US 6,332,501 B1 · Linear coiled tubing injector

Abstract

An injector is provided for injecting and withdrawing large diameter coiled tubing comprising a linear section of gripping blocks driven on an endless chain conveyor. The coiled tubing is forced into frictional engagement with the blocks by a corresponding linear array of rollers. The arrangement is gentle on the coiled tubing. The injector is not restricted in length and thus provides a linear driving section of configurable length for providing superior injection and pulling capacities. In combination with the strong draw works, the mast and rotary table of a conventional rig enables making up both sectional tubing for assembling BHA's, drilling surface hole and making up to non-rotating coiled tubing from the injector. Using a mast having two open sides and with dual draw works, increased functionality is provided and less serial handling.

Claims26

Dependent claims

Apparatus for injecting coiled tubing into a wellbore from a source and withdrawing same, comprising:

a chain conveyor driven about an endless path and having at least one linear section aligned with the wellbore;
a multiplicity of gripper blocks conveyed and driven by the chain conveyor, the gripper blocks forming a substantially continuous coiled tubing support while traversing the linear section;
and
a linear array of a multiplicity of rollers in parallel and opposing arrangement to the linear section of the chain conveyor for forming a corridor between the rollers and the gripper blocks and through which the coiled tubing extends, the rollers urging the coiled tubing into frictional engagement with the gripper blocks so that as the gripper blocks are driven about the endless path they frictionally drive the coiled tubing, along, the corridor to inject or withdraw coiled tubing.

1 more element

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Linear coiled tubing injector

Life of this patent

Linear coiled tubing injector

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims26