EA037730B1 - Expandable drum assembly for deploying coiled pipe and method of using same - Google Patents

Abstract

A drum assembly includes a support bar, expandable spokes extending away from the support bar, drum segments mounted to the expandable spokes, support brackets disposed on the support bar, a primary mechanical actuator extending between the support brackets, and secondary mechanical actuators extending from the support brackets.

Description

Cross-reference to related claims

This application claims priority advantage over U.S. Provisional Application 62/406239, filed October 10, 2016, and U.S. Provisional Application 62/432769, filed December 12, 2016, the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

State of the art

Coiled tubing is useful in many environments including the oil and gas industry. Flexible pipe can be strong and efficient in harsh environments and can handle high pressures and temperatures. The flexible pipe can be bundled and arranged in one or more coils to facilitate transportation and use of the pipe.

The pipe coils can be positioned in an eye-to-side or eye-to-sky orientation. When the coiled tubing is coiled into a coil and positioned with its inner channel facing upwards so that the coil is in a horizontal orientation, the coils of the tube are said to be in eye-to-sky orientation. If, on the contrary, the flexible pipe is coiled into a coil and is positioned so that the inner channel is not facing upwards, so that the coil is in a straight or vertical orientation, then the coils of the pipe are said to be in the orientation of the eyes to the side.

The flexible pipe can be transported in coils to various locations for unrolling (also called unwinding or unwinding). Various types of devices and vehicles are currently used for loading and transporting coils of pipe, but usually additional equipment and human manual labor is also involved in the method of loading or unloading such coils for transportation and / or deployment. Such coils of pipe are often quite large and heavy. Accordingly, there is a need for an improved method and apparatus for loading and unloading coils of pipe.

The essence of the invention

This Summary is provided to represent a selection of concepts that are further described in the Detailed Description below. This Summary is not intended to identify key or essential features of the claimed subject matter, and is not intended to be used as an aid in limiting the scope of the claimed subject matter.

In one aspect, embodiments of the present invention relate to a drum assembly that includes a support beam having a first end and a second end, and a first plurality of expandable spokes extending from a first end of the support beam. The distal end of each of the first plurality of expandable wires is movable between a retracted position and an extended position. The drum assembly also includes a second plurality of expandable spokes extending from the second end of the support beam. The distal end of each of the second plurality of expandable spokes is configured to move between a retracted position and an extended position. The drum assembly also includes a plurality of drum segments, each of which is mounted at a distal end of one of the first plurality of expandable spokes and a distal end of one of the second plurality of expandable spokes. Each of the plurality of drum segments extends parallel to the support beam. The drum assembly also includes a first support bracket located on the support beam near the first end of the support beam and movable along the first longitudinal section of the support beam, a second support bracket located on the support beam near the second end of the support beam and movable along the second longitudinal section of the support beam, and a primary mechanical drive extending between the first support arm and the second support arm. The primary mechanical drive is capable of moving at least one of the first support bracket, the second support bracket, or both. The drum assembly also includes a first plurality of secondary mechanical drives, each of which extends between the first support bracket and one of the first plurality of expandable spokes or one of the plurality of drum segments. The first plurality of secondary mechanical actuators are capable of moving the arrangement of the first set of expandable spokes between retracted and extended positions. The drum assembly also includes a second plurality of secondary mechanical drives, each of which extends between a second support bracket and one of the second plurality of expandable spokes or one of a plurality of drum segments. The second plurality of secondary mechanical drives is capable of moving the arrangement of the second plurality of expandable spokes between retracted and extended positions.

In another aspect, embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a method of engaging a reel assembly with a coiled tubing coil that includes positioning the reel assembly in an interior region of a coiled tubing coil. The drum assembly includes a support beam having a first end and a second end, and a first plurality of expandable spokes extending from the first end of the support beam. The distal end of each of the first plurality of expandable wires is movable between a retracted position and an extended position. The drum assembly also includes a second plurality of expandable spokes extending from the second end of the support beam. The distal end of each of the second plurality of expandable spokes is configured to move between a retracted position and an extended position. The drum unit also includes

1037730 includes a plurality of drum segments, each of which is mounted on a distal end of one of the first set of expandable spokes and a distal end of one of the second set of expandable spokes. Each of the plurality of drum segments extends parallel to the support beam. The drum assembly also includes a first support bracket located on the support beam near the first end of the support beam and movable along the first longitudinal section of the support beam, a second support bracket located on the support beam near the second end of the support beam and movable along the second longitudinal section of the support beam, and a primary mechanical drive extending between the first support arm and the second support arm. The primary mechanical drive is capable of moving at least one of the first support bracket, the second support bracket, or both. The drum assembly also includes a first plurality of secondary mechanical drives, each of which extends between the first support bracket and one of the first plurality of expandable spokes or one of the plurality of drum segments. The first plurality of secondary mechanical actuators are capable of moving the arrangement of the first set of expandable spokes between retracted and extended positions. The drum assembly also includes a second plurality of secondary mechanical drives, each of which extends between a second support bracket and one of the second plurality of expandable spokes or one of a plurality of drum segments. The second plurality of secondary mechanical drives is capable of moving the arrangement of the second plurality of expandable spokes between retracted and extended positions. The method also includes the steps of moving a first plurality of spreadable spokes and a second plurality of spreadable spokes from a retracted position to an extended position using at least one of the primary mechanical drives, a first plurality of secondary mechanical drives, a second plurality of secondary mechanical drives, or any of them. combination and contact the coiled tubing coil with at least two of the plurality of drum segments such that the drum assembly is anchored in the inner region of the coiled tubing coil.

Other aspects and advantages of the claimed subject matter will be apparent from the following description and the appended claims.

Brief Description of Drawings

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a reel assembly in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure;

fig. 2 is a perspective view of a coil of coiled tubing according to embodiments of the present invention;

fig. 3 is a side view of a drum assembly disposed in a retracted position in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure;

fig. 4 is a side view of a drum assembly in an extended position according to embodiments of the present disclosure;

fig. 5 is a perspective view of a reel assembly in a retracted position according to embodiments of the present disclosure;

fig. 6 is a perspective view of a reel assembly in a retracted position according to embodiments of the present disclosure;

fig. 7 is a perspective view of a reel assembly in a retracted position according to embodiments of the present disclosure;

fig. 8 is a perspective view of a portion of a drum assembly in accordance with embodiments of the present invention;

fig. 9 is a perspective view of a segment of a reel in accordance with embodiments of the present invention;

fig. 10 is a perspective view of a portion of a drum assembly in accordance with embodiments of the present invention;

fig. 11 is a perspective view of a reel assembly in a retracted position according to embodiments of the present disclosure;

fig. 12 is a perspective view of a drum assembly in a partially extended position according to embodiments of the present disclosure;

fig. 13 is a perspective view of a drum assembly in an extended position according to embodiments of the present disclosure;

fig. 14 is a perspective view of a portion of a drum assembly in accordance with embodiments of the present invention;

fig. 15 is a perspective view of a portion of a drum assembly according to embodiments of the present invention;

fig. 16 is a perspective view of a multiple extension arm reel assembly in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure;

fig. 17 is a perspective view of a reel assembly with a plurality of extension arms in extended positions according to embodiments of the present disclosure;

fig. 18 is a side view of a drum assembly having a retaining flange in accordance with embodiments

- 2 037730 of this disclosure;

fig. 19 is a side view of a brake that may be used with a drum assembly in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure;

fig. 20 is a perspective view of a segment of a reel in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure.

Detailed description

Embodiments of the present disclosure relate generally to systems used for unrolling coiled tubing coils. The pipe coils can be self-supporting, for example using a yoke to hold the coils together. Reel assemblies for transporting coils in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure may include a support beam, expandable spokes extending from the support beam, drum segments mounted on expandable spokes, support arms disposed on the support beam, a primary mechanical drive extending between the support arm, and secondary mechanical drives extending from the support brackets.

Embodiments of the present disclosure will be described below with reference to the drawings. In one aspect, the embodiments disclosed herein relate to embodiments for transporting coils using expandable drum assemblies.

As used herein, the term connected or connected to may indicate the establishment of either a direct or indirect connection and is not limited to either, unless otherwise expressly indicated as such. The term set can refer to one or more items. Wherever possible, the same or identical reference numbers are used throughout the drawings to identify common or identical elements. The drawings do not have to be to scale, and some features and some types of figures may be shown on an enlarged scale for purposes of explanation.

FIG. 1 illustrates a block diagram of an embodiment of a reel assembly 10. As described in detail below, the coiled tubing 12 may be positioned around the reel assembly 10 to provide transport for the coiling tubing 12.

The coiled tubing 12 can be any type of coiled tubing or conduit capable of being bent into a coil. Such coils of coiled tubing 12 can reduce the amount of space occupied by the tubing during manufacture, shipping, transport, and unrolling compared to rigid tubing that is unable to bend into a coil.

The pipe, as will be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art, may be a pipe for supplying or transferring any water, gas, oil, or any type of fluid known to those of ordinary skill in the art. The coiled tubing 12 can be made from any type of materials including, but not limited to, plastics, metals, combinations thereof, composite materials (eg, fiber-reinforced composite materials), or other materials known in the art. Coiled tubing coiled tubing 12 is often used in many applications, including, but not limited to, both onshore and offshore oil and gas applications. Flexible pipe can include flexible composite pipe (FCP) or reinforced thermoplastic pipe (RTP). The FCP or RTP pipe itself can generally be composed of several layers. In one or more embodiments, the flexible pipe may include a high density polyethylene (HDPE) pipe having a reinforcement layer and an HDPE outer skin layer. Thus, coiled tubing can include different layers, which can be made from different materials, and can also be recycled for corrosion resistance. For example, in one or more embodiments, a pipe used to make coils of pipe may have an anti-corrosion protective layer that is located on top of another layer of steel reinforcement. In this steel-reinforced layer, helically wound steel strips can be placed over a lining made of thermoplastic pipe. The flexible pipe can be designed to handle different pressures. Additionally, coiled tubing can offer unique features and benefits over steel / carbon steel piping in terms of corrosion resistance, flexibility, installation speed, and reusability.

The drum assembly 10 in FIG. 1 also includes a support beam 14 having a first end 16 and a second end 18. Support beam 14 is used to process the drum assembly 10 and various components are connected to the support beam 14 as described in further detail below. In some embodiments, a first plurality of expandable spokes 20 are coupled to a support beam 14 near the first end 16, and a second plurality of expandable spokes 22 are coupled to a support beam 14 near the second end 18. In addition, each plurality of drum segments 24 are mounted at a distal end 26 of one of the first set of expandable spokes 20 and a distal end 28 of one of the second set of expandable spokes 22. The drum segments 24 extend parallel to the support beam 14. For clarity, only one expandable spoke 20, one expandable spoke 22 and one drum segment 24 are shown in FIG. 1. The plurality of drum segments 24 are used to support the coiled tubing 12, and the distal ends 26 and 28 of the first and second plurality of expandable spokes 20 and 22 are movable between retracted and extended positions, as described in more detail below. Thus, the reel assembly 10

- 3 037730 is designed to be easily inserted and removed from the coils of the coiled pipe 12 and used with coils of the coiled pipe 12 with different internal diameters.

The drum assembly 10 also includes a first support bracket 30 located on a support beam 14 near the first end 16 and a second support bracket 32 located on a support beam 14 near the second end 18. The first support bracket 30 is movable along the first longitudinal section 34 of the support beam 14 and the second support bracket 32 is configured to move along the second longitudinal section 36 of the support beam 14. The primary mechanical actuator 38 may extend between the first support bracket 30 and the second support bracket 32. The primary mechanical actuator 38 may be used to move the first support beam bracket 30, second support bracket 32, or both brackets 30 and 32. The first plurality of secondary mechanical actuators 40 may extend between the first support bracket 30 and one of the plurality of drum segments 24. The second plurality of secondary mechanical drives 42 may also extend between the second support bracket 32 and one of the plurality of drum segments 24. For clarity, only one secondary mechanical actuator 40 and one secondary mechanical actuator 42 are shown in FIG. 1. In some embodiments, the first plurality of secondary mechanical drives 40 may extend between one of the first plurality of expandable spokes 20 and the first support bracket 30, and the second plurality of secondary mechanical drives 42 may extend between one of the second plurality of expandable spokes 22 and the second support bracket 32 As detailed below, the first and second plurality of secondary mechanical actuators 40 and 42 may be used to move the first and second plurality of expandable spokes 20 and 22 between retracted and extended positions, respectively.

FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of an embodiment of a coil 60 of coiled tubing 12. Coil 60 may be defined by an axial axis or direction 62, a radial axis or direction 64, and a circular axis or direction 66. Coil 60 may be formed by winding coiled tubing 12 into a coiled with an inner bore 68 formed axially 62 therethrough, where coil 60 can move as a single package or bundle of coiled tubing, as shown in FIG. 2. Each complete turn of a coiled pipe may be called a pipe turn. Several turns of pipe in coil 60 can be formed as columns along the axial direction 62 of coil 60 and / or are formed as layers along the radial direction 64 of coil 60. For example, a plurality of columns of turns can be formed along axial direction 62 of coil 60, where the axial dimension 70 of the coil 60 is based on the diameter of the pipe 12 and the number and axial 62 position of the turns forming the coil 60. Additionally, multiple layers of turns may be formed along the radial direction 64 of the coil 60, where the radial dimension 72 of the coil 60 is based on the pipe diameter and the number and radial 64 position. coil 60. In some embodiments, coil 60 may weigh more than 40,000 pounds (18.144 kg).

As shown in FIG. 2, coil 60 of coiled tubing 12 may be one or more layers (e.g., layers 74 and 76) of tubing packed or bundled into coil 60. Coil 60 may include at least one or more layers of tubing that has been coiled into a particular shape or arrangement. As shown in FIG. 2, coil 60 is rolled into a substantially cylindrical shape having substantially circular bases 78 and 80 formed at each end of coil 60, where the axial dimension 70 of coil 60 is measured between two bases 78 and 80.

As is known to one of ordinary skill in the art, the coiled tubing 12 used to make the coil 60 shown in FIG. 2 can be wound using winders or other winding machines suitable for this function. One of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that the present disclosure is not limited to any particular form of coiler or other device that can be used to form a tube into a coil. Coiling the pipe into a coil of pipe, such as 60, assists in transporting pipe that can be several hundred feet in length in one or more embodiments. Additionally, coil 60 can be assembled as a coil to facilitate deployment of the coil. Unrolling, as used herein, may refer to the act of uncoiling or unrolling coiled tubing 12 from coil 60.

Once coiled, the coil 60 shown in FIG. 2 may include an inner bore 68 formed axially 62 through coil 60. Inner bore 68 is an opening generally located in the center of coil 60. Inner bore 68 is substantially circular in shape. Coil 60 may have an outer diameter (OD) and an inner diameter (ID), where the inner diameter is limited by the inner bore 68.

FIG. 3 illustrates a side view of a first end 16 of an embodiment of a drum assembly 10 disposed in an inner bore 68 of reel 60 with each of the distal ends 26 of the first plurality of expandable spokes 20 in a retracted position. Thus, the drum unit 10 can also be described as being in a retracted position. As shown in FIG. 3, the retracted drum assembly 10 is positioned at the bottom of the inner duct 68 resting on two of a plurality of drum segments 24. The other two of the plurality of drum segments 24 are not in contact with the reel 60. The retracted position of the drum assembly 10 may

4 037730 allow the drum assembly 10 to be easily inserted into the inner channel 68 with sufficient clearance to avoid contact with the coil 60 during insertion, thereby avoiding any possible damage to the coiled tubing 12. The drum assembly 10 can be inserted into the inner channel 68 using a plurality of different mechanisms and technologies, as described in more detail below. In some embodiments, the plurality of spoke frames 90 may be used to provide lateral support to the first plurality of expandable spokes 20. The plurality of spoke frames 90 may be rods, beams, columns, or the like, interconnected between each of the first plurality of expandable spokes 20 to provide support for the expandable spokes. 20 during transportation, transportation, pulling and retraction of the drum unit 10. Although the above discussion applies to the first end 16, it applies equally to the second end 18 and the components of the drum assembly 10 located at the second end 18, such as the second plurality of expandable spokes 22. In addition, although four drum segments 24 are shown in FIG. 3, other embodiments of the reel assembly 10 may include a different number of reel segments, such as, but not limited to, two, six, or eight reel segments 24.

FIG. 4 illustrates a side view of a first end 16 of an embodiment of a drum assembly 10 disposed in an inner bore 68 of reel 60 with each of the distal ends 26 of the first set of expandable spokes 20 in an extended position. Thus, the drum unit 10 can also be described as being in an extended position. As shown in FIG. 4, all of the plurality of drum segments 24 are in contact with reel 60 with sufficient pressure on inner bore 68 such that reel 60 is secured to reel assembly 10. The outer surfaces of the plurality of drum segments 24 may have a cross-sectional shape generally corresponding to the curved shape of the inner channel 68, thereby evenly distributing pressure across the inner channel 68. In other words, the drum segments 24 may be semicircular to match the semicircular shape of the inner channel 68. Thus, the extended reel assembly 10 can be used to fully support the reel 60, including during transport and unrolling of the reel 60. In particular, the extended reel unit 10 and the reel 60 may be handled similarly to the coiled tubing 12 disposed on the reel or reel. However, a single reel assembly 10 can be used to process multiple coils 60 without the logistics associated with empty winding drums or bobbins. In addition, the use of the reel assembly 10 allows the heavier coils 60 of the coiled tube 12 to be handled and transported since the weight of the coiling drums or bobbins is not taken into account. As in FIG. 3, while the above discussion refers to the first end 16, it applies equally to the second end 18 and the components of the drum assembly 10 located at the second end 18, such as the second plurality of expandable spokes 22.

FIG. 5 illustrates a perspective view of the first end 16 of an embodiment of the reel assembly 10 in a retracted position. As with the previous figures, the discussion pertaining to the first end 16 generally applies equally to the second end 18. As shown in FIG. 5, the support beam 14 extends axially 62 through the center of the drum assembly 10. In some embodiments, the first hub 100 is located at the first end 16, and the first hub 100 includes a first hub shaft 102, which may have a circular cross-sectional shape. Although not shown in the perspective view of FIG. 5, the drum assembly 10 may also include a second hub and a second hub shaft disposed at a second end 18, similar to the first hub 100 and the first hub shaft 102. In some embodiments, the first hub 100 and the second hub may be referred to as integrated hubs because the first hub 100 and the second hub may eliminate the use of an open-ended hollow support beam along the axial axis 62 of the drum assembly 10 for inserting a rod or post for lifting and deploying the drum assembly 10. ... Instead, combined hubs, such as the first hub 100 and the second hub, can act with the support beam 14 as a stationary axis with respect to the drum assembly 10. In addition, the first hub shaft 102 and the second hub shaft provide stationary positions so that a user can grasp or manipulate the drum assembly 10, either manually or with a forklift, without using a rod, stand, or other similar lifting equipment.

In particular, the first hub 100 and the second hub can be used to handle and move the drum assembly 10. In addition, when the reel assembly 10 is housed in an appropriate frame, trailer, or other unwinding device, the first hub shaft 102 and the second hub shaft may be used to rotate the reel assembly 10.

In other words, the first hub shaft 102 and the second hub shaft may fit into a circular opening of a frame, trailer, or other unroller to allow the drum assembly 10 to rotate. In some embodiments, one or more lugs 104 may be located at the first and second ends 16 and 18 to transport the drum assembly 10. For example, belts, ropes, chains, or similar securing devices may be connected to the lugs 104 to facilitate movement of the drum assembly 10. Eyelets 104 may be coupled to support beam 14, expandable spokes 20 or 22, spoke frames 90, or other appropriate locations on drum assembly 10. In additional embodiments, the reel assembly 10 may include

- 5 037730 itself at least two fork channels 106 that extend axially 62 or radially 64 along support beam 14. Forks or tines of a forklift truck, forklift truck or the like may be inserted into fork channels 106 to allow the drum assembly 10 to be lifted and moved. For example, fork channels 106, which extend axially 62, may be used to insert and remove the drum assembly 10 from the inner channel 68 of the coil 60. Fork channels 106, which extend radially 64, may be used to lift or install the drum assembly 10 from a hoist, railroad car or a similar vehicle or are used when access to the fork ducts 106 extending axially 62 is restricted or constrained. Channels 106 may be connected to support beam 14, expandable spokes 20 or 22, spoke frames 90, or other appropriate locations on drum assembly 10.

In some embodiments, the reel assembly 10 may include a cage 110 that at least partially covers one or more components of the reel assembly 10. For example, the cage 110 may help protect the components of the drum assembly 10 when the drum assembly 10 is moved or processed through the fork channels 106. The cage 110 may be made of stretched metal or mesh and connected to a support beam 14, expandable spokes 20 or 22, wire frames 90 , fork channels 106, or other appropriate locations on the drum assembly 10.

FIG. 6 illustrates a perspective view of an embodiment of the reel assembly 10 from the side in a retracted position. As shown in the illustrated embodiment, the support beam 14 includes a first hub 100 and a second hub 120 and a second hub shaft 122. Support beam 14 extends axially 62 through the center of the drum assembly 10. Fork channels 106 may extend radially 64 through the drum assembly 10 for transport by a forklift or the like. In the illustrated embodiment, four fork channels 106 are provided with two lower support beams 14 and two upper support beams 14. Thus, the drum assembly 10 can be raised using the two fork channels 106 of the upper support beam 14 so that the center of gravity of the drum assembly 10 is lower than forks or forklift tines. If the drum assembly 10 is overturned, then two other fork channels 106 can be used. Thus, the placement of the fork channels 106 of both the upper and lower support beam 14 allows the drum assembly 10 to be processed in any orientation. In additional embodiments, a different number of fork channels 106 may be provided, including two, six, or more fork channels 106. The reel assembly 10 shown in FIG. 6 also includes a plurality of hydraulic hoses 124 that may be connected to one or more hydraulic cylinders of the reel assembly 10, as described in more detail below. In this document, hydraulic cylinders may also be referred to as linear hydraulic motors. The cage 110 can also help protect the hydraulic hoses 124 when the reel assembly 10 is moved or processed through the fork passages 106.

FIG. 7 illustrates a perspective view of an embodiment of the reel assembly 10 from the front end 16 in a retracted position. In some embodiments, one or more hydraulic connections 140 may be provided at one or both of the first and second ends 16 and 18 to allow hydraulic fluid to be supplied to the hydraulic hoses 124 and hydraulic components of the drum assembly 10. The fluid connections 140 may be located at any convenient location such as near the support beam 14, the expandable spokes 20 or 22, the spoke frames 90, the fork channels 106, or other appropriate locations on the drum assembly 10. The hydraulic components of the drum unit 10 can be controlled by a self-contained hydraulic power unit (HPU) or HPU coupled to an installation trailer. Additionally, the reel assembly 10 can be operated manually or by electronic control with limit switches, for example, in some illustrative embodiments.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a portion of an embodiment of the reel assembly 10. A plurality of drum segments 24 have been omitted to better illustrate the internal details of the drum assembly 10. In particular, the first and second plurality of expandable spokes 20 and 22 include a plurality of rigid spokes 150 (eg, hollow tubes), which may be formed from square tubes of steel or a similar composition. As described in more detail below, the rigid spokes 150 do not move while the reel assembly 10 is being pulled. Instead, the plurality of drum segments 24 may include a square tube that slides in and out of the interior of the plurality of rigid spokes 150 as the drum assembly is pulled in and out, respectively. In other embodiments, the rigid spokes 150 may have other cross-sectional shapes such as circles or rectangles. In the illustrated embodiment, the support beam 14 may be formed from a square tube of steel or a similar composition. In other embodiments, the support beam 14 may have other cross-sectional shapes such as circles or rectangles. The skeletons 90 of the spokes can also be made of pipes of steel or a similar composition with square or other cross-sectional shapes.

As shown in FIG. 8, the reel assembly 10 may include hub spacers 152 disposed around the first and second hub shafts 102 and 122. Hub spacers 152 may help block the first and second plurality of expandable spokes 20 and 22 from contacting stationary components of the frame, trailer, or other unrolling device while the drum assembly 10 is rotating. In and

6,037730 side channels 106, which extend radially 64, may be connected to fork channels that extend axially 62, by means of one or more forked shoulders 154, which may be made of pipes of steel or a similar composition with square or other cross-sectional shapes. While FIG. 8 shows one embodiment of a drum assembly 10, other configurations are possible that provide the same or similar functionality.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of an embodiment of one of a plurality of drum segments 24. In particular, the reel segment 24 shown in FIG. 9 may be used in conjunction with the portion of the reel assembly 10 shown in FIG. 8. Drum segments 24 may be made of separate components to provide an assembly that can support a portion of the weight of reel 60 without damaging reel 60. For example, reel segment 24 may include a cross member 170, which may be formed from pipe of steel or similar composition. with square or other cross-sectional shapes. The cross member 170 provides support for one or more other components of the drum segment 24, such as wedges 172, drum sheet 174, end plates 176, support spokes 178 (eg, rigid members), and mechanical drive connectors 180. Wedges 172 can be made of sheet metal and used to provide structural support and stability to the drum segment 24. The drum sheet 174 may also be made of sheet metal and have a curved outer surface generally corresponding to the curved surface of the inner bore 68 of the coil 60. Thus, the curved surface of the drum sheet 174 helps to reduce the likelihood of damage to the coil 60 and also distributes the weight of the coil 60 evenly. over the surface area of the drum segment 24. The end plates 176 can be made of sheet metal and serve a similar purpose as the wedges 172, in addition to covering the ends of the drum segment 24. The support spokes 178 can be made of steel pipe or similar composition with a square or other cross-sectional shape and are configured to fit inside the rigid spokes 150 of the drum assembly 10. In other words, anchor spokes 178 may have the same cross-sectional shape as rigid spokes 150, and also have a smaller diameter or cross-sectional area than rigid spokes 150 to allow anchor spokes 178 to slide in and out of rigid spokes 150 telescopically during pulling and retracting the drum unit 10. Finally, the mechanical actuator connectors 180 may provide connection points for the first and second plurality of secondary mechanical actuators 40 and 42. For example, the first and second plurality of secondary mechanical actuators 40 and 42 may be coupled to the mechanical actuator connectors 180 via a bracket or other type of fastening device. to allow the first and second plurality of secondary mechanical drives 40 and 42 to rotate about the mechanical drive connectors 180 as the reel assembly 10 is pulled in and out. In some embodiments, the mechanical drive connectors 180 may be located on the support spokes 17 8 instead of the crosspiece 170.

FIG. 10 illustrates a perspective view of a portion of an embodiment of the reel assembly 10 from the first end 16. Certain elements located at the second end 18 are discussed below in conjunction with corresponding elements located at the first end 16, although not shown in FIG. 10. As shown in FIG. 10, the first support bracket 30 is disposed around the support beam 14. The support beam 14 may also be made of steel pipe or a similar composition with square or other cross-sectional shapes. In the illustrated embodiment, the support beam 14 is formed from a square tube. As such, the first support bracket 30 also has a square internal shape to fit the support beam 14. The first support bracket 30 includes bracket connectors 190 that provide connection points for the first and second plurality of secondary mechanical actuators 40 and 42. For example, the first and second the plurality of secondary mechanical actuators 40 and 42 may be coupled to the bracket connectors 190 by means of a bracket or other type of attachment device to allow the first and second plurality of secondary mechanical actuators 40 and 42 to rotate about the bracket connectors 190 as the drum assembly 10 is pulled out and drawn in. In addition, the primary mechanical actuator 38 may be coupled to the first support bracket 30 to allow the first support bracket 30 to move along the first longitudinal section 34 of the support beam 14. In some embodiments, the primary mechanical actuator 38 may be a hydraulic cylinder. In various embodiments, two, three, four, or more primary mechanical actuators 38 may be connected and evenly spaced around the first support bracket 30.

In some embodiments, the first support bracket 30 may include a support beam contact surface 192 configured to provide a low friction or non-stick surface to allow the first support bracket 30 to slide freely over the outer surface of the support beam 14. For example, contact surface 192 The support beam can be made of ultra-high molecular weight (UHMW) plastic or similar materials. In additional embodiments, the reel assembly 10 includes a flow distributor 194 configured to distribute hydraulic fluid flow to one or more of the first and second plurality of secondary mechanical actuators 40 and 42. In particular, the flow distributor 194 acts as a hydraulic fluid flow equalizer. Wednesday to

7,037,730 to the first and second plurality of secondary mechanical drives 40 and 42 so that the plurality of drum segments 24 move uniformly while pulling and retracting the drum assembly 10. In other words, the flow distributor 194 allows the drum segments 24 to draw or retract at the same rate, allowing both the first and second ends 16 and 18 of the drum segments 24 to move without being tied. The flow distributor 194 also allows a proper sequence of movement of all segments 24 of the drum. As in the previous figures, although the above discussion refers to the first end 16, it applies equally to the second end 18 and the components of the drum assembly 10 located at the second end 18, such as the second support bracket 32.

FIG. 11-13 are perspective views of an embodiment of the reel assembly 10 extended from the fully retracted position in FIG. 11 to the fully extended position in FIG. 13. Reversing the steps described below would return the drum assembly to the fully retracted position. FIG. 11, support spokes 178 (not shown) are located within the rigid spokes 150, and the first support bracket 30 is located along the first longitudinal section 34 at a position farthest from the first end 16. In addition, the primary mechanical drive 38 and the first and second plurality of secondary mechanical drives 40 and 42 can be in fully retracted positions. As such, the outer diameter 210 of the drum assembly 10 may be small enough for the drum assembly 10 to be inserted into the inner channel 68 of the coil 60. FIG. 12, the reel assembly 10 is shown in a partially extended position. Thus, the outer diameter 210 is larger than that shown in FIG. 11. In addition, the primary mechanical actuator 38 is extended to move the first support bracket 30 to a position close to the first end 16. For example, the first support bracket 30 may be located opposite the rear side of the rigid spokes 150. Due to the movement of the first support bracket 30, the first and the second plurality of secondary mechanical actuators 40 and 42 are movable from an oblique position with respect to the axial axis 62 to a generally aligned position with the radial axis 64 (i.e., perpendicular to the axial axis 62). This alignment of the first and second plurality of secondary mechanical drives 40 and 42 can cause the plurality of drum segments 24 to be at least partially extended such that small portions of the anchor spokes 178 are visible. FIG. 13, the first and second plurality of secondary mechanical drives 40 and 42 may be in fully extended positions, thereby continuing the plurality of drum segments 24. As such, the outer diameter 210 is larger than that shown in FIG. 12, and may match the diameter of the inner bore 68 of the reel 60. Thus, the reel assembly 10 can be used to move and process the reel 60 of the coiled tubing 12. In addition, large portions of the anchor spokes 178 are visible when the reel assembly 10 is fully extended. As in the previous Figures, although the above discussion refers primarily to the first end 16, it applies equally to the second end 18 and the components of the reel assembly 10 located at the second end 18.

FIG. 14 illustrates a perspective view of a portion of an embodiment of the reel assembly 10. Most of the plurality of drum segments 24 have been removed, leaving only portions of crossbars 170 for clarity. In the illustrated embodiment, the rack and pinion mechanism 220 is used in place of the flow distributor 194 described above. In particular, the rack and pinion mechanism 220 includes a pinion gear 222 and two racks 224. One of the two racks 224 is connected to the first support bracket 30, and the other rack 224 is connected to the second support bracket 32. Thus, the rack and pinion mechanism 220 facilitates movement of the first and second support arms 30 and 32 from each other while pulling the drum assembly 10 and moving the first and second support arms 30 and 32 towards each other while retracting the drum assembly 10. In other words, the rack and pinion mechanism 220 helps to prevent the drum segments 24 from being bonded. In additional embodiments, other devices or techniques may be used to uniformly move the plurality of drum segments 24 in addition to the flow distributor 194 or rack and pinion mechanism 220, or these components may be omitted. The further illustrated embodiment of the drum assembly 10 shows a first and second plurality of secondary mechanical actuators 40 and 42 in the form of hydraulic cylinders. In other embodiments, the first and second plurality of secondary mechanical actuators 40 and 42 may use other techniques, as described below.

FIG. 15 illustrates a perspective view of a portion of an embodiment of the reel assembly 10. Most of the plurality of drum segments 24 have been removed, leaving only portions of crossbars 170 for clarity. In the illustrated embodiment, the first and second plurality of secondary mechanical actuators 40 and 42 are shown as scissor lift mechanisms instead of the hydraulic cylinders shown in FIG. 14. Thus, pulling out the primary mechanical drive 38 can cause the first and second support arms 30 and 32 to move in addition to pulling out the plurality of drum segments 24. The illustrated drum assembly 10 includes a rack and pinion mechanism 220, but in other embodiments, the rack and pinion mechanism 220 may be omitted or other techniques may be used to ensure uniform movement of the drum segments 24.

FIG. 16 illustrates a perspective view of an embodiment of a reel assembly 10 with a first plurality

8 037730 with a plurality of extension arms 230 located at the first end 16 and a second plurality of extension arms 232 located at the second end 18. The first and second plurality of extension arms 230 and 232 may be used to help support coil 60 when located on the assembly 10 of the drum and shown in retracted positions in FIGS. 16. The first and second plurality of extension arms 230 and 232 are formed from a square tube of steel or a similar composition. In the illustrated embodiment, the first and second plurality of extension arms 230 and 232 may include radial arms 234 that extend in a radial direction 64 and axial arms 236 that extend in an axial direction 62. As shown in FIG. 16, the radial arms 234 may be at least partially contained in the radial arm brackets 238 when not deployed, and the axial arms 236 may be at least partially contained in the axial arm brackets 240 when not deployed. The radial arm brackets 238 and the axial arm brackets 240 may be connected by expandable spokes 20 or 22, spoke frames 90, or other appropriate locations on the drum assembly 10.

FIG. 17 illustrates a perspective view of an embodiment of the reel assembly 10 with the first and second plurality of extension arms 230 and 232 in extended positions, thereby blocking the coiled tubing 12 of the coil 60 from moving or offset beyond the ends of the plurality of reel segments 24. For example, radial arms 234 on opposite radial 64 sides of the drum assembly 10 can move away from each other and be secured in extended positions using radial arm brackets 238 and appropriate fasteners such as, but not limited to, screws, bolts, pins, etc. the arms 236 can be extended initially in the axial direction 62 until the axial arms are fully removed from the brackets 240, and then the axial arms 236 can be rotated until they are extended in opposite radial directions 64. The axial arms 236 can be secured in the extended positions using the secondary axial arm brackets 250 and appropriate fasteners such as, but not limited to, screws, bolts, pins, and so on.

FIG. 18 illustrates a side view of an embodiment of a reel assembly 10 having a retention flange 260 disposed on a first side 16. Parts and other components of the reel assembly 10 behind the retention flange 260 have been omitted for clarity. In the illustrated embodiment, retaining flange 260 includes a center hub 262 coupled to a first hub shaft 102. In particular, the first hub shaft 102 has a cross-sectional shape that matches the shape of the hole 264 formed in the central hub 262. For example, the first hub shaft 102 and the hole 264 may have square sectional shapes, but other shapes are possible, such as triangles, rectangles, polygons. , ovals and so on. The corresponding shapes of the first hub shaft 102 and bore 264 allow the retaining flange 260 to move with the first hub shaft 102.

In other words, the holding flange 260 rotates with the other rotating components of the drum assembly 10. It can also be said that rotation of the first hub shaft 102 or support beam 14 causes the retaining flange 260 to rotate. In addition, the corresponding shapes of the first hub shaft 102 and bore 264 allow the components to be detachably connected together to reduce the overall size and weight of the drum assembly 10. for example for transportation. In other embodiments, the retaining flange 260 and the first hub shaft 102 may be removably or non-removably connected together by other techniques such as screws, bolts, clamps, welding, brazing, or other fastening techniques. The holding flange 260 may provide a function similar to the first and second plurality of extension arms 230 and 232 described above. For example, retaining flange 260 may include an outer ring 266, one or more inner rings 268, and one or more ribs 270, which, when coupled together, may be used to help retain coil 60 when located on drum assembly 10. In other words, retaining flange 260 can help block coiled tubing 12 of coil 60 from moving or dislodging beyond the space between retaining flanges 260. The open structure provided by outer ring 266, one or more inner rings 268, and one or more ribs 270 can help reduce the total weight of the retention flange 260, but in other embodiments, a solid circular structure may be used for the retention flange 260. As in the previous Figures, although the above discussion refers primarily to the first end 16, it applies equally to the second end 18 and the components of the drum assembly 10 located at the second end 18. Specifically, a second holding flange 260 similar to that shown in FIG. ... 18 may be coupled to the second hub shaft 122. In addition, while the previous discussion describes the retaining flange 260 as being coupled to the first and second hub shafts 102 and 122, in other embodiments, the retaining flange 260 may be coupled to other portions of the support beam 14.

FIG. 19 illustrates a side view of an embodiment of a brake 280 that may be used with a drum assembly 10. For example, brake 280 may be a disc brake or caliper brake having one or more caliper brakes 282 positioned opposite rotor 284. In some embodiments, rotor 284 may be part of a retaining flange 260 or

- 9 037730 as a separate component of the drum unit 10. The rotor 284 may have an opening 286 that surrounds the first hub shaft 102 or other portion of the support beam 14. As shown in FIG. 19, the bore 286 and the first hub shaft 102 may have appropriate cross-sectional shapes to allow the rotor 284 to move with the first hub shaft 102. For example, first hub shaft 102 (or portion thereof) may have flat sides 288 that correspond to flat sides 290 of bore 286. In other words, rotor 284 rotates with other rotating components of drum assembly 10. Brake 280 may be used to slow or stop rotation of the drum assembly 10 by engaging the caliper brake 282 with the rotor 284. In additional embodiments, other braking techniques may be used to control rotation of the drum assembly 10. For example, brake 280 may be a drum brake, or may have a gear or roller 292 that rotatably meshes with a rotor 284. In some embodiments, brake 280 may employ hydraulic motor braking. As in the previous Figures, although the above discussion refers primarily to the first end 16, it applies equally to the second end 18 and the components of the reel assembly 10 located at the second end 18.

FIG. 20 illustrates a perspective view of an embodiment of one of a plurality of drum segments 24. The illustrated embodiment of the reel segment 24 is similar to that shown in FIG. 9, but the support spokes 178 are not located near the end plates 176. Instead, the support spokes 178 are located at a distance 310 from the end plates 176. Thus, the first and second plurality of extension arms 230 and 232 or the holding flanges 260 may also be located at a distance of 310 from the end plates 176, thereby reducing the coil distance 312 between the first and second plurality of extension arms 230 and 232 or retention flanges 260. Accordingly, the first and second plurality of extension arms 230 and 232 or retention flanges 260 may provide sufficient retention of coil 260 even if the axial dimension 70 of the coil 60 is less than the total width of 314 of the drum segments 24. In some embodiments, the first and second plurality of extension arms 230 and 232 or retaining flanges 260 may be offset or moved axially 62 to receive coils 60 of different axial dimensions 70.

Although the present disclosure has been described with respect to a limited number of embodiments, those skilled in the art who take advantage of this disclosure will appreciate that other embodiments may be developed that do not depart from the scope of the disclosure as described herein. Accordingly, the scope of the disclosure should be limited only by the accompanying claims.

Claims (20)

CLAIM 1. Expandable drum assembly for unrolling a coiled pipe containing a support beam having a first end and a second end; a first plurality of expandable spokes connected to and extending from a first end of the support beam, wherein the distal end of each of the first plurality of expandable spokes is movable between a retracted position and an extended position; a second set of expandable spokes connected to and extending from a second end of the support beam, wherein the distal end of each of the second set of expandable spokes is movable between a retracted position and an extended position; a plurality of drum segments, each of which is mounted on a distal end of one of the first plurality of expandable spokes and a distal end of one of the second plurality of expandable spokes, each of the plurality of drum segments extending parallel to the support beam; a first support bracket located on the support beam near the first end of the support beam and movable along the first longitudinal section of the support beam; a second support bracket located on the support beam near the second end of the support beam and configured to move along the second longitudinal section of the support beam; a primary mechanical drive extending between the first support arm and the second support arm, the primary mechanical drive being capable of moving at least one of the first support arm, the second support arm, or both; a first plurality of secondary mechanical drives, each of which extends between the first support bracket and one of the first plurality of expandable spokes or one of the plurality of drum segments, the first plurality of secondary mechanical drives being capable of moving the arrangement of the first plurality of expandable spokes between retracted and extended positions; and a second plurality of secondary mechanical actuators, each of which extends between the second support bracket and one of the second plurality of expandable spokes or one of the plurality of drum segments, the second plurality of secondary mechanical actuators being capable of moving the arrangement of the second plurality of expandable spokes between retracted and extended positions. 2. The drum assembly according to claim 1, wherein the one or more primary or secondary mechanical drives - 10 037730 dov contains hydraulic cylinders. 3. The reel assembly of claim 2, comprising a flow distributor configured to distribute a flow of hydraulic fluid across the hydraulic cylinders. 4. The drum assembly of claim 1, wherein each of the first and second plurality of expandable spokes comprises a hollow tube connected to the support beam; and a rigid member sliding telescopically in the hollow tube. 5. The drum assembly of claim 1, wherein each of the first and second plurality of expandable spokes comprises a scissor lift mechanism. 6. The drum assembly of claim 1, wherein the primary mechanical drive comprises a rack and pinion drive. 7. The drum assembly of claim 1, comprising a first hub located at a first end of the support beam and a second hub located at a second end of the support beam, the first hub comprising a first hub shaft and the second hub containing a second hub shaft. 8. The reel assembly of claim 1, comprising a first plurality of extension arms disposed at a first end of the support beam and a second plurality of extension arms disposed at a second end of the support beam, wherein the first and second plurality of extension arms are movable into an extended position provided with the ability to hold the coiled tubing disposed on the drum assembly between the first and second plurality of extension arms. 9. A drum assembly according to claim 1, comprising a first retaining flange located at a first end of the support beam and a second retaining flange disposed at a second end of the support beam, the first and second retaining flanges being configured to support the flexible pipe disposed on the drum assembly between the first and second holding flanges. 10. The drum assembly of claim 9, wherein the first and second retaining flanges are removably coupled to the support beam. 11. The drum assembly according to claim 9, comprising a brake configured to engage at least one of the first and second holding flanges, the brake being configured to slow down or stop rotation of at least one of the first and second holding flanges when the brake is activated ... 12. The drum assembly of claim 9, wherein the first retaining flange is located closer to the first end of the expandable spokes than the first plurality of expandable spokes, or the second retaining flange is located closer to the second end of the expanding spokes than the plurality of the second plurality of expandable spokes, or both. ... 13. A drum assembly according to claim 1, comprising at least two fork channels extending axially or radially along the support beam. 14. A method of engaging a drum assembly with a coiled tubing coil, comprising the steps of placing a drum unit in the inner region of a coiled tubing coil, the drum unit comprising a support beam having a first end and a second end; a first plurality of expandable spokes connected to and extending from a first end of the support beam, wherein the distal end of each of the first plurality of expandable spokes is movable between a retracted position and an extended position; a second set of expandable spokes connected to and extending from a second end of the support beam, wherein the distal end of each of the second set of expandable spokes is movable between a retracted position and an extended position; a plurality of drum segments, each of which is mounted on a distal end of one of the first plurality of expandable spokes and a distal end of one of the second plurality of expandable spokes, each of the plurality of drum segments extending parallel to the support beam; a first support bracket located on the support beam near the first end of the support beam and movable along the first longitudinal section of the support beam; a second support bracket located on the support beam near the second end of the support beam and configured to move along the second longitudinal section of the support beam; a primary mechanical drive extending between the first support arm and the second support arm, the primary mechanical drive being capable of moving at least one of the first support arm, the second support arm, or both; a first plurality of secondary mechanical drives, each of which extends between the first support bracket and one of the first plurality of expandable spokes or one of the plurality of drum segments, the first plurality of secondary mechanical drives being capable of moving the arrangement of the first plurality of expandable spokes between retracted and extended positions; and a second plurality of secondary mechanical drives, each of which extends between the second support bracket and one of the second plurality of expandable spokes or one of the plurality - 11,037730 strings of drum segments, the second plurality of secondary mechanical drives being capable of moving the arrangement of the second plurality of expandable spokes between retracted and extended positions; and moving the first plurality of expandable spokes and the second plurality of expandable spokes from a retracted position to an extended position using at least one of a primary mechanical drive, a first plurality of secondary mechanical drives, a second plurality of secondary mechanical drives, or any combination thereof; and contacting the coiled tubing coil with at least two of the plurality of drum segments such that the drum assembly is secured in the inner region of the coiled tubing coil. 15. The method of claim 14, wherein each of the first and second plurality of expandable spokes comprises a hollow tube coupled to the support beam and a rigid member telescopically slidable in the hollow tube or a scissor lift mechanism. 16. The method of claim 14, comprising the step of distributing the flow of hydraulic fluid across one or more primary or secondary mechanical actuators to control movement of the first and second plurality of expandable spokes, or using a rack and pinion mechanism for the primary mechanical actuator to control movement of the first and the second set of expandable knitting needles. 17. The method of claim 14, comprising raising the drum assembly by means of a first hub located at a first end of the support beam and a second hub located at a second end of the support beam. 18. The method of claim 14, comprising the step of retaining the coiled tubing disposed on the drum assembly by means of a first plurality of extension arms disposed at a first end of the support beam and a second plurality of extension arms disposed at a second end of the support beam, or a first retaining flange located at a first end of the support beam; and a second retaining flange located at a second end of the support beam. 19. The method of claim 18, comprising rotating the first and second retaining flanges by rotating the support beam and releasably connecting the first and second retaining flanges to the support beam. 20. The method of claim 18, comprising slowing or stopping the rotation of the first and second holding flanges by means of a brake engaged with the first and second holding flanges.