Conduit Wall Lining With Self-Unrolling Adhesive Laminate
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for lining the internal walls of conduits, particularly in narrow wellbores, face challenges due to space constraints and the presence of previously installed equipment, which limits access and the types of equipment or solutions that can be used for repair or patching.
Innovation Solution
A method involving a tubular laminate made from overlapping sections of material with adhesive, where the material is rolled into a smaller configuration for insertion and then expands to line the conduit wall, using a resilient sheet that unrolls to position itself against the wall, secured with an adhesive that activates upon temperature increase, providing a thin yet strong seal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional lining equipment is used in narrow wellbores, then the lining operation can be performed, but the presence of previously installed equipment reduces access and limits the types of equipment that can be utilized
Solution Approach 1:
The lining material is inserted in a rolled-up configuration inside the wellbore, nested within the limited space. The material unrolls in place to form the lining, allowing insertion through restricted access areas while accommodating previously installed equipment
Solution Approach 2:
The lining material transitions from a compact rolled-up state during insertion to an unrolled expanded state during operation. This dynamic transformation allows the same material to fit through narrow spaces and then provide full lining coverage
2Ease of operation
If the piece of material is inserted in a rolled-up configuration, then access to tight spaces is improved, but the material must unroll and expand to position itself against the wall
Solution Approach 1:
The resilient sheet material self-unrolls and self-positions against the wellbore wall using its inherent elastic recovery properties. The material's resilience drives the unrolling process without requiring external mechanisms, simplifying the overall system
Solution Approach 2:
The material undergoes a physical state change from a compressed rolled configuration to an expanded unrolled configuration. This parameter change in volume and shape enables insertion followed by automatic positioning
3Reliability
If adhesive is applied to the piece of material before rolling, then the material can be secured to the wall, but the adhesive must remain effective during the rolling and unrolling process
Solution Approach 1:
The adhesive is applied to the material surface before rolling, performing the bonding function in advance. The adhesive is formulated to remain stable during storage and insertion, then activate bonding when the material contacts the wellbore wall
Solution Approach 2:
The adhesive properties change from a stable non-bonding state during rolling and insertion to an active bonding state when the material contacts the wall. This parameter change enables the adhesive to fulfill its securing function at the appropriate time
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
This method allows for quick, reliable, and predictable lining of conduit walls, effectively sealing and protecting the internal surface from leaks or corrosion, even in tight spaces, while accommodating pressure differentials and fluid flow.
Implementation Method 1
a resilient sheet which is to unroll to position itself against the part of the internal wall of the conduit to be lined
Implementation Method 2
secured with an adhesive that activates upon temperature increase
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~7
Figure 4~5
AI summary
There is described herein methods of lining at least one part of a wall of a conduit (10'), and related apparatus and liners. In particular embodiments, a piece of material (1) in the form of a sheet may be provided with adhesive thereupon, the sheet being curled or rolled up to allow insertion into the conduit. The curled or rolled up sheet may then be positioned inside the conduit, and once positioned inside the conduit, may at least partially uncurl or unroll to apply the sheet to the wall by means of the adhesive to obtain a laminate.