WO2025097026A1 - Tubular clamping device - Google Patents
Tubular clamping device Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- WO2025097026A1 WO2025097026A1 PCT/US2024/054221 US2024054221W WO2025097026A1 WO 2025097026 A1 WO2025097026 A1 WO 2025097026A1 US 2024054221 W US2024054221 W US 2024054221W WO 2025097026 A1 WO2025097026 A1 WO 2025097026A1
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- WO
- WIPO (PCT)
- Prior art keywords
- clamp
- tubular
- operable
- main body
- degrees
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Pending
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Classifications
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
- F16L—PIPES; JOINTS OR FITTINGS FOR PIPES; SUPPORTS FOR PIPES, CABLES OR PROTECTIVE TUBING; MEANS FOR THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
- F16L3/00—Supports for pipes, cables or protective tubing, e.g. hangers, holders, clamps, cleats, clips, brackets
- F16L3/22—Supports for pipes, cables or protective tubing, e.g. hangers, holders, clamps, cleats, clips, brackets specially adapted for supporting a number of parallel pipes at intervals
- F16L3/23—Supports for pipes, cables or protective tubing, e.g. hangers, holders, clamps, cleats, clips, brackets specially adapted for supporting a number of parallel pipes at intervals for a bundle of pipes or a plurality of pipes placed side by side in contact with each other
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- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E21—EARTH OR ROCK DRILLING; MINING
- E21B—EARTH OR ROCK DRILLING; OBTAINING OIL, GAS, WATER, SOLUBLE OR MELTABLE MATERIALS OR A SLURRY OF MINERALS FROM WELLS
- E21B17/00—Drilling rods or pipes; Flexible drill strings; Kellies; Drill collars; Sucker rods; Cables; Casings; Tubings
- E21B17/02—Couplings; joints
- E21B17/023—Arrangements for connecting cables or wirelines to downhole devices
- E21B17/026—Arrangements for fixing cables or wirelines to the outside of downhole devices
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
- F16L—PIPES; JOINTS OR FITTINGS FOR PIPES; SUPPORTS FOR PIPES, CABLES OR PROTECTIVE TUBING; MEANS FOR THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
- F16L3/00—Supports for pipes, cables or protective tubing, e.g. hangers, holders, clamps, cleats, clips, brackets
- F16L3/08—Supports for pipes, cables or protective tubing, e.g. hangers, holders, clamps, cleats, clips, brackets substantially surrounding the pipe, cable or protective tubing
- F16L3/12—Supports for pipes, cables or protective tubing, e.g. hangers, holders, clamps, cleats, clips, brackets substantially surrounding the pipe, cable or protective tubing comprising a member substantially surrounding the pipe, cable or protective tubing
- F16L3/13—Supports for pipes, cables or protective tubing, e.g. hangers, holders, clamps, cleats, clips, brackets substantially surrounding the pipe, cable or protective tubing comprising a member substantially surrounding the pipe, cable or protective tubing and engaging it by snap action
Definitions
- the present invention relates to a downhole cable clamping device and means to securely attach and adhere cables and other tubular-conveyed external lines to a tubular string. More particularly, the clamping device that is a clamping “sleeve” that is the present invention relates to a novel design for securedly mounting, affixing and maintaining cables, and other tubular-conveyed external lines used for downhole equipment, to the exterior of a tubular string via affixing means and positioning “fins” to disallow movement and friction that may negatively affect the lifespan and functionality of a cable or cables adhered thereto and other tubular-conveyed external lines.
- electric, liquid and gas conduits in the form of control lines, electric submersible pump (ESP) cables, umbilical lines or lower-encapsulated bundles and the like, are vital components to operations within a wellbore.
- ESP electric submersible pump
- producers use artificial lift systems in a vast majority of oil wells. Artificial lift is used to increase production fluids and are needed when reservoirs no longer have sufficient energy to naturally produce at economic rates, or to boost early production in new wells.
- One effective and versatile method of artificial lift is the electric submersible pump. Producers may choose to use an ESP system because they are quiet, safe and only require a small surface footprint. These pumps have a wide range of pump rate operation and can accommodate changes in fluid properties and flow rates over the life of the well.
- conduits may be mechanical, electrical, or a combination of the two, and directed downhole, as in the case of electric submersible pumps (ESPs), remotely operated downhole valves, and downhole sensors, which provide logging, monitoring, and sensor data up hole for processing and providing fluids (gas and liquid) bi -directionally.
- ESPs electric submersible pumps
- Conventional cable means of adherence e.g., clamps, bolted, ties, bands, straps or like means
- a security mechanism which allows for tubing placement and operation (for example through moving such tubing in the wellbore or through rotation) which guards against cable wear, erosion, pulling or a combination thereof.
- the arrangement of cable configurations may be either exposed adherence means selectively placed longitudinally along the exterior of the tubing or, partially enclosed, where adherence and protection are metered along the length of the tubing, thus allowing for fewer open and exposed areas of cable for protection and securement.
- clamps may be installed over tubing collars which are considered the riskiest locations from the perspective of wear and erosion of the tubular-conveyed external lines.
- the present invention has application in a wide array of uses inclusive of, but not limited to: artificial lift (e.g., ESP pumps and gas lifts), permanent gauges, fiber optics, safety valves (e.g., subsurface safety valves control lines), geophones, chemical injection lines, umbilical gauges (i.e., critical arteries of power, fluid injection, control and communication that drive deep-sea drilling) and MLE (motor lead extension) cables.
- artificial lift e.g., ESP pumps and gas lifts
- permanent gauges e.g., fiber optics
- safety valves e.g., subsurface safety valves control lines
- geophones chemical injection lines
- umbilical gauges i.e., critical arteries of power, fluid injection, control and communication that drive deep-sea drilling
- MLE motor lead extension
- the proposed compressive fit design accommodates oversized or undersized tubing alike, as per American Petroleum Institute specs, and securely engages the cable or lines to the tubing as is shown and described.
- Benefits of the present invention and method of use include, but are not limited to: (a) a reduction in cable risks, (b) prevention of expensive workovers, (c) prevention of costly damage to cables or capillaries during installation and retrieval, (d) low production costs, (e) low workover time (i.e., quick installation), (f) use of non-metallic (or semi- metallic) extrusion methods providing virtually endless modifications (e.g., multiple interchangeable channel designs available to support multi-line configurations, (g) increased tubing stability, (h) low to no rotational stress, (i) highly configurable materials with low friction composites and/or corrosion-resistant alloys, (j) suitability for high-angle wellbores (in deviated, vertical or horizontal wells) with high cable strengths all while obviating traditional mid-joint clamps.
- tubing and “tubular” may be used interchangeably wherein “tubular” may be any pipe such as tubing or casing or a drill pipe, coiled tubing, liner, jointed or integral, that is deployed in a well drilled in an underground formation.
- Words “top” and “upper” should be understood as a part of an object which is closest to a wellhead and/or the surface, as the case may be, during performing a wellbore operation.
- Tubular-conveyed external line for the purposes of the present invention is any equipment deployed downhole on the outer surface of the tubular and having the longest dimension of more than, for example, 1ft., which may be up to 10 ft., 100 ft., 1,000 ft., 10,000 ft., 20,000 ft., or more, generally, without losing effect.
- tubular- conveyed external lines examples include, but are not limited to, ESP cables, electrical cables, optical cables, hydraulic lines, coaxial cables, subsurface safety valves control lines, chemical injection lines, MLE (motor lead extension) cables, umbilical cables (critical arteries of power, fluid injection, control and communication that drive deep-sea drilling), coiled tubing, micro coiled tubing, containers with the mentioned above parameters, potentially including tracer materials or chemical agents or productive chemical agents, including within flexible containers and/or combinations thereof.
- “Tubular Clamp”, “tubing clamp” or “clamp” is a device used for securing tubular- conveyed external lines to a tubular and for protection of external lines from wear and erosion due to frictional contact within a well or casing.
- “Spring-clamp type design” of the tubular clamp is a type of design of a tubular clamp wherein the locking elements of the clamp comprise slot(s) and/or cut(s) which enables reversible elastic deformation of the locking elements of the clamp during installation of such clump on a tubular as shown in FIG. 1 when a clamping device is adhered to a tubular especially in jointed areas.
- “Instillation Direction” or “tubular clamp’s installation direction” or “clamp’s installation direction” is the direction along the body of the clamp that is aligned with the direction of the tubular after the clamp’s complete installation on such tubular. (See FIG.
- “Central Line” of a clamp is defined as a line that is aligned with the clamp’s installation direction and goes through the center of a circle of a maximum diameter that may be enclosed in the void on the projection of the clamp on the plane perpendicular to the clamp’s installation direction. (See FIG.3) “Central void line” of a clamp is defined as a line that is aligned with the clamp’s installation direction and goes through the center of a circle of a minimum diameter that encloses the projection of the void of the clamp on the plane perpendicular to the clamp’s installation direction.
- Central Plane of a clamp is defined as follows: If the central line of the clamp and the central void line of the clamp don’t coincide then the central plane of the clamp is defined as the plane that contains both the central line of the clamp and the central void line of the clamp. If the central line of the clamp and the central void line of the clamp coincide then the central plane of the clamp is defined as the plane that goes through the central line of the clamp and the center of mass of the clamp. “Spacing element” (i.e. “fin”) of a clamp is defined as a component of the clamp that keeps the external elements of the clamp from contacting the casing or a wellbore of the well where a tubular with such clamp is deployed.
- “Main plane” of a spacing element is defined as a plane that provides the best fit to all points of the spacing element using one of the fitting methods known to those skilled in the art.
- the present invention provides an adherable, securable protective cover and/or compressive-fit device and construction to optimally secure tubular-conveyed external lines to a tubular string deployed in wells of various depths and geometries.
- the present invention is used to secure and support tubular-conveyed external lines longitudinally, along a tubular for any number of tubular-conveyed external lines and for any number of devices connected to such tubular-conveyed external lines including artificial (liquid and gas) lift devices, sensors, gauges, geophones (seismic wave detectors), ESPs (electrical submersible pumps), hydraulic pumps, fiber optic transmitters, and the like.
- artificial (liquid and gas) lift devices including sensors, gauges, geophones (seismic wave detectors), ESPs (electrical submersible pumps), hydraulic pumps, fiber optic transmitters, and the like.
- any number of tubular-conveyed external lines including conduits, cables or similar power and communications means, may be subsumed under this designation without loss of defining features.
- the present device thereby supplies a device which securely engages and protects tubular-conveyed external lines by shielding cables and lines as they translocate across a coupling, helping to prevent damage during installation, placement, use, or retrieval of tubulars within completions.
- ESPs specifically ESP cables
- An ESP system consists of various stages of centrifugal pumps designed to either draw fluid out, pressurize and lift that fluid, or the inverse, pumping fluid into the well (in the case of water injection wells).
- the ESP motor is supplied power via heavy duty cables which may be banded or strapped to production tubing in sections or intervals beneath the wellhead.
- While the cable’s outermost surface is typically robust, being resistant to physical and chemical degradation, frictional wear due to harshly corrosive environments, mechanical manipulations, contact between tubing and casings, particulates (sand, rock, and dirt) in the production fluid, high temperatures at increasing depths all play a role in working to damage and destroy ESP cables over time.
- the ESP system is an efficient and versatile means of creating artificial lift, where the pumps themselves are often operated in corrosive environments, requiring a minimal height profile, each having a wide range of pump rate operations accommodating changes in fluid properties and flow rates over the life of the well.
- the maintained integrity of ESP cables are the key to ESPs continued operation providing protection and maintenance over a tubular strings functional lifespan.
- Another objective of this invention is to allow for an easily manufactured, extruded (partially or non-metallic) construction material, exhibited through a quick install clamp, which itself is configurable and endlessly modifiable to accommodate different multi-line configurations, with a high friction interior and low friction (composite/non-metallic) exterior for optimum conduit and cable protections.
- Another objective is to provide protection, via said clamp, wherein the clamp itself is corrosion resistant and highly stable in the presence of hydrocarbons and/or water, as the well operation may dictate, and which is duly guarded, to the largest extent practical, against rotation (i.e., expressing low to no influence by rotation).
- Yet another objective of this invention is to provide a design that is suitable for high-angle wellbores (in deviated, vertical and/or horizontal wells) with high cable strengths amendable as cross-coupling protectors, mid-joint clamps, low-profile and umbilical protectors, etc. which applies to virtually any configuration of control lines, electric submersible pump (ESP) cables, umbilical lines or lower-encapsulated bundles residing along the tubular and within the wellbore.
- ESP electric submersible pump
- Another objective of this invention is to provide a clamp construction and shape that is easily modifiable depending on use (typically through extrusion molding) which yields a low cost of manufacturing, retrofitting and replacement (or repair).
- the present invention may be configured and represented as an adherence means to downhole tubular string, an extruded composite guard, or other malleable and configurable barriers between a tubular string and the inner wall of casing or wellbore as to prevent damage and wear to tubular-conveyed external line(s).
- Yet another means of maintaining intact conveyances/external channels or lines along a tubular string, in addition to the provided protective clamping mechanism(s), are barriers which exist exterior to the present clamp invention assist in maintaining a buffer between said clamp and the interior surface of a tubular casing or well bore.
- the primary substrate, as well as the means of adherence to the tubular string are preferably non-metallic, or, in the alternative of a amalgamated composite having a supporting structure that is nonmetallic, or, in the alternative having a partially-metallic or semi-metallic configuration that, upon dissolution, disintegration or destruction, metallic or semi-metallic components are disjointed and unconnected as to provide discrete portions that are easily destructed, for example by milling, and more easily retrievable from downhole production wells than their metallic counterparts.
- composition and construction of the present invention aside from advantages of non-metallic, semi-metallic or amalgamated constructions, may allow for impregnation or coating with a chemical or particularized tracers where dissolution or destruction may be detectable or monitorable through analysis of tracer-containing fluids derived from the wellbore.
- FIG.1 shows a cross-section of a clamping mechanism
- FIG.2 illustrates definition of a clamp’s installation direction
- FIG.3 illustrates definition of the central line of a clamp
- FIG.4 illustrates definition of the central void line of a clamp
- FIG.5 illustrates definition for the angle between the main plane of a spacing element and the central line of a clamp
- FIG. 6 shows an example of a clamp designed for installation on a tubular by clamping
- FIG.7 shows an example of a clamp design comprising the main body with a channel engineered for securing on tubular via ties (above) and tape (below);
- FIG.8 shows an example of the position of the clamp comprising main body and the channel on a tubing collar
- FIG.9 depicts an example of a clamp comprising spacing elements wherein the clamp is made by molding;
- FIG. 10 shows an example of using clamps in tandem on either side of a jointed connection;
- FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of a single clamp with tubular-conveyed external lines, channels and cable conveyances;
- FIG.12 provides an alternative “offset” twist clamp design;
- FIG.13 illustrates a “spiral” clamp/wrap combination;
- FIG.14 illustrates the position of clamp’s slots/cuts;
- FIG.15 illustrates the position of slots/cuts on a clamp engineered for installation on tubular by twisting;
- FIG. 16 shows examples of several configurations of various spacing elements and conveyance placements on or within a clamp;
- FIG.17 illustrates examples of spacing element locking ports of various geometries; ;
- FIG. 18 is one example of the clamp comprising the main body, the channel, and a spacing element.
- the present invention is described as a non-metallic or semi-metallic composite clamp, sleeve and fastener, derived through an extrusion process that (1) avoids metallic debris in the wellbore, (2) is exceptionally robust in harsh environments (temperature, corrosive, highly deviated and/or angular), (3) precludes costly workovers, (4) is easily modifiable and configurable to accommodate several configurations of tubular-conveyed external lines, and (5) may be monitored, via physical or chemical tracers, to inform producers of dissolution or destruction.
- the present invention addresses the traditional requirements of holding ESP cables, as well as other means of fluid and communications conveyances (i.e., external lines), firmly in place against a cross coupling, elevating cables and conveyances, as well as any other conduits and tubular-conveyed external lines, protecting same from sliding/grinding, and potentially also orienting cable away from the casing interior through the protective sleeve and/or adhered and installed projections.
- other means of fluid and communications conveyances i.e., external lines
- a metallic clamp or a metallic version of a non-metallic or semi-metallic clamp (i.e., a clamp having a majority of metallic components), with the same or similar design and features, may also provide an economical or equally efficient means of effectuating the advantages of the present clamp, clamping method and/or clamping system away and apart from what a non-metallic or semi-metallic construction may provide in certain situations and is not without consideration based on necessity, cost, durability and certain proclivities.
- the clamp i.e., sleeve and fastener itself consists of a “clamping” assembly, which may be unibody, modular and/or may exist as multiple components, is designed to encompass a channel running therethrough with at least 2 adherences which are utilized to hold and secure cables or conveyances longitudinally along a single pipe, or across couplings of two pipes, generally.
- the clamping assembly may be uniform in height or graduated as to accommodate different number of conveyances and/or couplings.
- discrete sections of the clamp assembly may be raised, and lowered, as to fit the contours of tubing junctions/couplings as well as internalized tubing and conveyances.
- Adherences which are described in greater detail below, may take the form of ties, bands, tapes, and the like.
- the clamping assembly may cover the entirety of the tubular section, completely or partially covering tubing sections and/or either partially or completely surrounding the circumference of the tubular.
- FIG. 1A is a cross-section of locking element 110 exhibiting a spring-like clamp design whereby slot 120 is expanded from a largely closed orientation (see FIG. 1B) to a largely open confirmation (see FIG.1C) as to accommodate application to and around the exterior of an inserted tubular 130, through opening 140, wherein tubular 130 is typically of a rigid construct and slot 120 is malleable and extendable to accommodate insertion of tubular 130 as illustrated in FIG.1D.
- FIG. 1A is a cross-section of locking element 110 exhibiting a spring-like clamp design whereby slot 120 is expanded from a largely closed orientation (see FIG. 1B) to a largely open confirmation (see FIG.1C) as to accommodate application to and around the exterior of an inserted tubular 130, through opening 140, wherein tubular 130 is typically of a rigid construct and slot 120 is malleable and extendable to accommodate insertion of tubular 130 as illustrated in FIG.1D.
- clamp 10 is clamped, fastened and secured to tubular 130, and is made to run coaxially (sharing line 200) with tubular 130, via the disclosed “clamping” mechanism of FIG. 1.
- Clamp 10 itself consists of a first operable end 210, a raised, middle clamp (centralized) main body 220 and a second operable end 230 whereby first operable end 210 and second operable end 230 are offset, opposing operable ends 210, 230 wherein first operable end 210 is open approximately 180 degrees from second end 230 at each face opposite directions.
- middle clamp centralized main body 220 having a height profile which is slightly raised, in relation to opposing operable ends 210, 230 as to accommodate conveyances 240 (i.e., tubular- conveyed external lines), and to provide buffered protection of said tubular 130 and conveyances 240 from the surrounding casing (not shown).
- FIG.3 shows the embodiment of clamp 10 of FIG.2, without tubular 130, wherein the central line 200 is the same centrally-running line 200 of FIG.2.
- FIG.3 further depicts a cross-sectional plane 310, perpendicular to the installation direction 320 of clamp 10 where the circle of a maximum diameter enclosed in the void 330 (i.e., Rmax) designated that area encompassed by tubular 130 and space 340 defines the space accommodating conveyances 240.
- Rmax the circle of a maximum diameter enclosed in the void 330
- FIG.5 provides an illustration for the angle between the main plane of a spacing element and the central line of a clamp wherein a spacing element 510 is further utilized to position clamp 10 within a casing whereby spacing element 510 exists in plane 520 (evidenced by co-planar central line designation 530), plane 540 containing the central line of the clamp and its projection on the main plane of the spacing element and angle 550 illustrating the angle between the main plane of the spacing element and the central line of the clamp.
- the spacing elements may be positioned at an angle in the range of 0-5 degrees and/or 175-180 degrees between the main plane of the spacing element and the central line of the clamp.
- the spacing elements may be positioned at an angle in the range of 1-89 and/or 91-179 degrees between the main plane of the spacing element and the central line of the clamp (see an example in FIG.5) specifically designed to induce swirling of fluid in the annular over the tubular and/or between the tubular and the inner casing tubular or wellbore during the fluid flow through and over the clamp’s location.
- spacing elements may be positioned at the angle of 0 degrees or 180 degrees between the main plane of the spacing element 520 and the central line 200 of clamp 10.
- spacing elements may be positioned at an angle in the range of 0-1, 89-91 and/or 179-180 degrees between the main plane of the spacing element and the central line of the clamp.
- spacing element 510 with such angle in the range of 1-89 degrees may induce fluid spinning in a clockwise or counterclockwise direction in the annular space between the tubing (tubular 130) and casing or wellbore during the fluid flow through the location of the clamp with such spacing element 510 with fluid spinning in counterclockwise direction if the fluid flows from the bottom to the top and in a clockwise direction if the fluid flows from the top to the bottom (see FIG.5) – which may be further alternately angled to provide the reverse (counterclockwise direction if the fluid flows from top to bottom and in a clockwise direction if the fluid flows from the bottom to top).
- the spacing elements with such angle in the range of 91-179 degrees may induce fluid spinning in a clockwise or counterclockwise direction in the annular space between the tubing and casing or wellbore during the fluid flow through the location of the clamp with such spacing element with fluid spun in clockwise direction if the fluid flows from the bottom to the top and in a counterclockwise direction if the fluid flows from the top to the bottom (see FIG.5).
- the ability of the spacing element to swirl (spin) fluid during its flow depends on the angle between the main plane of the spacing element and the central line of the clamp as well as on the degree of symmetry of the spacing element in relation to the plane that contains the main line of the clamp 10 and its projection 510 on the main plane 520 of the spacing element (see FIG. 5).
- the spacing element or elements 510 which are fully symmetrical in relation to this plane won’t be effective for causing fluid spinning because their symmetrical parts will be causing fluid spinning in opposite directions (clockwise and counterclockwise) so that these fluid spinning effects will be compensating each other.
- FIG. 6 depicts a fully integrated “ESP” clamp, also identified as a “clamping device”, “sleeve” or “fastener”, wherein securing means may be facilitated through grip strength, via metallic securing mechanisms (e.g., ties or bands), non-metallic securing mechanisms (e.g., heat resistant tape), or a combination thereof, wherein non-metallic means may be preferable as is described herein but where metallic securing mechanisms may be preferred, due to strength and malleability in certain situations.
- metallic securing mechanisms e.g., ties or bands
- non-metallic securing mechanisms e.g., heat resistant tape
- operable ends 610, 630 are each open in the same direction and on either side of a tubular coupling 660 between 2 (two) joined tubulars 130.
- each first operable end 610 and second operable end 630 exhibiting extensions 610a and 610b and 630a and 630b, respectively, which project perpendicular to coaxial axis 200, descend away from said centralized, main body 620 and about the diameter and exterior surface of tubular 130.
- extensions 610a, 610b, 630a and 630b being elastic, plastic, pliable, semi-rigid or otherwise deformable operable appendages for adherence to a tubular which extend away from central, main body 620 and each first operable end 610 and second operable end 630 and curve inward, toward each opposing extension.
- extension 610a extends away from first operable end 610
- extension 610b extends away from operable first operable end 610, on opposite sides of an inserted tubular 130, and curve toward one another, perpendicular to said centralized main body 620 and operable ends 610, 630 as to conform to and adhere to the outer surface of said tubular 130. This is further represented in FIG.
- FIG. 8 providing a lengthwise cross- sectional illustration (FIG.8A) where tubular 130a and tubular 130b are coupled via coupling 660 as well as the perspective illustration (FIG.8B) with adhered clamp 10 secured by bands 710.
- tubular 130 is cross-sectionally depicted running perpendicular to the central axis 200, this is represented whereby conveyances 240 are bundled “atop” tubular 130 which is, for simplicity’s sake, the position of conveyances 240 which is relative and may exist at any area around the tubular.
- FIG.7 shows another preferred embodiment of this invention without the tubular 130 or tubular-conveyed external lines or cables 240 wherein the functional components of the present disclosure may be viewed unobstructed.
- wire wrap 710 or similar ties, zips or adherences, may be utilized. This may be substituted for a non- metallic band or non-metallic (heat resistant) tape 720.
- FIG. 9 provides greater detail of the present invention in terms of specifications wherein an extrudable, “low-profile” clamping assembly (cover), which may be constructed using injection molding, allowing for high velocity fluid flow with less fluid stemming (as compared to metal clamps or banding). As illustrated, the design presented may be both offset and asymmetrical as to provide adherence to the tubular with points of contact and adhesion which are different (See also FIGS.
- FIG. 9A is positioned in the opposite direction of FIG. 9B and rotated 180 degrees wherein the provided clamp may be utilized without the aid of bands or ties or may be further secured with bands or ties which may further by a unibody design or a compost design deriving overall utility through the ability to be manufactured via molding, additive manufacturing and 3d printing.
- fins or protrusions 910 may be integrated into the structure, via the same manufacturing processes (e.g., molding, additive manufacturing) which may be further developed, through thickness, positioning, angulation and form to facilitate and direct fluid flow through the annulus, over and around the clamp and either up or down the drillstring as use dictates.
- manufacturing processes e.g., molding, additive manufacturing
- the present invention may be used in conjunction with or in addition to a tubular centralizing mechanism where friction (and wear) between the tubular string and casing may be avoided altogether and where the tubular string movement within the casing or wellbore may be lessened by “spacing elements”, “fins”, or protrusions which may be angularized protrusions directing flow rates, rotation, volume, or a combination thereof via channels located on the exterior of a clamp and within the casing or wellbore.
- This may be accomplished additively whereby both the clamp and a tubular centralizer may be used in combination, on separate sections of the tubular string, or the present invention may comprise centralizing and stabilizing insert/attachment.
- FIG 10 illustrates a preferred embodiment of the clamp 10 that is the present invention wherein a tubing clamp 20, or sectional tubing clamps, is used in tandem, which may further be unibody, modular connected, interlocked, separate or separable, for adherence of conveyances 240 on either side 1010, 1020 of a tubing coupling 660 evidencing both, for example, electrical cable 1030 and tubing 1040 adherence, together, but positioned using different sections of the clamp 20 structure. Moreover, this may be achieved wherein clamps 10 may be used in multiples whereby odd or even numbers of clamps may be used to ensure proper affixing of cables to a tubing or multiple sections of tubing.
- FIG. 11 displays a representational cross-sectional view of a single clamp 10 or sectional representation of clamp 20 of the present invention in FIG.10 wherein adherence to the tubular string is depicted with electric cables (i.e., ESP cables) 1030 residing supra and functional tubing positioned on either side of curved surface of the same tubular at about 11 and 1 o’clock, respectively.
- electric cables i.e., ESP cables
- clamp 40 that comprises a centralized main body 1210 and two elastic (or non-elastic) adherences (1220, 1230) used for installing the clamp on tubular by “twisting” the clamp 40 and clamping adherences 1220, 1230 around the tubular (not shown).
- clamp 40 may be made via a molding or additive manufacturing process with adherence 1220, 1230 opening in opposite directions and 180 degrees from each adherence (1220) relative to the other adherence (1230).
- clamp 41 that comprises a centralized main body 1211 and two elastic adherences (1221, 1231) used for installing the clamp on tubular by “twisting” or “clamping” the clamp 41 on the tubular (not shown) and wrapping adherences 1221, 1231 around the tubular (not shown).
- clamp 41 may be made via a molding or additive manufacturing process with adherence 1221, 1231 opening either in opposite directions and 180 degrees from each adherence (1221) relative to the other adherence (1231), or in the same direction.
- Clamps 40 and 41 may be made of one piece of the same material or may be made of several modular components joined, fused or adhered together.
- clamps 40 and 41 may run coaxially and coextensive with the tubular and may be shaped for installation on the tubular itself or on its collars to enable protection of the tubular-conveyed external lines at the points of the most probable contact of the conveyed lines and the well casing or wellbore walls. Additionally, clamps 40 and 41 may be constructed with protrusions which may protect the tubular and encased conveyances, direct fluid flow, or a combination thereof.
- the clamp or clamps may be used for securing on tubular any equipment deployed on the well on the outer side or surface of such tubular including data transmission and signal transmission wireless devices, containers with chemicals including containers with production chemical or chemical tracers, sensors and other types of wellbore equipment known to those skilled in the art.
- the present invention that is a clamp or clamps may further comprise a channel used for securing a tubular-conveyed external line(s) to the outer surface of the tubular.
- the channel may be aligned with the central line of the clamp so that the tubular-conveyed external line(s) will be aligned with the tubular after the clamp is installed on such tubular.
- the channel may be positioned at an angle to the central line of the clamp so that the tubular-conveyed external line(s) will be positioned at an angle in the range between -90 to +90 degrees in relation to the tubular direction after such clamp is installed on such tubular.
- elastic (or non-elastic) parts of the clamp are positioned at opposite sides (ends) of the main body of the clamp. Both elastic parts may have the same shape (and orientation) or different shapes and orientations (e.g., 180 degrees) from one other wherein either end may use the same or different means of adherence or securing.
- Elasticity and rigidity of the elastic or non-elastic parts may be modified by selecting different materials for use in making the elastic or inelastic parts or/and by design of the elastic or non-elastic parts.
- the elastic parts may have spring-clamp type design so that clamps may be installed on tubular in a spring-clamping action as shown in FIG.1.
- elastic parts may be designed to be wrapped-around a tubular concentrically (See FIG.13).
- the design of the elastic parts comprises slot(s) or cut(s) which enable installation of the elastic parts on tubular via spring-clamping or “wrap-around” actions or combinations thereof in a “telephone cord” or coiled/spiral cable 1310 as an extension of clamp 10, 20, 30, 40 or 41 thereby obviating the use of adherence (e.g., ties or wraps) although these securing means may still be utilized.
- the clamp may comprise slot(s) and cut(s) wherein such slot(s) and cut(s) may be positioned at any location of elastic parts engineered for installation on tubular through twisting action.
- slot(s) and cut(s) may be positioned at the location of the elastic components that correspond to the range of angles of 10°-170° (10-170 degrees) between the central plane of the clamp and the plane that contains the central line of the clamp and crosses the location of the slot or the cut as shown in FIG.14.
- An illustration showing the position of slots and cuts on the clamp 10 (which may also encompass clamps 20, 30, 40, 41) consists of clamp’s projection on the plane perpendicular to the clamp’s installation direction 1420, central plane of the clamp 1410, central line of the clamp 1430 and the range of angles for slot(s) and cut(s) 1431.
- 15 shows the position of slots and cuts on the clamp engineered for installation on tubular by twisting where 1510 is clamp’s projection on the plane perpendicular to the clamp’s installation direction, 1520 is the central plane of the clamp, 1530 is the central line of the clamp, and 1540 the range of angles for slot(s) and cut(s).
- such clamps may be installed on tubular by positioning the clamp on the tubular at the angle between the tubular direction and the central line of the clamp in the range between 10° (10 degrees) and 90° (90 degrees) and twisting the clamp so that the central line of the clamp is aligned with the tubular direction or is substantially aligned with the tubular direction (meaning that the angle between the central line of the clamp and the tubular direction after the clamp’s installation on such tubular is less than 20° (20 degrees), or less than 10° (10 degrees), or less than 5° (5 degrees) ). Examples of such clamp’s offset designs are given in different angles in FIG.12.
- Elastic components of such clamps may have slot or cuts positioned at the opposite sides/ends in the range of angles of 10°-80° (10-80 degrees) and 110°-170° (100-170 degrees) between the central plane of the clamp and the plane containing the central line of the clamp and passing through the slot or cut positions (see FIG.15).
- elastic components may be designed to be “wrapped-around” the tubular concentrically with the number of full turns equaling more than 1 or less than 1 turn.
- FIG. 13 An example of such a clamp design is shown in FIG. 13 which should be viewed as representational wherein the number, configuration and degree of twisting may be further reduced, increased or augmented.
- Elastic components and the main body of the clamp may be made of a substantially elastic material with Young’s modulus at surface or downhole conditions of less than 10 GPa, or of material with intermediate elastic properties, with Young’s modulus at surface or downhole conditions between 10 GPa and 100 GPa, or of a substantially rigid material with Young’s modulus at surface or downhole conditions between 100GPa and 300 GPa or higher, or a combination thereof.
- the material used for elastic parts may be reinforced by fiber, metal or plastic cords, nets and the like.
- Some non-limited examples of materials with Young’s modulus of less than 10 GPa include, but are not limited to, styrene- butadiene rubber, nitrile rubber, butyl rubber, silicone rubber, polybutadiene rubber, neoprene rubber, chloroprene rubber, polyisoprene rubber, butadiene rubber, isoprene rubber, fluorosilicone rubber, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene, polyetheretherketone, polyaryletherketone, acrylic plastics, polyvinylchloride and chlorinated polyvinylchloride, polyethylene, nylon, caprolactone, polystyrene, polycarbonate, ebonite, epoxy resins, polyamides, Teflon®, polymethylmethacrylate, polypropylene, polytetrafluoroethylene, and combinations and/or mixtures of thereof.
- Some non-limited examples of materials with Young’s modulus between 10 GPa and 100 GPa include, but are not limited to, Textolite and glass textolite, getinaks, bone, aluminum alloys, glass, and combinations and/or mixtures of thereof.
- Some non-limited examples of materials with Young’s modulus between 100 GPa and 300 GPa and more than 300GPa include, but are not limited to, carbon fiber-reinforced plastics, steel, stainless steel alloys, titanium alloys, copper, bronze, brass, aramid, cast iron, chromium alloys, nickel alloys, manganese alloys, magnesium alloys, inconel, and combinations and/or mixtures of thereof.
- the clamp or clamps may be additionally secured on a tubular by using various securing means.
- securing means may include, but are not limited to, strap(s), band(s), “zip” tie(s), bolted connection(s) and/or any other means of adhering, locking and securing devices and mechanisms known to those skilled in the art.
- These adhering, locking and securing devices and mechanisms, or their components, may be made of any type of material including the list of described materials that may also be used in constructing and making the main body and the elastic components of the clamp.
- securing means may be further augmented to be impregnated with tracer material which may be detectable upon the dissolution or destruction of said securing means.
- the clamp may be secured to a tubular using a tape which may comprise an adhesive layer, be thermosettable, or thermostable.
- Non-limited examples of such tapes include High temperature film tape 3150 manufactured by Central Tapes and Adhesives LTD, 365 Thermostable Glass Cloth Tape manufactured by 3M, High Temperature Nylon Film Tape 855 manufactured by 3M and others.
- the clamp may comprise spacing elements 1610 (i.e., protrusions, fins or spacers) designed for positioning the tubular with the tubular-conveyed external line(s) in the outer tubular such as casing or wellbore 1620 or in the wellbore in a certain way through centralization and decentralization of the tubular.
- the number, length) and angulation of such spacing elements may be one to a plurality of elements.
- Some non-limiting examples of this embodiment include using spacing elements 1610 for enabling positioning of the tubular-conveyed external lines at a close (or extended) distance to the wall of the outer casing or wellbore 1620, at a determinable distance from the wall of the outer casing or wellbore or enabling tubular centralization (see FIG.16a-d).
- spacing elements 1610 for enabling positioning of the tubular-conveyed external lines at a close (or extended) distance to the wall of the outer casing or wellbore 1620, at a determinable distance from the wall of the outer casing or wellbore or enabling tubular centralization (see FIG.16a-d).
- Each of such examples may provide certain advantages which will depend on well conditions, spacing components make-up and properties of the wellbore fluid, for example. For instance, positioning the tubular-conveyed external line(s) at the minimum or maximum distance from the wall of the outer tubular to the casing or wellbore 1620 may minimize the risk of erosion of the external line(s) by
- spacing elements 1610 of the clamp may be made of the same material as other components of the clamp and be consistent with the entirety of the clamp or with one of its elements forming a congruent, seamless configuration. Further, spacing elements may have a first and second end wherein the first end interfaces the casing or wellbore and the second end is a point of attachment to the tubing clamp.
- spacing elements In the case that friction is required for maintaining the spacing elements and friction is desired to be decreased at the interface with the casing and/or wellbore, materials that have a high friction coefficient may be utilized at the point of attachment and materials with low friction coefficients may be used where the spacing element contacts the casing or wellbore. In certain other embodiments these spacing elements may be manufactured separately and secured to the clamp’s body at the time of manufacturing or retrospectively via a retro-fit (See FIGS. 17A-17C).
- the list of materials that may be used for making spacers includes, but not limited to, the provided above the list of the materials that may be used for making the main body and elastic parts of the clamp thereof or one of many rigid, low friction materials (up to and including physical or chemical tracers or tracer materials incorporated into the low-friction materials themselves).
- the number of spacing elements 1610 on each clamp may vary and may be one, two, three, four or more than four up, up to and including a plurality of spacing elements 1610 to and including a plurality of spacing elements 1610. Positioning of the spacing elements on the clamp’s body along the central line of the clamp may also be modified depending on configuration and number of each spacing element (See also FIGS 16A-16C).
- one spacing element may be located in the “middle” of a clamp 10, 20, 30 and/or 40 and two other spacing elements 1610 may be located at the elastic subsections of the clamp 10, 20, 30 and/or 40 or all spacing elements 1610 may be located in the “middle” of clamp 10, 20, 30 and/or 40 as necessity dictates.
- the phasing angle between the locations of two different spacing elements 1610 on the clump’s body defined as the angle between planes that contain the central line of the clamp and intersect points of location of these two different spacing elements on the clamp’s body, may also be different for different clamp configurations and for adjacent spacing elements it may vary in the range from 0° to 180° or from 10° to 180°, which may be evenly or unevenly distributed along the length of the clamp.
- spacing elements may have various geometries and shapes (ex. rectangular, triangular, otherwise angular, rounded shape, having round- shaped angles, be symmetrical or asymmetrical, having various thicknesses, and/or be planar or curved) wherein various shapes may exist on a single clamp or one of the aforementioned shapes exist in multiples on or about a clamp or clamps.
- the clamp may comprise locking ports 1710 for securing spacing elements 1610 and placeable and replaceable spacing elements for repair, replacement or modular development.
- Such locking ports may have trapezoidal geometry, rectangular geometry, round shape, or be of any other geometrical shape (see FIG.17a-c).
- Spacing elements 1610 may be adhered to such locking ports 1710 by a glue or an adhesive, by means of friction between walls of such locking port 1710 and the spacing element 1610, be secured by bolts, screws or any other types of securing elements known to those skilled in the art.
- spacing elements 1610 may, or may not, be symmetrical, asymmetrical, or a combination thereof in relation to the plane that contains the main line of the clamp and its projection on the main plane of the spacing element. Influenced fluid direction (“swirling”) may thereby be initiated and controlled by instituting different configurations, numbers, orientations, materials and designs of various spacing elements.
- spacing elements 1610 may be helical or spiral as to induce requisite fluid flow over and around the tubular.
- the angle between the main plane of each spacing element and the central line of the clamp can be defined and engineered using considerations on the separation or mixing of the multi-phase fluid during its flow through the location of the spacing elements 1610. For instance, spinning the fluid in the annular space between the tubular with installed clamps and the outer tubular 130 such as casing or wellbore 1620 may result in separation of the multi-phase fluid to its individual components.
- the fluid in the proximity to the wall of the outer tubular or wellbore will be enriched by the components with higher density such as water and oil and the fluid in the proximity to the wall of the inner tubular with installed clamps will be enriched by a low-density component such as gas.
- a low-density component such as gas.
- Such separation may result in higher upward gas flow rate through the annular space wherein the separated liquid components will have a tendency to flow downwards because of their higher gravity resulting in the lower gas/liquid ratio of the fluid downhole.
- Such phenomena may have positive impact on the performance of the wells equipped with electrical submersible pumps (ESPs) or other types of downhole pumps known to those skilled in the art whereby operational performance of such pumps increases with reduction in the gas/liquid ratio of the pumped fluid.
- ESPs electrical submersible pumps
- one spacing element 1610 can be positioned at the range of angles of 1-89 (1-89 degrees) between its main plane and the central line of the clamp to cause counterclockwise fluid spinning wherein another spacing element on the same or different clamp can be positioned at the range of angles of 91 o -179 o (91-179 degrees) between its main plane and the central line of the clamp to cause clockwise fluid spinning.
- the distribution of the angles between main planes of the spacing elements and the central lines of clamps where such spacing elements are located may have a certain pattern along the length of tubular with installed clamps.
- the position of the spacing elements on one, two or three sequential clamps may be engineered for causing clockwise fluid spinning wherein the position of the spacing elements on one, two or three following and/or preceding clamps may be engineered for causing counterclockwise fluid spinning.
- the position of the spacing elements on some clamps in this repeatable sequence may be engineering for not causing fluid spinning or causing moderate fluid spinning.
- some spacing elements may be positioned at the range of angles of 0 o -1 o (0-1 degrees) or 89 o -91 o (89-91 degrees) or 179 o -180 o (179-180 degrees) between its main plane and the central line of the clamp to cause clockwise fluid spinning.
- the described above repeatable patterns may also include clamps without spacing elements.
- every second, or third or fourth clamp in the sequence may have no spacing elements.
- all clamps that have spacing elements and are positioned using one of the patterns described above may be separated by one, or two or three or higher number of clamps without spacing elements.
- the clamps that don’t have spacing elements can be installed in any order in two different zones of the tubular that have the same sequential pattern for the clamps with the spacing elements in a repeating or non-repeating pattern and configuration.
- the clamps with spacing elements may be installed using several repeatable patterns of the types described above.
- tubular can be completed with clamps using one pattern and at least one another portion of the tubular can be completed with clamps using another installation pattern.
- a well can be completed using a tubular with centralizers comprising spacing elements which are shaped and positioned on the centralizers using the described above methodologies including the installation pattern for the angle between the central line of each centralizer, defined similar to the definition of the central line of the clamp and the main plane of the corresponding spacing elements on such centralizer.
- Such tubular may not necessarily convey any tubular- conveyed external lines.
- the clamps with centralizers may be installed on a tubular without any tubular-conveyed external lines.
- such centralizers or clamps without external tubular-conveyed external lines can be installed on a tubing comprising a downhole pump such as a rod pump or any other pump type using the same installation methodologies and patterns as described above.
- a downhole pump such as a rod pump or any other pump type
- completion strategy can be used for increasing well production performance using the same considerations as already described above in this invention.
- spacing elements and the elements of the clamp including the main body and elastic parts may comprise additional components, elements, parts and inserts for altering friction force at the contact with the outer tubular or wellbore walls and with tubular where the clamp is installed.
- Some non-limiting examples of the materials that reduce friction at the contact between two solid objects include, but are not limited to, Teflon ® , nylon, polyethylene including high-density and low-density polyethylene, cast iron, copper and its alloys, brass, graphite, molybdenum disulfide, silver and its alloys, lead and its alloys, aluminum and its alloys, zinc and its alloys, cadmium and its allows, antimony and its alloys, bismuth and its alloys and other materials known to those skilled in the art.
- Some non-limiting examples of the materials that increase friction at the contact of two objects include cast iron, asbestos, fine powders of rock minerals, various types of rubbers, ceramic, porcelain, mullite and other materials known to those skilled in the art.
- individual components of the clamp including spacers, main body and elastic parts may comprise parts or inserts made of materials with low friction coefficients to reduce the wear between the clamp’s components and the inner surface of the well casing during tubular insertion and lifting operations.
- such parts or inserts may be positioned at the edges of the spacing elements that come in contact with the inner walls of the outer tubular or wellbore.
- Such parts or inserts may also be positioned at the main body of the clamp.
- the elements of the clamp that come in contact with the tubular where such clamp is installed may comprise parts or inserts with high friction coefficients in relation to such tubular to enable better mechanical stability of the clamp on the tubular.
- the clamp may comprise the main body with a channel and can be secured to the tubular the mean of strap(s), band(s), zip tie(s), bolted connection(s), tape, and other types of locking and securing devices known to those skilled in the art (see examples in FIGS.7 and 8).
- the main body of such clamps can be made of the material and materials listed above including plastic(s), alloys, fiber- glass composites, Textolite and other materials and mixtures thereof.
- Such clamp may also comprise one or more spacing elements 1810 designed and positioned on the clamp as disclosed in the previous paragraphs with an example shown in FIG.18.
- the clamp may comprise two or more separate elements that can be connected or secured on the tubular by snapping, snapping together, engaging, connecting, using bands, straps, zip ties, bolts, screws, tape, and other connection methods knowns to those skilled in the art and combinations thereof.
- separate parts of the clamp may have spacing elements.
- the clamp may have the main body with the channel and a separate back part comprising at least one spacing element that can be installed together with the main body of the clamp on the tubular using tape, straps, bands, wire, zip ties and using other methods (see FIG.18).
- all or some components of the clamp may be made of a metal or an alloy or several types of metals or alloys.
- Dismantling the clamp from the tubular may comprise drilling out or cutting of parts of the clamp or securing element(s) such as bands, wires, zip ties, tapes, bolts, screws, twisting the clamp, pulling the clamp, unscrewing some of the clamp components or bolts or screws, unlocking wedge connections, ratchets, “Chinese Fingers”, or unlocking any other locking mechanisms used for securing the clamp on the tubular.
- All or some components of the clamp, main body (clamping assembly) of the clamp, elastic parts, spacing elements, centralizers disclosed in the present invention can be made by molding, injection molding stamping, pressing, machining, casting, 3D printing and using other methods known to those skilled in the art, and combinations thereof.
- all or some components of the clamp, main body of the clamp, elastic parts, spacing elements, centralizers disclosed in the present invention can be made using two step injection molding wherein during the first step the injection molding is used to make a part of the component using one type of molding material and then during the second step a second part of the component is made using another type of molding material.
- injection molding can be combined with using reinforcing materials and reinforcing structures such as fiber, fiber nets, fabric, rods and others.
- a reinforcing structure such as fiber net or fabric can be installed inside the injection molding form prior injection of a molding material and then the molding material can be injected into such form.
- some parts of the clamp, main body of the clamp, elastic parts, spacing elements, centralizers disclosed in the present invention can be connected and/or secured to each other using bolts, screws, glue, epoxy glue, cyanoacrylate glue, nails, bands, straps, zip ties, wedge connections, ratchets, “Chinese fingers”, or using other methods known to those skilled in the art, and combinations thereof.
- tubular-conveyed external lines can be secured to the tubular by means of zip ties, strapping ties, tie locking bands, (heat- resistant) tapes, bands or other locking devices with or without using clamps.
- Such zip ties, strapping ties, tie locking bands, (heat-resistant) tapes, bands or other locking devices can be made of any listed above material with Young Modulus of less than 10GPa, less than 100GPa, less than 300GPa or more than 300GPa that is stable at downhole conditions.
- Such zip ties, strapping ties, tie locking bands, tapes, bands or other locking devices can be installed or tightened using installation tools similar to CPK Hybrid Cable Tie Tool manufactured by HellermannTyton. (https://www.hellermanntyton.us/products/featured-products/cpk-hybrid).
- Such zip ties, strapping ties, tie locking bands, tapes, bands or other locking devices may be loaded in such installation tools in a form of individual pieces or in a form of reels, or in the form of packs or in any other form.
- Such zip ties, strapping ties, tie locking bands, tapes, bands or other locking devices may have locking components incorporated in their structure or such locking components may be provided separately and installed on such zip ties, strapping ties, tie locking bands, tapes, bands or other locking devices during securing tubular-conveyed external lines to the tubular.
- components of such zip ties, strapping ties, tie locking bands, tapes, bands or other locking devices can be made of a temperature-stable plastic material or reinforced plastic material such as polyether ether ketone (PEEK), polyaryletherketone (PAEK), nylon, high-density polyethylene or any other plastic material stable at downhole temperature.
- PEEK polyether ether ketone
- PAEK polyaryletherketone
- All or some components of the clamp, main body of the clamp, elastic parts, spacing elements, centralizers disclosed in the present invention may be refurbished, re-used or recycled after retrieval from the well.
- Tubular Clamp Having the following features: A tubular clamp that consists of a main body and two elastic, plastic, pliable, semi- rigid or otherwise deformable operable ends or parts extending radially or longitudinally therefrom wherein the main body and the operable parts can be one integral piece or consist of several modular components; wherein the operable parts may be clamped on the tubing or wrapped around the tubing; wherein operable parts may comprise slots; wherein slots may be spiral; wherein slots may be located at in the range from 10 degrees to 170 degrees, or from 10 degrees to 80 degrees, or from 100 degrees to 170 degrees, in relation to the central plane of the clamp; wherein said clamp has a channel designed for handling a tubular- conveyed lines; wherein said clamp may have one or more spacing elements designed for positioning and or protecting a tubular with such clamp in the outer tubular or wellbore; wherein such spacing element(s)
- a tubular clamp that consists of a main body and two elastic, plastic, pliable, semi- rigid or otherwise deformable operable parts wherein the main body and the operable parts can be one integral piece or consists of several attached to each other elements wherein the operable parts can be clamped on the tubing by positioning the clamp on the tubular at an angle between the tubular and the central line of the clamp in the range between 10 and 90 degrees and twisting the clamp so that the central line of the clamp is aligned with the tubular direction upon the clamp’s installation on the tubular: wherein the operable parts may comprise slots; wherein the slots may be spiral; wherein the slots may be located at in the range from 10 degrees to 80 degrees, or from 10 degrees to 170 degrees, or from 100 degrees to 170 degrees, in relation to the central plane of the clamp; wherein the clamp has a channel designed for securing and adhering a tubular-conveyed external line or lines; wherein said clamp may have one or more spacing elements designed for positioning a tubular within such clamp on the external
- said spacing elements may be positioned on the clamp for enabling positioning of the tubular-conveyed external lines at a minimum or maximum distance from the exterior of the outer tubing to the inner surface of a wellbore; wherein the main body of the clamp or operable ends or parts of the clamp or spacing elements may have at least one component or insert with low friction coefficient on the outer tubular and within a wellbore; wherein the main body of the clamp or operable ends of the clamp may have at least one component or insert with high friction coefficient with the tubular where such clamp is installed; and wherein the clamp may be additionally secured on the tubing by the mean of bands, straps, zip ties, tape, or any other locking devises.
- a tubular clamp that consists of a main body made by molding wherein such clamp has a channel designed for handling tubular-conveyed external lines and can be secured to the tubular by the mean of bands, straps, zip ties, tape, or any other locking devises: wherein the clamp may have one or more spacing elements designed for positioning a tubular with such clamp on the outer tubular and within a wellbore; wherein the clamp also compromises a separate component that may be secured on the tubing together with a clamp by the mean of bands, straps, tape, wire, zip ties or any other locking devices; wherein the separate element may comprise at least one spacing element; wherein such spacing element may be removable, placeable, replaceable, or repositionable; wherein such spacing element may have any geometry and is positioned at the clamp at the angle of 0-89 degrees to the clamp’s central line; wherein such spacing element may have a curved geometry so that at least a portion of the spacing element is positioned at the clamp at the angle of 0- 89degrees to the clamp’
- a method of completing a well comprising installation of the clamps or centralizers with spacing elements wherein at least one spacing element is positioned at a clamp or a centralizer at an angle of 1-89 degrees or 91-179 degrees between the main plane of the spacing element and the central line of the clamp or centralizer where this spacing element is located: wherein said clamps may be installed with or without external tubular- conveyed external line or lines wherein the clamps or centralizers with the spacing elements may be installed along at least a portion of the tubular using a repeatable for the clamps and centralizers with spacing elements positioned at an angle of 1-90degrees or 91-179 degrees between the main plane of such spacing elements and the central line of clamps or centralizers where these spacing elements are located.
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Abstract
A downhole tubing clamp and fastener and means to securely attach and adhere cables, and other tubular-conveyed external lines, to a tubular string, for downhole equipment communications, whereby said cables and other tubular-conveyed external lines are held longitudinally to the exterior of a tubular string, over and across couplings, to disallow movement or friction which may negatively affect the lifespan and functionality of the cables or tubular-conveyed external lines, adhered and secured thereto.
Description
In the United States Patent Office Title Tubular Clamping Device INVENTORS John Daniels Houston TX 77027 Mike Still Midland TX 79705 Michael David The Woodlands TX 77382 CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS Non-Applicable FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT Non-Applicable
SPECIFICATION Field of the Invention: The present invention relates to a downhole cable clamping device and means to securely attach and adhere cables and other tubular-conveyed external lines to a tubular string. More particularly, the clamping device that is a clamping “sleeve” that is the present invention relates to a novel design for securedly mounting, affixing and maintaining cables, and other tubular-conveyed external lines used for downhole equipment, to the exterior of a tubular string via affixing means and positioning “fins” to disallow movement and friction that may negatively affect the lifespan and functionality of a cable or cables adhered thereto and other tubular-conveyed external lines. Description of the Related Art: In order to achieve successful functioning of a well, whether deviated, vertical, horizontal, geothermal, onshore, offshore or subsea, is it often imperative to supply two- way “communications” of fluids, signals and power to and from various equipment installed in the well. To facilitate proper functioning of the downhole equipment, signals, electricity, liquids and gasses need to be conveyed to specific points along wellbore wherein sensor data (i.e., logging data, temperature data, fluid rates and the like) must be delivered and retrieved from the same locations. Typically signals and power are transferred through wellbores using electrical or optical cables and hydraulic lines deployed in the well ‘on tubular’ such as along and atop jointed tubing or coiled tubing.
Therefore electric, liquid and gas conduits, in the form of control lines, electric submersible pump (ESP) cables, umbilical lines or lower-encapsulated bundles and the like, are vital components to operations within a wellbore. In terms of ESPs producers use artificial lift systems in a vast majority of oil wells. Artificial lift is used to increase production fluids and are needed when reservoirs no longer have sufficient energy to naturally produce at economic rates, or to boost early production in new wells. One effective and versatile method of artificial lift is the electric submersible pump. Producers may choose to use an ESP system because they are quiet, safe and only require a small surface footprint. These pumps have a wide range of pump rate operation and can accommodate changes in fluid properties and flow rates over the life of the well. They’re also applicable in many corrosive environments. These conduits may be mechanical, electrical, or a combination of the two, and directed downhole, as in the case of electric submersible pumps (ESPs), remotely operated downhole valves, and downhole sensors, which provide logging, monitoring, and sensor data up hole for processing and providing fluids (gas and liquid) bi -directionally. Conventional cable means of adherence (e.g., clamps, bolted, ties, bands, straps or like means) employ a security mechanism which allows for tubing placement and operation (for example through moving such tubing in the wellbore or through rotation) which guards against cable wear, erosion, pulling or a combination thereof. Generally, the arrangement of cable configurations may be either exposed adherence means selectively placed longitudinally along the exterior of the tubing or, partially enclosed, where adherence and protection are metered along the length of the tubing, thus allowing for fewer open and
exposed areas of cable for protection and securement. In some examples, clamps may be installed over tubing collars which are considered the riskiest locations from the perspective of wear and erosion of the tubular-conveyed external lines. Yet, regardless of number and arrangement, especially in the case of horizontal, high angularity and deviated wells, rotation not only causes frictional wear at the point of the clamp and casing contact, but also, more importantly, at the point where cables and other tubular-conveyed external lines rub against such tubulars, casings, or at narrow spaces created between the two. Where cables and other tubular-conveyed external lines are damaged, downhole function is lost and resultant debris may accumulate in the well leading to ensuing work stoppage, lost production, and increases in operational time and cost. Moreover, strength and rigidity has heretofore been provided by metals and metal alloy composites which, upon degradation or destruction, cause untoward accumulation of unwanted metallic components in the wellbore which must be retrieved via work stoppage, non-production periods and downtime. Yet, the greatest concern remains frictional wear wherein although friction is favored in the adherence of cables to the tubing, it is disfavored in interaction of such cables between the tubular and the interior of the casing or wellbore of the well where such cables are deployed. Lack of friction between the tubular and the interior of the casing as is afforded by a protective clamp and positioned “fins” will allow the cables and other tubular-conveyed external lines to move with forces acting on such cables and clamps without resultant wear and corrosion. Ideally, as well, excess frictional force should be decreased on the exterior of the clamp through the choice of externally facing, low friction
materials which create a high-friction-interior, low-friction-exterior dichotomy wherein each is preferably maximized to both secure and protect cables, external lines and other conveyances. To some degree, all prior art suffers from suboptimal design infirmities whether structural, functional, or composition-based (in terms of metallic or semi-metallic composition). Bands and ties allow easily influenced positional changes due to rotation. What is more, metallic materials and alloys (primary metals and resin-based composites) upon disintegration or breakage, result in metallic and other non-removable debris in the well causing untoward buildup of materials which may adversely affect drilling operations and result in stoppages and increased production costs. While current designs may be marginally acceptable where friction is limited and depths are shallow, typically under a few hundred feet, in areas exhibiting modest subterranean temperatures and drilling conducted at low torque levels, traditional mechanisms quickly become inadequate under extreme or harsh conditions and in areas of increased depth, temperature, at increased rotational velocity and at high wellbore deviation angles. In opposite of the prior art, the present invention seeks to cure these enumerated deficiencies by disclosing and implementing a tubing clamp representing a single element, through unibody or modular construction, with elastic or semi-elastic, non-metallic or minority metallic components, or majority metallic components, or metallic components, so the present clamp may be installed on tubular by means of elastic parts, by twisting, clamping or by wrapping around the parts of such clamp around tubing, or through other
means of adherence (e.g., ties or adhesive tape). Such clamps maybe shaped for installation on the tubing itself, on the tubing collars, or both, and some parts of such clamps may be made of easily deformable materials which are easily manipulatable about the tubular but also maintain sufficient adherence and rigidity to serve the purpose of positioning and securement to the tubular but, all the while, maintaining a secure confirmation about external lines, conveyances, or a combination thereof, and the tubular. It is therefore the object of the present invention to meet a long felt and unaddressed need in the art to provide improved conveyance conduit placement and protection, longitudinally, along the outer surface of a tubular string via a non-metallic or a semi- metallic clamping device and means affording virtually endless variation in terms of accommodating a wide array of conduits for bi-directional communications. Further, additional features are contemplated for within a well that is capable of tracer monitoring (i.e., chemical tracer impregnated materials) and the addition of securing appendages (i.e., fins) for improved placement and maintenance within a wellbore especially in harsh environments. Moreover, the present invention encompasses cross-coupling protectors, mid-joint clamps, low-profile and umbilical protectors which may be applied to virtually any configuration of control lines, electric submersible pump (ESP) cables, umbilical lines or lower-encapsulated bundles in the wellbore. What is more, the present invention has application in a wide array of uses inclusive of, but not limited to: artificial lift (e.g., ESP pumps and gas lifts), permanent gauges, fiber optics, safety valves (e.g., subsurface safety valves control lines), geophones, chemical injection lines, umbilical gauges (i.e., critical
arteries of power, fluid injection, control and communication that drive deep-sea drilling) and MLE (motor lead extension) cables. These same protectors hold, channels and shields cables and lines as they transition across an elevated coupling, helping to prevent damage during installation or retrieval of completions due to motion, sliding or grinding against the casing into which the tubular is placed. The proposed compressive fit design accommodates oversized or undersized tubing alike, as per American Petroleum Institute specs, and securely engages the cable or lines to the tubing as is shown and described. Benefits of the present invention and method of use include, but are not limited to: (a) a reduction in cable risks, (b) prevention of expensive workovers, (c) prevention of costly damage to cables or capillaries during installation and retrieval, (d) low production costs, (e) low workover time (i.e., quick installation), (f) use of non-metallic (or semi- metallic) extrusion methods providing virtually endless modifications (e.g., multiple interchangeable channel designs available to support multi-line configurations, (g) increased tubing stability, (h) low to no rotational stress, (i) highly configurable materials with low friction composites and/or corrosion-resistant alloys, (j) suitability for high-angle wellbores (in deviated, vertical or horizontal wells) with high cable strengths all while obviating traditional mid-joint clamps. DEFINITIONS For the purpose of the present invention the word “tubing” and “tubular” may be used interchangeably wherein “tubular” may be any pipe such as tubing or casing or a drill
pipe, coiled tubing, liner, jointed or integral, that is deployed in a well drilled in an underground formation. Words “top” and “upper” should be understood as a part of an object which is closest to a wellhead and/or the surface, as the case may be, during performing a wellbore operation. “Tubular-conveyed external line” for the purposes of the present invention is any equipment deployed downhole on the outer surface of the tubular and having the longest dimension of more than, for example, 1ft., which may be up to 10 ft., 100 ft., 1,000 ft., 10,000 ft., 20,000 ft., or more, generally, without losing effect. Examples of such tubular- conveyed external lines include, but are not limited to, ESP cables, electrical cables, optical cables, hydraulic lines, coaxial cables, subsurface safety valves control lines, chemical injection lines, MLE (motor lead extension) cables, umbilical cables (critical arteries of power, fluid injection, control and communication that drive deep-sea drilling), coiled tubing, micro coiled tubing, containers with the mentioned above parameters, potentially including tracer materials or chemical agents or productive chemical agents, including within flexible containers and/or combinations thereof. “Tubular Clamp”, “tubing clamp” or “clamp” is a device used for securing tubular- conveyed external lines to a tubular and for protection of external lines from wear and erosion due to frictional contact within a well or casing. “Spring-clamp type design” of the tubular clamp is a type of design of a tubular clamp wherein the locking elements of the clamp comprise slot(s) and/or cut(s) which
enables reversible elastic deformation of the locking elements of the clamp during installation of such clump on a tubular as shown in FIG. 1 when a clamping device is adhered to a tubular especially in jointed areas. “Instillation Direction” or “tubular clamp’s installation direction” or “clamp’s installation direction” is the direction along the body of the clamp that is aligned with the direction of the tubular after the clamp’s complete installation on such tubular. (See FIG. 2) “Central Line” of a clamp is defined as a line that is aligned with the clamp’s installation direction and goes through the center of a circle of a maximum diameter that may be enclosed in the void on the projection of the clamp on the plane perpendicular to the clamp’s installation direction. (See FIG.3) “Central void line” of a clamp is defined as a line that is aligned with the clamp’s installation direction and goes through the center of a circle of a minimum diameter that encloses the projection of the void of the clamp on the plane perpendicular to the clamp’s installation direction. (See FIG.4) “Central Plane” of a clamp is defined as follows: If the central line of the clamp and the central void line of the clamp don’t coincide then the central plane of the clamp is defined as the plane that contains both the central line of the clamp and the central void line of the clamp. If the central line of the clamp and the central void line of the clamp coincide then the central plane of the clamp is defined as the plane that goes through the central line of the clamp and the center of mass of the clamp.
“Spacing element” (i.e. “fin”) of a clamp is defined as a component of the clamp that keeps the external elements of the clamp from contacting the casing or a wellbore of the well where a tubular with such clamp is deployed. “Main plane” of a spacing element is defined as a plane that provides the best fit to all points of the spacing element using one of the fitting methods known to those skilled in the art. For instance, in one particular example the plane may be defined by equation of ax+by+c=z wherein x,y,z are spatial coordinates and a,b,c are some coefficients which are defined as the best fit for the over-defined linear math problem (below): Where xi, yi, and zi , i=1,n
of the spacing element. The solution for this problem is given by: ^ ^^ ^^ ^^ ^ ൌ ^ ^^் ^^^ି^ ^^் ^^ , where
“Angle between the main plane of a spacing element and the central line of a clamp” is defined as the angle between the central line of the tubing and its projection on the main plane of the spacing element wherein most of the central element is positioned in front of the plane that contains both the central line of the clamp and its projection on the main plane of the spacing element and the angle between the central line of the clamp and its projection on the main plane of the spacing element is counted from the central line of the clamp toward its projection on the main plane of the spacing element (see FIG.5). “Approximately” is defined as plus or minus 25 percent. SUMMARY The following summary is included in order to provide a basic understanding of certain aspects and features of the claimed subject matter. This summary is not an exhaustive description, but rather is intended to particularly identify key or critical elements of the claimed subject matter in a simplified, descriptive form as a overture to the more detailed description that follows. The present invention provides an adherable, securable protective cover and/or compressive-fit device and construction to optimally secure tubular-conveyed external lines to a tubular string deployed in wells of various depths and geometries. Ideally, the present invention is used to secure and support tubular-conveyed external lines longitudinally, along a tubular for any number of tubular-conveyed external lines and for any number of devices connected to such tubular-conveyed external lines including artificial (liquid and gas) lift devices, sensors, gauges, geophones (seismic wave detectors),
ESPs (electrical submersible pumps), hydraulic pumps, fiber optic transmitters, and the like. Although applicable across several cross-directional tubular-conveyed external lines, the present securing device is directed herein to submersible pump cables and thus is tentatively titled an “ESP clamp” for the sake of nomenclature and identification as to purpose. Yet, as previously entailed, any number of tubular-conveyed external lines, including conduits, cables or similar power and communications means, may be subsumed under this designation without loss of defining features. The present device thereby supplies a device which securely engages and protects tubular-conveyed external lines by shielding cables and lines as they translocate across a coupling, helping to prevent damage during installation, placement, use, or retrieval of tubulars within completions. In particular, though, ESPs, specifically ESP cables, provide exemplary demonstration of the need and advantages of the present system wherein ESPs are crucial to providing artificial lift to increase production of reservoir fluids and are needed when reservoirs no longer have sufficient pressure to naturally produce fluids at economic rates or may be used to boost early production in newly constructed wells. Manifestly, this artificial lift is recognizable in a vast majority of production wells at some point in their serviceable lifetime. An ESP system consists of various stages of centrifugal pumps designed to either draw fluid out, pressurize and lift that fluid, or the inverse, pumping fluid into the well (in the case of water injection wells). The ESP motor is supplied power via heavy duty cables which may be banded or strapped to production tubing in sections or intervals beneath the
wellhead. While the cable’s outermost surface is typically robust, being resistant to physical and chemical degradation, frictional wear due to harshly corrosive environments, mechanical manipulations, contact between tubing and casings, particulates (sand, rock, and dirt) in the production fluid, high temperatures at increasing depths all play a role in working to damage and destroy ESP cables over time. While the ESP system is an efficient and versatile means of creating artificial lift, where the pumps themselves are often operated in corrosive environments, requiring a minimal height profile, each having a wide range of pump rate operations accommodating changes in fluid properties and flow rates over the life of the well. Moreover, the maintained integrity of ESP cables are the key to ESPs continued operation providing protection and maintenance over a tubular strings functional lifespan. It is also an object of the present invention to provide a low cost, improved mechanism to reduce (ESP) cable risks, as well as related conduits, during installation and retrieval due to friction, pulling or blunt force, obviating expensive repairs and completion or production workovers. Another objective of this invention is to allow for an easily manufactured, extruded (partially or non-metallic) construction material, exhibited through a quick install clamp, which itself is configurable and endlessly modifiable to accommodate different multi-line configurations, with a high friction interior and low friction (composite/non-metallic) exterior for optimum conduit and cable protections. Another objective is to provide protection, via said clamp, wherein the clamp itself is corrosion resistant and highly stable in the presence of hydrocarbons and/or water, as the
well operation may dictate, and which is duly guarded, to the largest extent practical, against rotation (i.e., expressing low to no influence by rotation). Yet another objective of this invention is to provide a design that is suitable for high-angle wellbores (in deviated, vertical and/or horizontal wells) with high cable strengths amendable as cross-coupling protectors, mid-joint clamps, low-profile and umbilical protectors, etc. which applies to virtually any configuration of control lines, electric submersible pump (ESP) cables, umbilical lines or lower-encapsulated bundles residing along the tubular and within the wellbore. Another objective of this invention is to provide a clamp construction and shape that is easily modifiable depending on use (typically through extrusion molding) which yields a low cost of manufacturing, retrofitting and replacement (or repair). Too, the present invention may be configured and represented as an adherence means to downhole tubular string, an extruded composite guard, or other malleable and configurable barriers between a tubular string and the inner wall of casing or wellbore as to prevent damage and wear to tubular-conveyed external line(s). Yet another means of maintaining intact conveyances/external channels or lines along a tubular string, in addition to the provided protective clamping mechanism(s), are barriers which exist exterior to the present clamp invention assist in maintaining a buffer between said clamp and the interior surface of a tubular casing or well bore. Of note, the primary substrate, as well as the means of adherence to the tubular string are preferably non-metallic, or, in the alternative of a amalgamated composite having a supporting structure that is nonmetallic, or, in the alternative having a partially-metallic
or semi-metallic configuration that, upon dissolution, disintegration or destruction, metallic or semi-metallic components are disjointed and unconnected as to provide discrete portions that are easily destructed, for example by milling, and more easily retrievable from downhole production wells than their metallic counterparts. These means of adherence to the tubular string may be additionally enhanced by using a heat-resistant tape, non-metallic (or composite) bandings, or similar means of adherence which exhibit these same or similar properties promoting ease of destruction or dissolution as to advance less downhole congestion with otherwise obstructive and occlusive (metallic) materials. What is more, the composition and construction of the present invention, aside from advantages of non-metallic, semi-metallic or amalgamated constructions, may allow for impregnation or coating with a chemical or particularized tracers where dissolution or destruction may be detectable or monitorable through analysis of tracer-containing fluids derived from the wellbore. Thereby, evidence of tracers in downhole fluid may be utilized to indirectly determine the state and condition of ESP clamps at several depths and zones and across multiple clamps, clamp types and clamp configurations and implementations. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS A clear understanding of the key features of the invention summarized above may be had by reference to the appended drawings, which illustrate the method and system of the invention, although it will be understood that such drawings depict preferred embodiments of the invention and, therefore, are not to be considered as limiting and exhaustive but
rather expansive in its scope regarding the many embodiments which the invention is capable of contemplating. While the novel features and method of use of the application are set forth above, the application itself, as well as a preferred mode of use, and advantages thereof, will best be understood by referencing to the following detailed description when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in view of the appended claims, wherein: FIG.1 shows a cross-section of a clamping mechanism; FIG.2 illustrates definition of a clamp’s installation direction; FIG.3 illustrates definition of the central line of a clamp; FIG.4 illustrates definition of the central void line of a clamp; FIG.5 illustrates definition for the angle between the main plane of a spacing element and the central line of a clamp; FIG. 6 shows an example of a clamp designed for installation on a tubular by clamping;
FIG.7 shows an example of a clamp design comprising the main body with a channel engineered for securing on tubular via ties (above) and tape (below); FIG.8 shows an example of the position of the clamp comprising main body and the channel on a tubing collar FIG.9 depicts an example of a clamp comprising spacing elements wherein the clamp is made by molding; FIG. 10 shows an example of using clamps in tandem on either side of a jointed connection; FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of a single clamp with tubular-conveyed external lines, channels and cable conveyances; FIG.12 provides an alternative “offset” twist clamp design; FIG.13 illustrates a “spiral” clamp/wrap combination; FIG.14 illustrates the position of clamp’s slots/cuts; FIG.15 illustrates the position of slots/cuts on a clamp engineered for installation on tubular by twisting;
FIG. 16 shows examples of several configurations of various spacing elements and conveyance placements on or within a clamp; FIG.17 illustrates examples of spacing element locking ports of various geometries; ; and FIG. 18 is one example of the clamp comprising the main body, the channel, and a spacing element. And while the invention itself and method(s) of use are amendable to various configurations, modifications and alternative configurations, specific embodiments thereof have been shown by way of example in the drawings and are herein described below in adequate detail to teach those having skill in the art how to make and practice the same. It should, however, be understood that the above summary and preferred embodiments described, are not intended to limit the invention to any particular embodiment, but on the contrary, the invention as disclosed is intended to cover all modifications, alternatives and equivalents falling within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined within the claim’s broadest reasonable interpretation consistent with the specification.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS A detailed description of the preferred embodiments of the invention is disclosed and described below. Yet, each and every feature, within the limits of the specification, are not disclosed exhaustively as various permutations are postulated to be in the purview and contemplation of those having skill in the art. It is therefore possible for those having said skill in the art to practice the present invention while observing that certain placements and spatial arrangements are relative and capable of arrangement and rearrangement at various points about the invention that nonetheless accomplishes the correction of one or more of the infirmities as outlined above in the field of drilling cable adherence, securing, management and maintenance. Expressly, the size and shape of certain features may be expanded or narrowed to accommodate both drill string tubular’s and casing’s sizes, shapes and orientations. Additionally, it should be observed that the present invention can be understood, in terms of both structure and function, from the accompanying disclosure and claims taken in conjunction with the appended drawings. And whereas the present invention and method of use are capable of several different embodiments allowing for mixing and matching of critical features and components, each may exhibit accompanying interchangeable functionalities, which may be species specific, without departing from the scope and spirit of the present application as shown and described. The present invention is described as a non-metallic or semi-metallic composite clamp, sleeve and fastener, derived through an extrusion process that (1) avoids metallic
debris in the wellbore, (2) is exceptionally robust in harsh environments (temperature, corrosive, highly deviated and/or angular), (3) precludes costly workovers, (4) is easily modifiable and configurable to accommodate several configurations of tubular-conveyed external lines, and (5) may be monitored, via physical or chemical tracers, to inform producers of dissolution or destruction. Additionally, the present invention addresses the traditional requirements of holding ESP cables, as well as other means of fluid and communications conveyances (i.e., external lines), firmly in place against a cross coupling, elevating cables and conveyances, as well as any other conduits and tubular-conveyed external lines, protecting same from sliding/grinding, and potentially also orienting cable away from the casing interior through the protective sleeve and/or adhered and installed projections. However, it is within the contemplation of inventors that a metallic clamp, or a metallic version of a non-metallic or semi-metallic clamp (i.e., a clamp having a majority of metallic components), with the same or similar design and features, may also provide an economical or equally efficient means of effectuating the advantages of the present clamp, clamping method and/or clamping system away and apart from what a non-metallic or semi-metallic construction may provide in certain situations and is not without consideration based on necessity, cost, durability and certain proclivities. The clamp (i.e., sleeve and fastener) itself consists of a “clamping” assembly, which may be unibody, modular and/or may exist as multiple components, is designed to encompass a channel running therethrough with at least 2 adherences which are utilized to
hold and secure cables or conveyances longitudinally along a single pipe, or across couplings of two pipes, generally. In the former case, the clamping assembly may be uniform in height or graduated as to accommodate different number of conveyances and/or couplings. In the latter case, discrete sections of the clamp assembly may be raised, and lowered, as to fit the contours of tubing junctions/couplings as well as internalized tubing and conveyances. Adherences, which are described in greater detail below, may take the form of ties, bands, tapes, and the like. Alternatively, the clamping assembly may cover the entirety of the tubular section, completely or partially covering tubing sections and/or either partially or completely surrounding the circumference of the tubular. Certain advantages of the present improved clamp that constitutes the present invention exists where the current state of the technology provides for either metallic (or nonmetallic or a combination thereof) banding or metallic clamps, with or without bolts, pins or clamping mechanisms. Bands are more likely to suffer from corrosion, cause cable damage due to banding tightness, rotation induced wear, band dislodgement (causing gaps of cable and capillary securement) and potential accumulation of broken bands atop a packer and/or downhole, creating cable tangles in the laterals, band movement, wear and eventual workovers. Equally, these clamps are also labile to corrosive fluids and capable of losing metal debris into the well where metallic clamps suffer from poor malleability to conform to different conduits and cable orientations, not being monitorable and coming with high costs of delayed production, implementation and replacement.
The present invention will now be described by referencing the appended figures representing preferred embodiments. FIG. 1 provides an exemplary depiction of operational aspects of the present invention in terms of the proposed “clamping” mechanism. As provided, FIG. 1A is a cross-section of locking element 110 exhibiting a spring-like clamp design whereby slot 120 is expanded from a largely closed orientation (see FIG. 1B) to a largely open confirmation (see FIG.1C) as to accommodate application to and around the exterior of an inserted tubular 130, through opening 140, wherein tubular 130 is typically of a rigid construct and slot 120 is malleable and extendable to accommodate insertion of tubular 130 as illustrated in FIG.1D. As depicted in FIG. 2, one embodiment of clamp 10 is clamped, fastened and secured to tubular 130, and is made to run coaxially (sharing line 200) with tubular 130, via the disclosed “clamping” mechanism of FIG. 1. Clamp 10 itself consists of a first operable end 210, a raised, middle clamp (centralized) main body 220 and a second operable end 230 whereby first operable end 210 and second operable end 230 are offset, opposing operable ends 210, 230 wherein first operable end 210 is open approximately 180 degrees from second end 230 at each face opposite directions. And middle clamp centralized main body 220 having a height profile which is slightly raised, in relation to opposing operable ends 210, 230 as to accommodate conveyances 240 (i.e., tubular- conveyed external lines), and to provide buffered protection of said tubular 130 and conveyances 240 from the surrounding casing (not shown).
FIG.3 shows the embodiment of clamp 10 of FIG.2, without tubular 130, wherein the central line 200 is the same centrally-running line 200 of FIG.2. FIG.3 further depicts a cross-sectional plane 310, perpendicular to the installation direction 320 of clamp 10 where the circle of a maximum diameter enclosed in the void 330 (i.e., Rmax) designated that area encompassed by tubular 130 and space 340 defines the space accommodating conveyances 240. Yet another embodiment, in FIG.4, where the central void line is offset from the central line of the clamp FIG.5 provides an illustration for the angle between the main plane of a spacing element and the central line of a clamp wherein a spacing element 510 is further utilized to position clamp 10 within a casing whereby spacing element 510 exists in plane 520 (evidenced by co-planar central line designation 530), plane 540 containing the central line of the clamp and its projection on the main plane of the spacing element and angle 550 illustrating the angle between the main plane of the spacing element and the central line of the clamp. In one specific embodiment of the present invention the spacing elements may be positioned at an angle in the range of 0-5 degrees and/or 175-180 degrees between the main plane of the spacing element and the central line of the clamp. In another specific embodiment of the present invention, the spacing elements may be positioned at an angle in the range of 1-89 and/or 91-179 degrees between the main
plane of the spacing element and the central line of the clamp (see an example in FIG.5) specifically designed to induce swirling of fluid in the annular over the tubular and/or between the tubular and the inner casing tubular or wellbore during the fluid flow through and over the clamp’s location. In one specific embodiment of the present invention spacing elements may be positioned at the angle of 0 degrees or 180 degrees between the main plane of the spacing element 520 and the central line 200 of clamp 10. In another specific embodiment of the present invention spacing elements may be positioned at an angle in the range of 0-1, 89-91 and/or 179-180 degrees between the main plane of the spacing element and the central line of the clamp. According to the provided above definition of the angle between the main plane of a spacing element 520 and the central line 200 of the clamp 10 spacing element 510 with such angle in the range of 1-89 degrees may induce fluid spinning in a clockwise or counterclockwise direction in the annular space between the tubing (tubular 130) and casing or wellbore during the fluid flow through the location of the clamp with such spacing element 510 with fluid spinning in counterclockwise direction if the fluid flows from the bottom to the top and in a clockwise direction if the fluid flows from the top to the bottom (see FIG.5) – which may be further alternately angled to provide the reverse (counterclockwise direction if the fluid flows from top to bottom and in a clockwise direction if the fluid flows from the bottom to top). In this alternative, the spacing elements with such angle in the range of 91-179 degrees may induce fluid spinning in a clockwise
or counterclockwise direction in the annular space between the tubing and casing or wellbore during the fluid flow through the location of the clamp with such spacing element with fluid spun in clockwise direction if the fluid flows from the bottom to the top and in a counterclockwise direction if the fluid flows from the top to the bottom (see FIG.5). It is important to note that the ability of the spacing element to swirl (spin) fluid during its flow depends on the angle between the main plane of the spacing element and the central line of the clamp as well as on the degree of symmetry of the spacing element in relation to the plane that contains the main line of the clamp 10 and its projection 510 on the main plane 520 of the spacing element (see FIG. 5). For instance, the spacing element or elements 510 which are fully symmetrical in relation to this plane won’t be effective for causing fluid spinning because their symmetrical parts will be causing fluid spinning in opposite directions (clockwise and counterclockwise) so that these fluid spinning effects will be compensating each other. For the purpose of this invention, inventors will be further assuming that spacing elements are not symmetrical in relation to the plane that contains the main line of the clamp and its projection on the main plane of the spacing element unless it is specially noted and unless expressly designated. FIG. 6 depicts a fully integrated “ESP” clamp, also identified as a “clamping device”, “sleeve” or “fastener”, wherein securing means may be facilitated through grip strength, via metallic securing mechanisms (e.g., ties or bands), non-metallic securing mechanisms (e.g., heat resistant tape), or a combination thereof, wherein non-metallic
means may be preferable as is described herein but where metallic securing mechanisms may be preferred, due to strength and malleability in certain situations. As shown in FIG.6, another preferred embodiment is represented wherein operable ends 610, 630 are each open in the same direction and on either side of a tubular coupling 660 between 2 (two) joined tubulars 130. Said each first operable end 610 and second operable end 630 exhibiting extensions 610a and 610b and 630a and 630b, respectively, which project perpendicular to coaxial axis 200, descend away from said centralized, main body 620 and about the diameter and exterior surface of tubular 130. Said extensions, 610a, 610b, 630a and 630b being elastic, plastic, pliable, semi-rigid or otherwise deformable operable appendages for adherence to a tubular which extend away from central, main body 620 and each first operable end 610 and second operable end 630 and curve inward, toward each opposing extension. For clarity, extension 610a extends away from first operable end 610, extension 610b extends away from operable first operable end 610, on opposite sides of an inserted tubular 130, and curve toward one another, perpendicular to said centralized main body 620 and operable ends 610, 630 as to conform to and adhere to the outer surface of said tubular 130. This is further represented in FIG. 8 providing a lengthwise cross- sectional illustration (FIG.8A) where tubular 130a and tubular 130b are coupled via coupling 660 as well as the perspective illustration (FIG.8B) with adhered clamp 10 secured by bands 710. In FIG. 8C, tubular 130 is cross-sectionally depicted running perpendicular to the central axis 200, this is represented whereby conveyances 240 are bundled “atop” tubular
130 which is, for simplicity’s sake, the position of conveyances 240 which is relative and may exist at any area around the tubular. FIG.7 shows another preferred embodiment of this invention without the tubular 130 or tubular-conveyed external lines or cables 240 wherein the functional components of the present disclosure may be viewed unobstructed. Further, as depicted, wire wrap 710, or similar ties, zips or adherences, may be utilized. This may be substituted for a non- metallic band or non-metallic (heat resistant) tape 720. FIG. 9 provides greater detail of the present invention in terms of specifications wherein an extrudable, “low-profile” clamping assembly (cover), which may be constructed using injection molding, allowing for high velocity fluid flow with less fluid stemming (as compared to metal clamps or banding). As illustrated, the design presented may be both offset and asymmetrical as to provide adherence to the tubular with points of contact and adhesion which are different (See also FIGS. 2-4 and 7) and wherein said clamps being more easily milled than their metal counterparts, more apt to operate correctly in corrosive environments, and to avoid untoward interactions between metal and electricity. The appended disclosure also posits the use of HT tape (ex. silicone tape), which may be reinforced with resilient fibers such as Kevlar, for enabling additional mechanical stability of such clamps on a tubular string. As provided, the FIG. 9A is positioned in the opposite direction of FIG. 9B and rotated 180 degrees wherein the provided clamp may be utilized without the aid of bands or ties or may be further secured with bands or ties which may further by a unibody design or a compost design deriving
overall utility through the ability to be manufactured via molding, additive manufacturing and 3d printing. Pointedly, fins or protrusions 910 may be integrated into the structure, via the same manufacturing processes (e.g., molding, additive manufacturing) which may be further developed, through thickness, positioning, angulation and form to facilitate and direct fluid flow through the annulus, over and around the clamp and either up or down the drillstring as use dictates. As further detailed in FIG. 9, the present invention may be used in conjunction with or in addition to a tubular centralizing mechanism where friction (and wear) between the tubular string and casing may be avoided altogether and where the tubular string movement within the casing or wellbore may be lessened by “spacing elements”, “fins”, or protrusions which may be angularized protrusions directing flow rates, rotation, volume, or a combination thereof via channels located on the exterior of a clamp and within the casing or wellbore. This may be accomplished additively whereby both the clamp and a tubular centralizer may be used in combination, on separate sections of the tubular string, or the present invention may comprise centralizing and stabilizing insert/attachment. FIG 10 illustrates a preferred embodiment of the clamp 10 that is the present invention wherein a tubing clamp 20, or sectional tubing clamps, is used in tandem, which may further be unibody, modular connected, interlocked, separate or separable, for adherence of conveyances 240 on either side 1010, 1020 of a tubing coupling 660 evidencing both, for example, electrical cable 1030 and tubing 1040 adherence, together, but positioned using different sections of the clamp 20 structure. Moreover, this may be
achieved wherein clamps 10 may be used in multiples whereby odd or even numbers of clamps may be used to ensure proper affixing of cables to a tubing or multiple sections of tubing. FIG. 11 displays a representational cross-sectional view of a single clamp 10 or sectional representation of clamp 20 of the present invention in FIG.10 wherein adherence to the tubular string is depicted with electric cables (i.e., ESP cables) 1030 residing supra and functional tubing positioned on either side of curved surface of the same tubular at about 11 and 1 o’clock, respectively. This is however, an exemplary depiction for illustrative purposes only where the position about the tubular 130 is relative. More specifically, as in FIGS.12, the present invention discloses another preferred embodiment that is clamp 40 that comprises a centralized main body 1210 and two elastic (or non-elastic) adherences (1220, 1230) used for installing the clamp on tubular by “twisting” the clamp 40 and clamping adherences 1220, 1230 around the tubular (not shown). Thereby, clamp 40 may be made via a molding or additive manufacturing process with adherence 1220, 1230 opening in opposite directions and 180 degrees from each adherence (1220) relative to the other adherence (1230). Also, as in FIGS.13, the present invention discloses another preferred embodiment that is clamp 41 that comprises a centralized main body 1211 and two elastic adherences (1221, 1231) used for installing the clamp on tubular by “twisting” or “clamping” the clamp 41 on the tubular (not shown) and wrapping adherences 1221, 1231 around the tubular (not shown). Thereby, clamp 41 may be made via a molding or additive manufacturing process with adherence 1221, 1231
opening either in opposite directions and 180 degrees from each adherence (1221) relative to the other adherence (1231), or in the same direction. Clamps 40 and 41 may be made of one piece of the same material or may be made of several modular components joined, fused or adhered together. The present invention that is clamps 40 and 41 may run coaxially and coextensive with the tubular and may be shaped for installation on the tubular itself or on its collars to enable protection of the tubular-conveyed external lines at the points of the most probable contact of the conveyed lines and the well casing or wellbore walls. Additionally, clamps 40 and 41 may be constructed with protrusions which may protect the tubular and encased conveyances, direct fluid flow, or a combination thereof. In a separate embodiment of the present invention the clamp or clamps may be used for securing on tubular any equipment deployed on the well on the outer side or surface of such tubular including data transmission and signal transmission wireless devices, containers with chemicals including containers with production chemical or chemical tracers, sensors and other types of wellbore equipment known to those skilled in the art. The present invention that is a clamp or clamps may further comprise a channel used for securing a tubular-conveyed external line(s) to the outer surface of the tubular. In another specific embodiment of the present invention the channel may be aligned with the central line of the clamp so that the tubular-conveyed external line(s) will be aligned with the tubular after the clamp is installed on such tubular.
In another specific embodiment of the present invention the channel may be positioned at an angle to the central line of the clamp so that the tubular-conveyed external line(s) will be positioned at an angle in the range between -90 to +90 degrees in relation to the tubular direction after such clamp is installed on such tubular. Generally, elastic (or non-elastic) parts of the clamp are positioned at opposite sides (ends) of the main body of the clamp. Both elastic parts may have the same shape (and orientation) or different shapes and orientations (e.g., 180 degrees) from one other wherein either end may use the same or different means of adherence or securing. Elasticity and rigidity of the elastic or non-elastic parts may be modified by selecting different materials for use in making the elastic or inelastic parts or/and by design of the elastic or non-elastic parts. In a certain embodiment of this invention the elastic parts may have spring-clamp type design so that clamps may be installed on tubular in a spring-clamping action as shown in FIG.1. In another embodiment of this invention elastic parts may be designed to be wrapped-around a tubular concentrically (See FIG.13). As provided in FIG.13, in another embodiment of the present invention, the design of the elastic parts comprises slot(s) or cut(s) which enable installation of the elastic parts on tubular via spring-clamping or “wrap-around” actions or combinations thereof in a “telephone cord” or coiled/spiral cable 1310 as an extension of clamp 10, 20, 30, 40 or 41 thereby obviating the use of adherence (e.g., ties or wraps) although these securing means may still be utilized.
In another embodiment of the present invention the clamp may comprise slot(s) and cut(s) wherein such slot(s) and cut(s) may be positioned at any location of elastic parts engineered for installation on tubular through twisting action. In one specific embodiment of the present invention, slot(s) and cut(s) may be positioned at the location of the elastic components that correspond to the range of angles of 10°-170° (10-170 degrees) between the central plane of the clamp and the plane that contains the central line of the clamp and crosses the location of the slot or the cut as shown in FIG.14. An illustration showing the position of slots and cuts on the clamp 10 (which may also encompass clamps 20, 30, 40, 41) consists of clamp’s projection on the plane perpendicular to the clamp’s installation direction 1420, central plane of the clamp 1410, central line of the clamp 1430 and the range of angles for slot(s) and cut(s) 1431. FIG. 15 shows the position of slots and cuts on the clamp engineered for installation on tubular by twisting where 1510 is clamp’s projection on the plane perpendicular to the clamp’s installation direction, 1520 is the central plane of the clamp, 1530 is the central line of the clamp, and 1540 the range of angles for slot(s) and cut(s). In one other embodiment of the present invention, such clamps may be installed on tubular by positioning the clamp on the tubular at the angle between the tubular direction and the central line of the clamp in the range between 10° (10 degrees) and 90° (90 degrees) and twisting the clamp so that the central line of the clamp is aligned with the tubular direction or is substantially aligned with the tubular direction (meaning that the angle between the central line of the clamp and the tubular direction after the clamp’s
installation on such tubular is less than 20° (20 degrees), or less than 10° (10 degrees), or less than 5° (5 degrees) ). Examples of such clamp’s offset designs are given in different angles in FIG.12. Elastic components of such clamps may have slot or cuts positioned at the opposite sides/ends in the range of angles of 10°-80° (10-80 degrees) and 110°-170° (100-170 degrees) between the central plane of the clamp and the plane containing the central line of the clamp and passing through the slot or cut positions (see FIG.15). In yet another embodiment of the present invention elastic components may be designed to be “wrapped-around” the tubular concentrically with the number of full turns equaling more than 1 or less than 1 turn. An example of such a clamp design is shown in FIG. 13 which should be viewed as representational wherein the number, configuration and degree of twisting may be further reduced, increased or augmented. Elastic components and the main body of the clamp may be made of a substantially elastic material with Young’s modulus at surface or downhole conditions of less than 10 GPa, or of material with intermediate elastic properties, with Young’s modulus at surface or downhole conditions between 10 GPa and 100 GPa, or of a substantially rigid material with Young’s modulus at surface or downhole conditions between 100GPa and 300 GPa or higher, or a combination thereof. The material used for elastic parts may be reinforced by fiber, metal or plastic cords, nets and the like. Some non-limited examples of materials with Young’s modulus of less than 10 GPa include, but are not limited to, styrene- butadiene rubber, nitrile rubber, butyl rubber, silicone rubber, polybutadiene rubber,
neoprene rubber, chloroprene rubber, polyisoprene rubber, butadiene rubber, isoprene rubber, fluorosilicone rubber, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene, polyetheretherketone, polyaryletherketone, acrylic plastics, polyvinylchloride and chlorinated polyvinylchloride, polyethylene, nylon, caprolactone, polystyrene, polycarbonate, ebonite, epoxy resins, polyamides, Teflon®, polymethylmethacrylate, polypropylene, polytetrafluoroethylene, and combinations and/or mixtures of thereof. Some non-limited examples of materials with Young’s modulus between 10 GPa and 100 GPa include, but are not limited to, Textolite and glass textolite, getinaks, bone, aluminum alloys, glass, and combinations and/or mixtures of thereof. Some non-limited examples of materials with Young’s modulus between 100 GPa and 300 GPa and more than 300GPa include, but are not limited to, carbon fiber-reinforced plastics, steel, stainless steel alloys, titanium alloys, copper, bronze, brass, aramid, cast iron, chromium alloys, nickel alloys, manganese alloys, magnesium alloys, inconel, and combinations and/or mixtures of thereof. In another embodiment of the present invention the clamp or clamps may be additionally secured on a tubular by using various securing means. Such securing means may include, but are not limited to, strap(s), band(s), “zip” tie(s), bolted connection(s) and/or any other means of adhering, locking and securing devices and mechanisms known to those skilled in the art. These adhering, locking and securing devices and mechanisms, or their components, may be made of any type of material including the list of described materials that may also be used in constructing and making the main body and the elastic components of the clamp. These materials are ideally non-metallic (e.g., plastic), or in some cases a mixture of non-metallic and/or minority metallic materials impregnated or
infused into an amalgamation wherein destruction of such results in debris that is easily millable, dissolvable or otherwise destructible to preclude work stoppage and workovers. Of note, said securing means may be further augmented to be impregnated with tracer material which may be detectable upon the dissolution or destruction of said securing means. In a specific embodiment of the present invention the clamp may be secured to a tubular using a tape which may comprise an adhesive layer, be thermosettable, or thermostable. Non-limited examples of such tapes include High temperature film tape 3150 manufactured by Central Tapes and Adhesives LTD, 365 Thermostable Glass Cloth Tape manufactured by 3M, High Temperature Nylon Film Tape 855 manufactured by 3M and others. In another embodiment of the present invention the clamp may comprise spacing elements 1610 (i.e., protrusions, fins or spacers) designed for positioning the tubular with the tubular-conveyed external line(s) in the outer tubular such as casing or wellbore 1620 or in the wellbore in a certain way through centralization and decentralization of the tubular. The number, length) and angulation of such spacing elements may be one to a plurality of elements. Some non-limiting examples of this embodiment include using spacing elements 1610 for enabling positioning of the tubular-conveyed external lines at a close (or extended) distance to the wall of the outer casing or wellbore 1620, at a determinable distance from the wall of the outer casing or wellbore or enabling tubular centralization (see FIG.16a-d).
Each of such examples may provide certain advantages which will depend on well conditions, spacing components make-up and properties of the wellbore fluid, for example. For instance, positioning the tubular-conveyed external line(s) at the minimum or maximum distance from the wall of the outer tubular to the casing or wellbore 1620 may minimize the risk of erosion of the external line(s) by produced formation fluid. At the same time positioning the tubular-conveyed external line(s) 240 at the maximum distance from the wall of the outer tubular or wellbore 1620 minimizes the risk of damaging such external line(s) during tubular deployment and lifting operations. Yet, positioning the protected conveyances in relation to the casing or wellbore may also require placing the clamp and/or spacing elements a minimum accepted distance as necessity dictates. Specifically, “spacing elements” 1610 of the clamp may be made of the same material as other components of the clamp and be consistent with the entirety of the clamp or with one of its elements forming a congruent, seamless configuration. Further, spacing elements may have a first and second end wherein the first end interfaces the casing or wellbore and the second end is a point of attachment to the tubing clamp. In the case that friction is required for maintaining the spacing elements and friction is desired to be decreased at the interface with the casing and/or wellbore, materials that have a high friction coefficient may be utilized at the point of attachment and materials with low friction coefficients may be used where the spacing element contacts the casing or wellbore. In certain other embodiments these spacing elements may be manufactured separately and secured to the clamp’s body at the time of manufacturing or retrospectively
via a retro-fit (See FIGS. 17A-17C). The list of materials that may be used for making spacers includes, but not limited to, the provided above the list of the materials that may be used for making the main body and elastic parts of the clamp thereof or one of many rigid, low friction materials (up to and including physical or chemical tracers or tracer materials incorporated into the low-friction materials themselves). Additionally, the number of spacing elements 1610 on each clamp may vary and may be one, two, three, four or more than four up, up to and including a plurality of spacing elements 1610 to and including a plurality of spacing elements 1610. Positioning of the spacing elements on the clamp’s body along the central line of the clamp may also be modified depending on configuration and number of each spacing element (See also FIGS 16A-16C). For example, one spacing element may be located in the “middle” of a clamp 10, 20, 30 and/or 40 and two other spacing elements 1610 may be located at the elastic subsections of the clamp 10, 20, 30 and/or 40 or all spacing elements 1610 may be located in the “middle” of clamp 10, 20, 30 and/or 40 as necessity dictates. The phasing angle between the locations of two different spacing elements 1610 on the clump’s body, defined as the angle between planes that contain the central line of the clamp and intersect points of location of these two different spacing elements on the clamp’s body, may also be different for different clamp configurations and for adjacent spacing elements it may vary in the range from 0° to 180° or from 10° to 180°, which may be evenly or unevenly distributed along the length of the clamp. Furthermore, spacing elements may have various geometries and shapes (ex. rectangular, triangular, otherwise angular, rounded shape, having round- shaped angles, be symmetrical or asymmetrical, having various thicknesses, and/or be
planar or curved) wherein various shapes may exist on a single clamp or one of the aforementioned shapes exist in multiples on or about a clamp or clamps. In another embodiment of the present invention the clamp may comprise locking ports 1710 for securing spacing elements 1610 and placeable and replaceable spacing elements for repair, replacement or modular development. Such locking ports may have trapezoidal geometry, rectangular geometry, round shape, or be of any other geometrical shape (see FIG.17a-c). Spacing elements 1610 may be adhered to such locking ports 1710 by a glue or an adhesive, by means of friction between walls of such locking port 1710 and the spacing element 1610, be secured by bolts, screws or any other types of securing elements known to those skilled in the art. In a separate embodiment of the present invention spacing elements 1610 may, or may not, be symmetrical, asymmetrical, or a combination thereof in relation to the plane that contains the main line of the clamp and its projection on the main plane of the spacing element. Influenced fluid direction (“swirling”) may thereby be initiated and controlled by instituting different configurations, numbers, orientations, materials and designs of various spacing elements. In another embodiment of the present invention spacing elements 1610 may be helical or spiral as to induce requisite fluid flow over and around the tubular. The angle between the main plane of each spacing element and the central line of the clamp can be defined and engineered using considerations on the separation or mixing
of the multi-phase fluid during its flow through the location of the spacing elements 1610. For instance, spinning the fluid in the annular space between the tubular with installed clamps and the outer tubular 130 such as casing or wellbore 1620 may result in separation of the multi-phase fluid to its individual components. In this case the fluid in the proximity to the wall of the outer tubular or wellbore will be enriched by the components with higher density such as water and oil and the fluid in the proximity to the wall of the inner tubular with installed clamps will be enriched by a low-density component such as gas. Such separation may result in higher upward gas flow rate through the annular space wherein the separated liquid components will have a tendency to flow downwards because of their higher gravity resulting in the lower gas/liquid ratio of the fluid downhole. Such phenomena may have positive impact on the performance of the wells equipped with electrical submersible pumps (ESPs) or other types of downhole pumps known to those skilled in the art whereby operational performance of such pumps increases with reduction in the gas/liquid ratio of the pumped fluid. Alternatively, sequential fluid spinning in opposite directions during its flow through the wellbore may result in better mixing of the multi-phase fluid. This will result in reduction of contribution of a slug-type flow mechanism and increase in contribution of a homogeneous fluid flow mechanism during the fluid flow through the wellbore. This may have a positive impact on the production performance of the wells equipped with ESP pumps of low power capacity which is not sufficient for lifting all liquid that can be produced by formation during certain periods of time to the surface.
In certain embodiments of the present invention such fluid mixing can be caused by positioning spacing elements of the clamp at different angles between the main plane of each spacing element and the central line of the clamp. For example, one spacing element 1610 can be positioned at the range of angles of 1-89 (1-89 degrees) between its main plane and the central line of the clamp to cause counterclockwise fluid spinning wherein another spacing element on the same or different clamp can be positioned at the range of angles of 91o-179o (91-179 degrees) between its main plane and the central line of the clamp to cause clockwise fluid spinning. In another embodiment of the present invention the distribution of the angles between main planes of the spacing elements and the central lines of clamps where such spacing elements are located may have a certain pattern along the length of tubular with installed clamps. For instance, the position of the spacing elements on one, two or three sequential clamps may be engineered for causing clockwise fluid spinning wherein the position of the spacing elements on one, two or three following and/or preceding clamps may be engineered for causing counterclockwise fluid spinning. Also, the position of the spacing elements on some clamps in this repeatable sequence may be engineering for not causing fluid spinning or causing moderate fluid spinning. For instance, some spacing elements may be positioned at the range of angles of 0o-1o (0-1 degrees) or 89o-91o (89-91 degrees) or 179o-180o (179-180 degrees) between its main plane and the central line of the clamp to cause clockwise fluid spinning. In another example each clamp may have three spacing elements and the clamps may be installed on at least a portion of the tubular string using the following repeatable patterns, for example:
Clamp1(Angle1, Angle2, Angle3) - Clamp2(Angle1, Angle2, Angle3) -…- Clampn(Angle1, Angle2, Angle3) - Clampn+1(Angle4, Angle5, Angle6) - Clampn+2(Angle4, Angle5, Angle6)-…- Clampn+m(Angle4, Angle5, Angle6)- Where n and m – are some natural numbers (1,2,3 etc), Anglei , i=1..6 – are some angles between the main plane of the corresponding spacing element and the central line of the clamp where that spacing element is located. In a particular embodiment some of the angles Anglei , i=1..6 may be in the range of 1-89 degrees and some of them may be in the range of 91-179 degrees. Or, in another particular embodiment some of the angles Anglei , i=1..6 may be in the range of 0-90 degrees and some of them may be in the range of 90-180 degrees. In a particular example Anglei , i=1,2,3 may have a value of 15 degrees, or 25 degrees or 35 degrees wherein Anglei , i=4,5,6 may have a value of 165 degrees, or 155 degrees or 145 degrees. In another example clamps may have several spacing elements, and these may be installed on at least a portion of the tubular string using the following repeatable pattern, as below: - Clamp1(Angle11, Angle12…Angle1k1) - Clamp2(Angle21, Angle22… Angle2k2) -…- Clampn(Anglen1, Anglen2… Anglenkn)- Where n and j - some natural number (1,2,3 etc), kj – the number of the spacing elements on j-th clamp, Angleij , i=1..n, j=1..kj - angles between the main plane of the corresponding spacing element and the central line of the clamp where that spacing element is located. In a particular embodiment some angles Angleij , i=1..n, j=1..kj may be in the range of 1-89 degrees and some of them may be in the range of 91-179 degrees.
In another particular embodiment some angles Angleij , i=1..n, j=1..kj may be in the range of 0-90 degrees and some of them may be in the range of 90-180 degrees. In a particular example Angleij with even index “i” and j=1..kj may have a value of 15 degrees, or 25 degrees or 35 degrees wherein Angleij with uneven index “i” and j=1..kj may have a value of 165 degrees, or 155 degrees or 145 degrees. In another embodiment of the present invention the described above repeatable patterns may also include clamps without spacing elements. For example, every second, or third or fourth clamp in the sequence may have no spacing elements. Or all clamps that have spacing elements and are positioned using one of the patterns described above may be separated by one, or two or three or higher number of clamps without spacing elements. Or the clamps that don’t have spacing elements can be installed in any order in two different zones of the tubular that have the same sequential pattern for the clamps with the spacing elements in a repeating or non-repeating pattern and configuration. In another embodiment of the present invention the clamps with spacing elements may be installed using several repeatable patterns of the types described above. In one example at least a portion of the tubular can be completed with clamps using one pattern and at least one another portion of the tubular can be completed with clamps using another installation pattern. In another embodiment of the present invention a well can be completed using a tubular with centralizers comprising spacing elements which are shaped and positioned on the centralizers using the described above methodologies including the installation
pattern for the angle between the central line of each centralizer, defined similar to the definition of the central line of the clamp and the main plane of the corresponding spacing elements on such centralizer. Such tubular may not necessarily convey any tubular- conveyed external lines. In another embodiment of the present invention the clamps with centralizers may be installed on a tubular without any tubular-conveyed external lines. In one of the embodiments of the present invention such centralizers or clamps without external tubular-conveyed external lines can be installed on a tubing comprising a downhole pump such as a rod pump or any other pump type using the same installation methodologies and patterns as described above. In one of the examples such completion strategy can be used for increasing well production performance using the same considerations as already described above in this invention. Moreover, spacing elements and the elements of the clamp including the main body and elastic parts may comprise additional components, elements, parts and inserts for altering friction force at the contact with the outer tubular or wellbore walls and with tubular where the clamp is installed. Some non-limiting examples of the materials that reduce friction at the contact between two solid objects include, but are not limited to, Teflon®, nylon, polyethylene including high-density and low-density polyethylene, cast iron, copper and its alloys, brass, graphite, molybdenum disulfide, silver and its alloys, lead and its alloys, aluminum and its alloys, zinc and its alloys, cadmium and its allows,
antimony and its alloys, bismuth and its alloys and other materials known to those skilled in the art. Some non-limiting examples of the materials that increase friction at the contact of two objects include cast iron, asbestos, fine powders of rock minerals, various types of rubbers, ceramic, porcelain, mullite and other materials known to those skilled in the art. In one embodiment of the present invention individual components of the clamp including spacers, main body and elastic parts may comprise parts or inserts made of materials with low friction coefficients to reduce the wear between the clamp’s components and the inner surface of the well casing during tubular insertion and lifting operations. In a specific embodiment such parts or inserts may be positioned at the edges of the spacing elements that come in contact with the inner walls of the outer tubular or wellbore. Such parts or inserts may also be positioned at the main body of the clamp. In another embodiment of the present invention the elements of the clamp that come in contact with the tubular where such clamp is installed may comprise parts or inserts with high friction coefficients in relation to such tubular to enable better mechanical stability of the clamp on the tubular. In another embodiment of the present invention the clamp may comprise the main body with a channel and can be secured to the tubular the mean of strap(s), band(s), zip tie(s), bolted connection(s), tape, and other types of locking and securing devices known to those skilled in the art (see examples in FIGS.7 and 8). The main body of such clamps
can be made of the material and materials listed above including plastic(s), alloys, fiber- glass composites, Textolite and other materials and mixtures thereof. Such clamp may also comprise one or more spacing elements 1810 designed and positioned on the clamp as disclosed in the previous paragraphs with an example shown in FIG.18. In another embodiment of the present invention the clamp may comprise two or more separate elements that can be connected or secured on the tubular by snapping, snapping together, engaging, connecting, using bands, straps, zip ties, bolts, screws, tape, and other connection methods knowns to those skilled in the art and combinations thereof. In one particular embodiment of the present invention separate parts of the clamp may have spacing elements. As an example, the clamp may have the main body with the channel and a separate back part comprising at least one spacing element that can be installed together with the main body of the clamp on the tubular using tape, straps, bands, wire, zip ties and using other methods (see FIG.18). In another embodiment of the present invention all or some components of the clamp may be made of a metal or an alloy or several types of metals or alloys. Dismantling the clamp from the tubular may comprise drilling out or cutting of parts of the clamp or securing element(s) such as bands, wires, zip ties, tapes, bolts, screws, twisting the clamp, pulling the clamp, unscrewing some of the clamp components or bolts or screws, unlocking wedge connections, ratchets, “Chinese Fingers”, or unlocking any other locking mechanisms used for securing the clamp on the tubular.
All or some components of the clamp, main body (clamping assembly) of the clamp, elastic parts, spacing elements, centralizers disclosed in the present invention can be made by molding, injection molding stamping, pressing, machining, casting, 3D printing and using other methods known to those skilled in the art, and combinations thereof. In certain specific embodiment of the present invention all or some components of the clamp, main body of the clamp, elastic parts, spacing elements, centralizers disclosed in the present invention can be made using two step injection molding wherein during the first step the injection molding is used to make a part of the component using one type of molding material and then during the second step a second part of the component is made using another type of molding material. In another specific embodiment of the present invention injection molding can be combined with using reinforcing materials and reinforcing structures such as fiber, fiber nets, fabric, rods and others. As an example, a reinforcing structure such as fiber net or fabric can be installed inside the injection molding form prior injection of a molding material and then the molding material can be injected into such form. Also, some parts of the clamp, main body of the clamp, elastic parts, spacing elements, centralizers disclosed in the present invention can be connected and/or secured to each other using bolts, screws, glue, epoxy glue, cyanoacrylate glue, nails, bands, straps, zip ties, wedge connections, ratchets, “Chinese fingers”, or using other methods known to those skilled in the art, and combinations thereof.
In a separate embodiment of the present invention tubular-conveyed external lines can be secured to the tubular by means of zip ties, strapping ties, tie locking bands, (heat- resistant) tapes, bands or other locking devices with or without using clamps. Such zip ties, strapping ties, tie locking bands, (heat-resistant) tapes, bands or other locking devices can be made of any listed above material with Young Modulus of less than 10GPa, less than 100GPa, less than 300GPa or more than 300GPa that is stable at downhole conditions. Such zip ties, strapping ties, tie locking bands, tapes, bands or other locking devices can be installed or tightened using installation tools similar to CPK Hybrid Cable Tie Tool manufactured by HellermannTyton. (https://www.hellermanntyton.us/products/featured-products/cpk-hybrid). Such zip ties, strapping ties, tie locking bands, tapes, bands or other locking devices may be loaded in such installation tools in a form of individual pieces or in a form of reels, or in the form of packs or in any other form. Such zip ties, strapping ties, tie locking bands, tapes, bands or other locking devices may have locking components incorporated in their structure or such locking components may be provided separately and installed on such zip ties, strapping ties, tie locking bands, tapes, bands or other locking devices during securing tubular-conveyed external lines to the tubular. In a particular example components of such zip ties, strapping ties, tie locking bands, tapes, bands or other locking devices can be made of a temperature-stable plastic material or reinforced plastic material such as polyether ether ketone (PEEK),
polyaryletherketone (PAEK), nylon, high-density polyethylene or any other plastic material stable at downhole temperature. All or some components of the clamp, main body of the clamp, elastic parts, spacing elements, centralizers disclosed in the present invention may be refurbished, re-used or recycled after retrieval from the well. A synopsis and recounting of the present invention exists below wherein each and every element may or may not be included in various described preferred embodiments: Tubular Clamp Having the following features: A tubular clamp that consists of a main body and two elastic, plastic, pliable, semi- rigid or otherwise deformable operable ends or parts extending radially or longitudinally therefrom wherein the main body and the operable parts can be one integral piece or consist of several modular components; wherein the operable parts may be clamped on the tubing or wrapped around the tubing; wherein operable parts may comprise slots; wherein slots may be spiral; wherein slots may be located at in the range from 10 degrees to 170 degrees, or from 10 degrees to 80 degrees, or from 100 degrees to 170 degrees, in relation to the central plane of the clamp;
wherein said clamp has a channel designed for handling a tubular- conveyed lines; wherein said clamp may have one or more spacing elements designed for positioning and or protecting a tubular with such clamp in the outer tubular or wellbore; wherein such spacing element(s) may be removable, replaceable, positional and/or repositionable; wherein such spacing element(s) may have a substantially flat geometry and is/are positioned at the clamp at the angle of 0-89 degrees or 5-85 degrees to the clamp’s central line; wherein such spacing element may have a curved geometry so that at least a portion of the spacing element is positioned at the clamp at the angle of 0-89 degrees or 5-85 degrees to the clamp’s central line; wherein the spacers may be positioned on the clamp for enabling positioning of the tubular-conveyed external lines next to the wall of the outer tubing or wellbore; wherein the spacers may be positioned on the clamp for enabling positioning of the tubular-conveyed external lines at a maximum or minimum distance from the wall of the outer tubing to the inner surface of a wellbore;
wherein the main body of the clamp or elastic parts of the clamp or spacing elements may have at least one component or insert with low friction coefficient with the outer tubular or wellbore; wherein the main body of the clamp or elastic parts of the clamp may have at least one component or insert with high friction coefficient with the tubular where such clamp is installed; and wherein the clamp may be additionally secured on the tubing by the mean of bands, straps, zip ties, tape, or any other locking devises. A tubular clamp that consists of a main body and two elastic, plastic, pliable, semi- rigid or otherwise deformable operable parts wherein the main body and the operable parts can be one integral piece or consists of several attached to each other elements wherein the operable parts can be clamped on the tubing by positioning the clamp on the tubular at an angle between the tubular and the central line of the clamp in the range between 10 and 90 degrees and twisting the clamp so that the central line of the clamp is aligned with the tubular direction upon the clamp’s installation on the tubular: wherein the operable parts may comprise slots; wherein the slots may be spiral; wherein the slots may be located at in the range from 10 degrees to 80 degrees, or from 10 degrees to 170 degrees, or from 100 degrees to 170 degrees, in relation to the central plane of the clamp; wherein the clamp has a channel designed for securing and adhering a tubular-conveyed external line or lines;
wherein said clamp may have one or more spacing elements designed for positioning a tubular within such clamp on the external portion of a tubular and within a wellbore; wherein such spacing element may be removable, placeable, replaceable, or repositionable; wherein such spacing element may have any geometry and is positioned on the clamp at the angle of 0-89 degrees to the clamp’s central line; wherein such spacing element may have a curved geometry so that at least a portion of the spacing element is positioned at the clamp at the angle of 0- 89 degrees to the clamp’s central line; wherein such spacing elements may be positioned on the clamp for enabling positioning of the tubular-conveyed external lines on to the exterior of the outer tubing and within a wellbore. wherein said spacing elements may be positioned on the clamp for enabling positioning of the tubular-conveyed external lines at a minimum or maximum distance from the exterior of the outer tubing to the inner surface of a wellbore; wherein the main body of the clamp or operable ends or parts of the clamp or spacing elements may have at least one component or insert with low friction coefficient on the outer tubular and within a wellbore;
wherein the main body of the clamp or operable ends of the clamp may have at least one component or insert with high friction coefficient with the tubular where such clamp is installed; and wherein the clamp may be additionally secured on the tubing by the mean of bands, straps, zip ties, tape, or any other locking devises. A tubular clamp that consists of a main body made by molding wherein such clamp has a channel designed for handling tubular-conveyed external lines and can be secured to the tubular by the mean of bands, straps, zip ties, tape, or any other locking devises: wherein the clamp may have one or more spacing elements designed for positioning a tubular with such clamp on the outer tubular and within a wellbore; wherein the clamp also compromises a separate component that may be secured on the tubing together with a clamp by the mean of bands, straps, tape, wire, zip ties or any other locking devices; wherein the separate element may comprise at least one spacing element; wherein such spacing element may be removable, placeable, replaceable, or repositionable; wherein such spacing element may have any geometry and is positioned at the clamp at the angle of 0-89 degrees to the clamp’s central line;
wherein such spacing element may have a curved geometry so that at least a portion of the spacing element is positioned at the clamp at the angle of 0- 89degrees to the clamp’s central line; wherein said spacing element may be positioned on the clamp for enabling positioning of the tubular-conveyed external lines next to the wall of the outer tubing, securing conveyances, or a combination thereof within a wellbore; wherein spacing elements may be positioned on said clamp for enabling positioning of the tubular-conveyed external lines at a minimum or maximum distance from the wall of the outer tubing and within said wellbore; wherein the main body of the clamp or operable ends of the clamp or spacing elements may have at least one component or insert with low friction coefficient where the outer tubular contacts the inner surface of the wellbore; and wherein the main body of the clamp or operable ends of the clamp may have at least one component or insert with high friction coefficient with the tubular where such clamp is installed. A method of completing a well comprising installation of the clamps or centralizers with spacing elements wherein at least one spacing element is positioned at a clamp or a centralizer at an angle of 1-89 degrees or 91-179 degrees between the main plane of
the spacing element and the central line of the clamp or centralizer where this spacing element is located: wherein said clamps may be installed with or without external tubular- conveyed external line or lines wherein the clamps or centralizers with the spacing elements may be installed along at least a portion of the tubular using a repeatable for the clamps and centralizers with spacing elements positioned at an angle of 1-90degrees or 91-179 degrees between the main plane of such spacing elements and the central line of clamps or centralizers where these spacing elements are located. wherein the pattern is: Clamp1(Angle11, Angle12…Angle1k1) - Clamp2(Angle21, Angle22… Angle2k2) -…- Clampn(Anglen1, Anglen2… Anglenkn)- where n and j - some natural number (1,2,3 etc), kj – the number of the spacing elements on j-th clamp, Angleij , i=1..n, j=1..kj - angles between the main plane of the corresponding spacing element and the central line of the clamp where that spacing element is located.; and wherein such angles may be in the range of 1-90 degrees and 91-179 degrees. While the present invention has been described in terms of particular embodiments and applications, in both summarized and detailed forms, it is not intended that these descriptions in any way limit its scope to any such embodiments and applications, and it will be understood that many substitutions, changes and variations in the described
embodiments, applications and details of the method and system illustrated herein and of their operation can be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit of this invention.
Claims
Claims 1. A tubular clamp comprising: a main body, a first operable end and a second operable end; said first operable end and a second operable end extending longitudinally away from said main body; said main body and said first and second operable ends configured to run coaxially with a tubular and adhere to the outer surface of said tubular; said main body and first and second operable ends made to partially or substantially surround the outer surface of said tubular; said main body and first and second operable ends made to provide an internalized channel for the securing, positioning and maintenance of one to a plurality of external lines on the outer surface of said tubular; said first and second operable ends exhibiting elastic, deformable extensions for adherence to said tubular; said extensions extending away from and perpendicular to said first and second operable ends, on either side of said main body; said extensions curving inward toward each opposable, extension to conform to the contour of said outer surface of said tubular.
2. The tubular clamp of claim 1 wherein said main body, said first operable end and said second operable end may be unibody or modular. 57
3. The tubular clamp of claim 1 wherein said tubular clamp is adhered to said tubular by a clamping of operable ends, wrapping around of operable ends, or other adherence means, or combination thereof; said other adherence means being bands, straps, ties, tape, wire, zip ties, or a combination thereof.
4. The tubular clamp of claim 1 wherein said centralized, main body, first operable end and second operable end are constructed of a single or composite material which is molded or extruded and is metallic, semi-metallic, non-metallic or a combination thereof.
5. The tubular clamp of claim 1 wherein said centralized, main body, first operable end and second operable end comprises chemical tracers.
6. The tubular clamp of claim 1 wherein said centralized, main body, first operable end and second operable end have an inner surface and an outer surface; said inner surface adhering said tubular clamp and external lines to the outer surface of said tubular; said centralized main body, first operable end, second operable end, or a combination thereof, having an inner surface having a high friction coefficient; said outer surface interfacing the inner surface of said casing or wellbore; and 58
said centralized main body, first operable end, second operable end, or a combination thereof, having an outer surface having a low friction coefficient.
7. The tubular clamp of claim 1, wherein said tubular clamp has adhered or attached thereto one to a plurality of spacing elements wherein: said spacing elements enabling positioning of said tubular clamp within and away from the inner surface of a casing or wellbore.
8. The tubular clamp of claim 7 wherein said one to a plurality of spacing elements are placeable, removable, replaceable, or repositionable about the surface of said clamp for adjustments to the distance between said clamp and said casing or wellbore.
9. The tubular clamp of claim 8 wherein said one to a plurality of spacing elements are spaced, angulated, symmetrically spaced, symmetrically placed, asymmetrically spaced, asymmetrically placed, or a combination thereof, as to direct fluid flow, fluid consistency, fluid composition, fluid rate, or a combination thereof, around said tubular clamp and through a casing or wellbore.
10. The tubular clamp of claim 9 wherein said one to a plurality of spacing elements have a first end at the point of attachment to said tubular clamp and second end at the interface between said spacing element and said casing or wellbore wherein: said second end comprises a material with a low friction coefficient.
11. The tubular clamp of claim 7 wherein said one to a plurality of spacing elements having flat or curved geometry wherein at least a portion of said one to a plurality of each spacing elements is positioned at said clamp at the angle of 0-89 deg to the 59
clamp’s central line, or at the angle of 5-85 degrees to the clamp’s central line, or at the angle of 10-80 degrees to the clamp’s central line.
12. The tubular clamp of claim 7 wherein said one to a plurality of spacing elements are positioned on the clamp for enabling positioning of the tubular-conveyed external lines next to the wall of the outer tubing or wellbore or positioning of the tubular- conveyed external lines a maximum distance from said wellbore;
13. The tubular clamp of claim 1 wherein no through channel for external lines exists.
14. The tubular clamp of claim 1 wherein said and first and second operable ends are slotted wherein slots range from one to a plurality of slots at 10 to 170 degrees, or from 10 degrees to 80 degrees, or from 100 degrees to 170 degrees in relation to the central plane of the clamp or said slots may be spiral
15. The tubular clamp of claim 14 wherein: said tubular clamp is clamped on said tubular by twisting said clamp so that the central line of the clamp is aligned with the tubular direction upon the clamp’s installation on the tubular.
16. The tubular clamp of claim of claim 15 wherein said tubular clamp is clamped on said tubular by positioning the clamp on said tubular at the angle between said tubular and the central line of the clamp in the range between 10 and 90 degrees and twisting said clamp so that the central line of the clamp is aligned with said tubular direction upon said clamp’s installation on said tubular wherein the tubular clamp of claim 1 wherein said main body, a first operable end, a second operable end, or a combination thereof, of the clamp assembly may be raised, lowered, or a 60
combination thereof, as to fit the contours of tubing junctions, collars, or couplings, as well as external lines.
17. The tubular clamp of claim 1 wherein said clamp is easily millable, dissolvable or otherwise destructible.
18. A method of completing a well comprising the installation of the clamps with spacing elements wherein at least one spacing element is positioned at said clamp at an angle of 1-89 degrees or 91-179 degrees between the main plane of the spacing element and the central line of the clamp where this spacing element is located wherein said clamps with the spacing elements are installed along at least a portion of the tubular using a repeatable pattern.
19. A method of claim 18 wherein the pattern is: Clamp1(Angle11, Angle12…Angle1k1) - Clamp2(Angle21, Angle22…Angle2k2) -…- Clampn(Anglen1, Anglen2… Anglenkn)- where n and j - some natural number (1,2,3 etc), kj – the number of the spacing elements on j-th clamp, Angleij , i=1..n, j=1..kj - angles between the main plane of the corresponding spacing element and the central line of the clamp where that spacing element is located and wherein said angles Angleij are in the range of 1-89 degrees and 91-179 degrees. 61
20. A tubular clamp comprising a main body, a first operable end and a second operable end; said first operable end and a second operable end extending longitudinally away from said main body; said main body and said first and second operable ends configured to run coaxially with a tubular and adhere to the outer surface of said tubular; said main body and first and second operable ends made to partially or substantially surround the outer surface of said tubular; said main body and first and second operable ends made to provide an internalized channel for the securing, positioning and maintenance of one to a plurality of external lines on the outer surface of said tubular; said first operable end exhibiting an elastic, deformable extension for adherence to said tubular; said second operable end exhibiting an elastic, deformable extension for adherence to said tubular; said first operable extension extending away from and perpendicular to said first operable end; said second operable extension extending away from and perpendicular to said second operable end; and each said extension curving inward toward each opposite extension to conform to the contour of said outer surface of said tubular. 62
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| US202363595311P | 2023-11-01 | 2023-11-01 | |
| US63/595,311 | 2023-11-01 |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| WO2025097026A1 true WO2025097026A1 (en) | 2025-05-08 |
Family
ID=95581520
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| PCT/US2024/054221 Pending WO2025097026A1 (en) | 2023-11-01 | 2024-11-01 | Tubular clamping device |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| WO (1) | WO2025097026A1 (en) |
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| US6443244B1 (en) * | 2000-06-30 | 2002-09-03 | Marathon Oil Company | Buoyant drill pipe, drilling method and drilling system for subterranean wells |
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| WO2008119501A1 (en) * | 2007-03-30 | 2008-10-09 | Goah Holdings Bv | Clamp device |
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| US20120285695A1 (en) * | 2011-05-11 | 2012-11-15 | Schlumberger Technology Corporation | Destructible containers for downhole material and chemical delivery |
| WO2022255878A1 (en) * | 2021-05-31 | 2022-12-08 | Toolserv As | Cable protection device |
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| US7059410B2 (en) * | 2000-05-31 | 2006-06-13 | Shell Oil Company | Method and system for reducing longitudinal fluid flow around a permeable well |
| US6443244B1 (en) * | 2000-06-30 | 2002-09-03 | Marathon Oil Company | Buoyant drill pipe, drilling method and drilling system for subterranean wells |
| WO2004076803A1 (en) * | 2003-02-28 | 2004-09-10 | Schlumberger Surenco Sa | Protector for downhole control lines and related method |
| WO2008119501A1 (en) * | 2007-03-30 | 2008-10-09 | Goah Holdings Bv | Clamp device |
| US20090078020A1 (en) * | 2007-09-25 | 2009-03-26 | Schlumberger Technology Corporation | Forming a control line protector by metal pressing operation |
| US20120285695A1 (en) * | 2011-05-11 | 2012-11-15 | Schlumberger Technology Corporation | Destructible containers for downhole material and chemical delivery |
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