Pipe coupling

A method of coupling tubular members at a well, comprising the steps:

• a) providing a non-threaded coupling system between first and second tubular members comprising:
• a first tubular member having a first end which includes a first profiled section extending circumferentially and continuously around an outer surface;
• a second tubular member having a second end which includes a second profiled section extending circumferentially and continuously around an inner surface;
• and at least one profiled section includes at least one profiled section includes at least two rims each forming a projection from a surface of the tubular member with a corresponding groove therebetween, the groove having a base and the projections each providing a sloping wall which forms an angle with the base, wherein at least one of the sloping walls forms an acute angle with the base to provide a overhang to the base;
• the at least one profiled section includes two overhangs, the overhangs being oppositely directed;
• and wherein the overhangs are on opposite sides of a single projection;
• b) gripping the second tubular member in a tubular string at the well;
• c) supporting the first tubular member and moving the first tubular member to the second tubular member;
• d) locating the first end of the first tubular member into the second end of the second tubular member;
• e) then applying a force to move the first and second ends relative to each other under elastic and plastic deformation;
• and
• f) creating a metal to metal seal between the first end of the first tubular member and the second end of the second tubular member.

A non-threaded coupling system between first and second tubular members comprising:

• a first tubular member having a first end which includes a first profiled section extending circumferentially and continuously around an outer surface;
• a second tubular member having a second end which includes a second profiled section extending circumferentially and continuously around an inner surface;
• the first end of the first tubular member being inserted within the second end of the second tubular member so that the profiled sections are coaxial and then by application of a force creating a metal to metal seal between the tubular members at the profiled sections, characterised in that:
• at least one profiled section includes at least two rims each forming a projection from a surface of the tubular member with a corresponding groove therebetween, the groove having a base and the projections each providing a sloping wall which forms an angle with the base, wherein at least one of the sloping walls forms an acute angle with the base to provide a overhang to the base;
• there are at least two overhangs, a first overhang on the first profiled section and a second overhang on the second profiled section, the first and second overhangs being oppositely directed and separated longitudinally;
• and
• wherein a mating profile at each overhang is a projection having an outer face which is perpendicular to the surface of the tubular member.

A method of coupling tubular members at a well, comprising the steps:

• a) providing a non-threaded coupling system between first and second tubular members comprising:
• a first tubular member having a first end which includes a first profiled section extending circumferentially and continuously around an outer surface;
• a second tubular member having a second end which includes a second profiled section extending circumferentially and continuously around an inner surface;
• and at least one profiled section includes at least one profiled section includes at least two rims each forming a projection from a surface of the tubular member with a corresponding groove therebetween, the groove having a base and the projections each providing a sloping wall which forms an angle with the base, wherein at least one of the sloping walls forms an acute angle with the base to provide a overhang to the base;
• there are at least two overhangs, a first overhang on the first profiled section and a second overhang on the second profiled section, the first and second overhangs being oppositely directed and separated longitudinally;
• and a mating profile at each overhang is a projection having an outer face which is perpendicular to the surface of the tubular member;
• b) gripping the second tubular member in a tubular string at the well;
• c) supporting the first tubular member and moving the first tubular member to the second tubular member;
• d) locating the first end of the first tubular member into the second end of the second tubular member;
• e) then applying a force to move the first and second ends relative to each other under elastic and plastic deformation;
• and
• f) creating a metal to metal seal between the first end of the first tubular member and the second end of the second tubular member.