Expandable Reel Core Assembly for Coiled Tubing Diameter Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional coiled tubing systems require replacing the reel core to accommodate coiled tubing with different diameters, leading to delays and increased costs due to the need for new cores with varying outer diameters to avoid excessive bending strains.
Innovation Solution
An expandable reel system with a core assembly that can actuate between multiple configurations, allowing it to accommodate coiled tubing with varying minimum bend radii without replacing the core, using a support frame, circumferentially spaced panel assemblies, and a linear actuator to adjust the outer diameter.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the reel core is replaced to accommodate coiled tubing with different diameters, then the coiled tubing can be stored without excessive bending strains, but operational time and costs increase due to the need to replace cores
Solution Approach 1:
The core assembly is designed with movable panel assemblies that can be actuated between multiple configurations to change the outer diameter dynamically. This eliminates the need to physically replace the core assembly when switching between different coiled tubing diameters, thus reducing operational downtime while maintaining proper bending strain protection
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the geometric parameter (outer diameter) of the core assembly by actuating the panel assemblies between different positions. This allows the same core assembly to accommodate multiple coiled tubing diameters by adjusting its outer diameter, avoiding the need for replacement and reducing operational time loss
2Reliability
If multiple core assemblies with varying outer diameters are maintained to accommodate different coiled tubing diameters, then proper bend radius can be ensured, but device complexity and resource allocation increase
Solution Approach 1:
A single core assembly is designed to perform multiple functions by accommodating different coiled tubing diameters through actuation of its panel assemblies. This eliminates the need to maintain multiple different core assemblies in inventory, reducing device complexity and resource allocation while ensuring proper bend radius compliance for various tubing sizes
3Device complexity
If the core assembly outer diameter is fixed, then the structure is simpler, but it cannot accommodate coiled tubing with different minimum bend radii
Solution Approach 1:
The core assembly incorporates movable panel assemblies that can be actuated to change the outer diameter, transforming a previously fixed structure into a dynamic one. This maintains relative structural simplicity while enabling accommodation of different coiled tubing diameters and their respective minimum bend radii requirements
Data Source
AI summary
An expandable reel for a well system includes a support frame configured to receive a torque from a motor a plurality of circumferentially spaced spokes each extending radially away from a central axis of the expandable reel, a core assembly configured to couple to the support frame and receive a tubular of the well system about an outer surface of the core assembly, wherein the core assembly includes a plurality of circumferentially spaced panel assemblies each extending longitudinally between opposed ends thereof that are in sliding engagement with the plurality of spokes, and a linear actuator coupled between the support frame and the core assembly and configured to actuate the core assembly, including the plurality of panel assemblies, between a first configuration providing a first outer diameter and a second configuration providing a second outer diameter that is different from the first outer diameter.