COILED TUBING AND SLICKLINE UNIT

Abstract

A coiled tubing unit includes a coiled tubing assembly and a slickline assembly sharing an axis of rotation with the coiled tubing assembly. A shaft of the coiled tubing assembly is received by bearings on a slickline drum of the slickline assembly and extends through an interior of the slickline drum. A swivel joint connection is rotatably affixed on an end of the shaft as it exits the interior of the slickline drum, thus allowing for introduction of fluid or cabling into the shaft and into the coiled tubing. The coiled tubing drum and slickline drum can rotate independently and are powered independently of each other. The coiled tubing and slickline assemblies are preferably affixed to a removable module, the removable module being positioned on a skid having a power unit and appropriate controls.

Claims

1. An apparatus comprising: a skid having a power unit positioned thereon, said power unit having an engine, a first hydraulic pump and a second hydraulic pump; and a module removably positioned on said skid, said module having a primary reel assembly with a first motor and a secondary reel assembly with a second motor, said primary reel assembly and said secondary reel assembly having a common axis of rotation and being independently rotatable, said first motor being connected to said first hydraulic pump via a first hydraulic hose, said second motor being connected to said second hydraulic pump via a second hydraulic hose.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, said skid having controls positioned thereon adapted to operate said power unit, said primary reel assembly and said secondary reel assembly.

3. The apparatus of claim 2, said controls being located in a control cab positioned on said skid.

4. The apparatus of claim 1, said primary reel assembly having a shaft and a drum, said secondary reel assembly having a drum with at least one bearing unit, said shaft of said primary reel assembly being received by said at least one bearing unit of said secondary reel assembly and extending through an interior of said drum of said secondary reel assembly.

5. The apparatus of claim 4, further comprising: a fluid hose connection mounted on an said shaft on a side of said secondary reel assembly opposite said primary reel assembly, said fluid hose connection being rotatable relative to said shaft; and a hole drilled through said shaft in a location between first and second reel flanges of said drum of said primary reel assembly.

6. The apparatus of claim 5, said skid having a pump positioned thereon, said pump being adapted to supply a fluid to said primary reel assembly through said fluid hose connection and said hole.

7. The apparatus of claim 1, said primary reel assembly being a coiled tubing reel assembly.

8. A coiled tubing unit comprising: a base; a coiled tubing assembly affixed to said base, said coiled tubing assembly having a coiled tubing drum with opposing flanges and a shaft, said shaft extending through an interior of said coiled tubing drum and having a hole drilled therein in a position between said opposing flanges of said coiled tubing drum; a secondary drum positioned adjacent said coiled tubing assembly such that said secondary drum and said coiled tubing drum share an axis of rotation, said secondary drum having at least one bearing unit, said shaft of said coiled tubing assembly being received by said at least one bearing unit and extending through an interior of said secondary drum; and a swivel connection affixed to an end of said shaft adjacent said secondary drum, said swivel connection rotatable relative to said shaft, said swivel connection adapted to allow for introduction of a fluid or a cable into a hollow interior of said shaft.

9. The coiled tubing unit of claim 8, each of said coiled tubing assembly and secondary drum having a respective motor connected thereto and positioned on said base, the coiled tubing unit further comprising: a skid having a hydraulic power unit thereon, said base being affixed to said skid, said hydraulic power unit having a first hydraulic hose connected to said motor of said coiled tubing assembly and a second hydraulic hose connected to said motor of said secondary drum.

10. The coiled tubing unit of claim 9, said base being removably affixed to said skid.

11. The coiled tubing unit of claim 9, said coiled tubing drum and said secondary drum being independently rotatable.

12. An apparatus comprising: a base; a coiled tubing assembly affixed to said base, said coiled tubing assembly having a coiled tubing drum and a shaft; and a secondary assembly affixed to said base, said secondary assembly having a secondary drum and at least one bearing unit, said shaft of said coiled tubing assembly being received by said at least one bearing unit so as to pass through an interior of said secondary drum such that said coiled tubing drum is rotatable independently of said secondary drum.

13. The apparatus of claim 12, said coiled tubing assembly and said secondary assembly having a common axis of rotation.

14. The apparatus of claim 12, further comprising: a skid, said base being removably positioned on said skid.

15. The apparatus of claim 12, further comprising: a power unit positioned on said skid, said power unit having an engine and at least a first hydraulic pump and a second hydraulic pump; a first motor positioned on said base and connected to said coiled tubing assembly, said first motor being connected to said first hydraulic pump via a first hydraulic hose; and a second motor positioned on said base and connected to said secondary assembly, said second motor being connected to said second hydraulic pump via a second hydraulic hose.

16. The apparatus of claim 15, further comprising: a fluid pump positioned on said skid, said fluid pump having a third motor connected thereto, said third motor connected to a third hydraulic pump of said power unit via a third hydraulic hose.

17. The apparatus of claim 12, said shaft of said coiled tubing assembly having an end extending outwardly of said secondary drum, the apparatus further comprising: a fluid hose connection mounted on said end of said shaft, said fluid hose connection being rotatable relative to said shaft; and a hole drilled through said shaft in a location between first and second reel flanges of said coiled tubing drum.

18. The apparatus of claim 17, said shaft of said coiled tubing assembly having an interior passageway extending between said hole and said fluid hose connection.

19. The apparatus of claim 12, said slickline assembly having a level-wind assembly positioned adjacent thereto.

20. The apparatus of claim 14, further comprising: a control cab positioned on said skid.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

[0044] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the coiled tubing and slickline unit of the preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0045] FIG. 2 is a side view of the coiled tubing and slickline unit of the preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0046] FIG. 3 is an isolated view focusing on the slickline assembly of the preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0047] FIG. 4 is an isolated view of the coiled tubing and slickline assemblies of the present invention, wherein various components of the coiled tubing unit have been removed for clarity.

[0048] FIG. 5 is a front view of the coiled tubing and the slickline unit of the present invention.

[0049] FIG. 6 is a schematic view illustrating the various components of the coiled tubing and slickline unit of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0050] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, there is shown the coiled tubing and slickline unit 10 in accordance with the preferred embodiment of the present invention. The coiled tubing and slickline unit 10 includes a skid 12 having a generally rectangular frame. The skid 12 supports a slickline and coiled tubing module 14 at one end thereof. Preferably, the slickline and coiled tubing module 14 is removably positioned on the skid 12. The skid 12 and module 14 are adapted to be transported by conventional means, including forklifts and slings.

[0051] The slickline and coiled tubing module 14 has a base 16 supporting a primary reel assembly 18 and a secondary reel assembly 26. In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the primary reel assembly 18 is in the form of a coiled tubing assembly 18, while the secondary reel assembly 26 is in the form of a slickline assembly 26, each being referred to hereinafter as such. It is within the concept of the present invention that the various tubing or reel assemblies could take the form of different types of tubing or reel assemblies usable in well operations or other similar operations.

[0052] The coiled tubing assembly 18 is shown as having a coiled tubing drum 20 with a pair of coiled tubing reel flanges 22. A coiled tubing level-wind 24 is shown positioned in front of the coiled tubing drum 20, and serves to assist in the winding of the coiled tubing (not shown) onto and off of the coiled tubing drum 20. The slickline assembly 26 is shown in more detail herein below.

[0053] Preferably, the skid 12 has a control cab 28 with suitable controls therein for controlling the coiled tubing assembly 18, slickline assembly 26 and related motors and pumps. The control cab 28 is illustrated as having an access door 32 and windows 34. The control cab 28 serves as a central location for controls, thus requiring less personnel to operate, as compared to the prior art where coiled tubing and slickline are provided on separate units having separate power supplies.

[0054] A power unit 30 is shown as positioned on the skid 12 at an end thereof opposite the assemblies 18 and 26. Positioned adjacent the power unit 30 is a hydraulic radiator 36 for cooling hydraulic fluid from hydraulic pumps, which are described below.

[0055] A high-pressure fluid pump 37 is illustrated in FIG. 2, and can be used for jetting within the well. This fluid pump 37 is connected to the coiled tubing assembly 18 as will be described below. Fluid pumps are traditionally supplied separately from coiled tubing units.

[0056] Referring to FIG. 3, there is shown an isolated view adjacent the slickline assembly 26. In FIG. 3, it can be seen that a support frame 38 is provided at one end of the slickline assembly 26, which serves to support the slickline drum 40 vertically above the base 16 of the slickline and coiled tubing module 14. The slickline drum 40 is illustrated as having a pair of slickline drum flanges 42. A chain sprocket 44 is illustrated on one side of the slickline drum 40. The chain sprocket 44 receives a chain (not shown) from a dedicated motor (described below) which serves to independently drive the slickline assembly 26.

[0057] A second chain sprocket 45 is shown in FIG. 3. The second chain sprocket 45 receives a chain (not shown) and is used to operate the level-wind 24 from the turning of the coiled tubing drum 20.

[0058] Importantly, FIG. 3 illustrates the slickline reel bearings 46. At least one slickline reel bearing unit 46 is provided on the slickline drum 40. However, in the preferred embodiment of the present invention, a slickline reel bearing unit 46 is provided at both ends of the slickline drum 40 adjacent the slickline drum flanges 42. The slickline reel bearing units 46 receive the main shaft 54 of the coiled tubing assembly 18. Importantly, the main shaft 54 runs through the interior of the slickline drum 40 but is not rigidly connected to it. This allows the coiled tubing drum 20 and the slickline drum 40 to rotate independently of one another.

[0059] In FIG. 3, it can be seen how a portion of the shaft 54 extends outwardly of a support 50. FIG. 3 also importantly illustrates the swivel joint fluid hose connection 48. This connection 48 can rotate relative to the main shaft 54, and is utilized introduce a fluid or a cable therethrough and into an interior passageway of the main shaft 54 so as to communicate with a drilled hole (as shown in FIG. 4) drilled through the main shaft 54. Preferably, the swivel joint fluid hose connection 48 is rotatable by a set of bearings mounted on the main shaft 54.

[0060] Referring to FIG. 4, there is shown an isolated view of the coiled tubing and slickline assemblies 18 and 26, wherein various components of the coiled tubing assembly 18 and slickline assembly 26, most notably the surface of the coiled tubing drum 20, are not shown so as to better illustrate the workings of the present invention.

[0061] Shown in FIG. 4 is the coiled tubing reel motor and gearbox 52 positioned on one end of the coiled tubing assembly 18 opposite the slickline assembly 26. The coiled tubing reel motor and gearbox 52 are powered by hydraulic hoses (not shown) and serve to turn the coiled tubing drum 20 at a desired speed.

[0062] FIG. 4 also illustrates how the main shaft 54 extends through an interior of the coiled tubing assembly 18 and is received by the slickline reel bearing 46. While the main shaft 54 is illustrated as having two different outer diameters, the main shaft 54 can have a constant outer diameter along the entire length thereof. There is also shown the drilled hole 56 in the main shaft 54 between the opposing reel flanges 22 of the coiled tubing assembly 18. The drilled hole 56 is in fluid communication with the interior of the main shaft 54, and also with the swivel joint fluid hose connection 48 positioned on the main shaft 54 opposite the slickline assembly 26.

[0063] Referring to FIG. 5, there is shown a front view of the coiled tubing and slickline unit 10 of the present invention. In FIG. 5, it can be seen how the coiled tubing assembly 18 and slickline assembly 26 share an axis of rotation 58. Such a configuration allows for both reel assemblies 18 and 26 to be aligned with the wellhead, which is a significant advantage as compared to the prior art, wherein the coiled tubing and slickline assemblies are separate units which must be positioned on-site.

[0064] FIG. 6 shows a schematic view of the various components of the coiled tubing and slickline unit 10 of the present invention. FIG. 6 particularly illustrates the slickline and coiled tubing module 14, the power unit 30 and the fluid pump 37.

[0065] The slickline and coiled tubing module 14 is shown as including the coiled tubing assembly 18 and the slickline assembly 26. A motor 52 for the coiled tubing assembly 18 is shown as having a shaft connection between the motor 52 and the coiled tubing assembly 18. Similarly, there is another motor 72 shown having a chain connection to the slickline reel assembly 26.

[0066] The high-pressure fluid pump 37 is shown as having a motor 68 with a shaft connection thereto. The fluid pump 37 supplies water or other fluid through a hose to the coiled tubing assembly 18.

[0067] FIG. 6 shows how the power unit 30 has an engine 74 (preferably diesel) connected via a transmission box 76 to a plurality of hydraulic pumps. These hydraulic pumps include a hydraulic pump 60 connected to the motor 68 of the high-pressure fluid pump 37 via a hydraulic hose 66a. Similarly, a hydraulic pump 62 is connected by hydraulic hose 66b to the coiled tubing motor 52. Finally, a pump 64 is connected via hydraulic hose 66c to the slickline motor 72. These hydraulic hoses 66a, 66b and 66c extend from the power unit 30 through the skid 12 so as to be connected to the fluid pump 37 on the skid 12, and to the respective motors on the slickline and coiled tubing module 14. The hydraulic hoses 66a, 66b and 66c can be quickly disconnected from the various components such that the slickline and coiled tubing module 14 can be changed out for another unit, if necessary or desired. The hydraulic hoses 66a, 66b and 66c are preferably safely run through the skid 12 so as to prevent tripping hazards associated with the separate coiled tubing and slickline units and their respective motors and pumps of the prior art.

[0068] Suitable controls 78, illustrated in FIG. 6, are preferably located in the control cab 28 of the coiled tubing and slickline unit 10, and are used to control the various motors and pumps of the present invention. Consolidation of these controls 78 represents a significant advancement over the prior art, wherein separate systems for the coiled tubing, slickline and fluid pumps are required.

[0069] Introduction of fluid to the coiled tubing assembly presents particular challenges when combining the coiled tubing assembly with the slickline assembly. In normal coiled tubing drums, there are few issues, as the gearing system is on one side of the reel, and the fluid enters the reel on the other side by means of a coiled tubing swivel joint. A coiled tubing swivel joint turns through 360 on bearings that allow fluid entry to the reel.

[0070] In the present invention, the slickline assembly is positioned on the side of the coiled tubing assembly opposite the gearing system of the coiled tubing assembly, so as to accomplish the objectives of the present invention wherein: (1) the coiled tubing and slickline drums are aligned with the wellhead; and (2) the coiled tubing and slickline assemblies are placed on a single module which can be easily changed out on the skid. So as to allow introduction of the fluid (or electrical cable) into the coiled tubing assembly, the main shaft 54 of the coiled tubing assembly was developed to run through the center of both reels and extend past the slickline reel without affecting the rotation of the slickline reel.

[0071] One of the unique aspects of the present invention is the relative ease with which the slickline and coiled tubing module 14 can be changed out. Various circumstances arise during well operations which require changing a coiled tubing string. For example, it may be necessary or desirable to change the tubing size being utilized. Often, it is also necessary to a re-string a coiled tubing unit which takes a considerable amount of time. In some cases, it may be desirable to have an unstrung coiled tubing or slickline unit so as to utilize the unit to recover and re-spool tubing or other cable or wire that is sheared in a well. With the present invention, to change out the coiled tubing unit (for size or other purposes), operators simply need to remove the slickline and coiled tubing module 14 after disconnecting the hydraulic hoses connected thereto. The module will then be replaced with another module and the hydraulic hoses connected.

[0072] As previously noted, within the concept of the present invention, the reels can comprise a primary reel and a secondary reel. In certain circumstances, the slickline or coiled tubing reels (i.e. primary and secondary reels) can be used for less-conventional applications. For example, an electrical base type module can be utilized. In this application, a power or data cable can extend between the swivel-joint connection 48 and drilled hole 56, instead of a fluid. In this example, the larger primary reel can be used to hold electric line cable or electric-line coiled tubing instead of the traditional capillary tubing.

[0073] The module 14 can also be used as a cable-pulling unit. In this application, pulling cable is added to the primary reel and can be used for equipment pulling purposes in the field. Possible uses include pulling items across rivers or muddy low spots in environments in which regular vehicles cannot work.

[0074] The module 14 can also be used for retrieving lost cable in a well or as a storage unit when needing to retrieve cable or other strings, such as capillary tubing, slickline and rubber hoses, etc. The unit could also be moved to a field location to transfer cables, tubing, etc. onto other devices or units at a controlled rate and with controlled force and tension. The unit of the present invention can hold a back pressure force tension on cable as a crane is applying the cable to its crane drum.

[0075] As can be appreciated from a review of the specification and drawings, the modular nature of the present invention can save both time and money on the well site, as well as reduce the possibility of injury to workers on the site.

[0076] The foregoing disclosure and description of the invention is illustrative and explanatory thereof. Various changes in the details of the illustrated construction can be made within the scope of the appended claims without departing from the true spirit of the invention. The present invention should only be limited by the following claims and their legal equivalents.