Pipe joints or couplings – With means blocking release of holding means – Set screw
Patent
1998-02-23
1999-07-20
Knight, Anthony
Pipe joints or couplings
With means blocking release of holding means
Set screw
285333, 285390, 405 43, 405 45, 138119, 138109, 138177, 403297, 403309, 403329, 166207, F16J 1500, E21B 2300
Patent
active
059247452
DESCRIPTION:
BRIEF SUMMARY
This invention relates to a connector assembly for use in connecting sections of expandable tubing, and in particular but not exclusively for use in the connection of sections of expandable slotted tubing (EST) as utilised in downhole applications in the oil and gas exploration and extraction industries.
Expandable slotted tubing (EST), such as described in W093.backslash.25800 (Shell Internationale Research Maatschappij B.V.), may be used in various downhole applications. The tubing comprises lengths of tube which have been machined to create a large number of longitudinal slots. Thus, it is relatively easy to expand the tube radially outwardly by, for example, running a mandrel through the tubing. The expansion causes the slots to extend to create diamond-shaped apertures. The tubing is useful where it is desired to, for example, line a bore below a restriction without further reducing the diameter of the bore. Using conventional tubing the outer diameter of the tubing must, by necessity, be of smaller diameter than the restriction, to permit the tubing to be passed through the restriction. This reduction in the bore diameter has a number of significant effects, primarily in reducing the production capabilities of the bore. Using EST, the tubing may pass through a restriction into a reamed section of bore below the restriction. The tubing may then be expanded to a diameter larger than the restriction.
EST is supplied in lengths which are, at present, made up into a string by welding the lengths to one another. This is relatively time consuming and expensive and in many situations, for example in an off-shore operation in bad weather, it may be difficult to maintain consistent weld quality. Safety problems may also arise due to the high temperatures and exposed flames or sparks created by a welding operation. Further, in the event of a "mis-run", requiring the welded lengths of tube forming the EST string to be separated, the tubing must be cut, and the cut tubing may not be suitable for re-use.
It is among the objectives of the present invention to provide a means of connecting sections of EST which obviates or mitigates these difficulties.
According to the present invention there is provided a connector assembly for connecting expandable slotted tubing, the assembly comprising tubular first and second parts for mounting on the ends of respective lengths of slotted tubing, the parts being slotted and the free end of the first part defining a male portion and the free end of the second part defining a female portion such that the free ends of the parts are adapted to engage with one another and to permit expansion of the coupled parts in a corresponding manner to the tubing.
According to a further aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of connecting expandable slotted tubing, the method comprising: respective tubing lengths, the free end of the first part defining a male portion and the free end of the second part defining a corresponding female portion; and tubing lengths.
The invention further relates to a method of locating such connected lengths of slotted tubing in a bore, including the step of radially expanding the lengths of tubing and said first and second parts to form a length of expanded tubing of substantially constant internal diameter.
As used herein, the term "slotted" or "slots" is intended to encompass any cutting, machining or weakening of a tubular structure intended to facilitate radial expansion, including: slots which extend only partially through the tube wall and which permit the remaining thinned wall sections to fracture or extend; and lines of drilled holes.
The parts may be arranged with the respective slots aligned, though this is not considered essential to the successful expansion of the assembly.
Preferably, the parts define corresponding screw threads, such that the parts may be made up by relative rotation. Alternatively, the parts may be adapted to allow make up by stabbing in or most preferably by a combination of stabbing and rotation.
In a preferr
REFERENCES:
patent: 2633374 (1953-03-01), Boice
patent: 3689113 (1972-09-01), Blaschke
patent: 4349050 (1982-09-01), Bergstrom et al.
patent: 4626129 (1986-12-01), Kothmann et al.
Grafel Gary
Knight Anthony
Petroline Wellsystems Limited
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