and data transmission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If an electric cable is deployed loosely inside the coiled tubing to communicate power and data, then the cable can be easily installed and removed, but the cable suffers strain, wear, and fatigue from fluid exposure and mechanical forces, leading to electric disconnect and data failure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the electric cable with the coiled tubing structure by embedding the cable within the tubing wall or integrating it into the liner, creating a unified structure where the cable and tubing function as a single integrated system rather than separate components
Solution Approach 2:
The cable is pre-installed and secured within the tubing structure during manufacturing, eliminating the need for separate cable installation operations and ensuring proper cable positioning and protection before the tubing is deployed
2Adaptability or versatility
If the electric cable is allowed to move freely within the tubing bore, then the cable can accommodate tubing flexing, but the cable is exposed to turbulent fluid and mechanical forces that cause wear and fatigue
Solution Approach 1:
The electric cable is nested within a protective conduit or channel that is itself embedded within the tubing wall structure, creating a nested arrangement where the cable is protected from direct exposure to harmful fluids and mechanical forces while maintaining the necessary flexibility
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a flexible protective liner or coating that conforms to the cable and tubing geometry, providing a barrier against fluid exposure and mechanical stress while allowing the cable to move with the tubing during flexing and coiling operations
3Reliability
If pumping operations are stopped or paused to tighten the cable, then cable reliability can be maintained, but operational productivity is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The cable is pre-secured and tensioned during the manufacturing or assembly process, ensuring proper cable tension and positioning before deployment, which eliminates the need for intermediate cable tightening operations during pumping operations
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated cable-tubing structure maintains continuous electrical connection and data transmission throughout the pumping operation without interruption, as the cable is permanently secured within the tubing structure and cannot become loose or disconnected during operation
Data Source
AI summary
A length of tubing and related apparatus and methods are described, where the length of tubing is deployable from a coiled configuration to an uncoiled configuration for performing a coiled tubing operation in a wellbore. The length of tubing includes a pipe of metal, and a liner of composite material that lines the pipe. The liner or the lined pipe includes a wall structure that incorporates means to communicate at least one service along the tubing.