Wear protectors

• US 20060196036A1
• Filed: 03/03/2006
• Published: 09/07/2006
• Est. Priority Date: 03/03/2005
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Alan Leslie Male, Baird Sim Shepherd
• Original Assignee: Alan Leslie Male, Baird Sim Shepherd
• Inventors: Male, Alan Leslie, Shepherd, Baird Sim
• Granted Patent: US 7,412,761 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 29/527.1
• CPC Class Codes: B29C 33/00 Moulds or cores; Details thereof or accessories therefor
• CPC Class Codes: B29C 33/62 based on polymers or oligomers
• CPC Class Codes: B29C 33/76 Cores B29C33/02 - B29C33/70, B29C41/40, B29C53/74, B29C53/82 take precedence
• CPC Class Codes: B29C 70/742 Forming a hollow body around the preformed part
• CPC Class Codes: E21B 17/1085 Wear protectors; Blast joints; Hard facing
• CPC Class Codes: E21B 17/12 Devices for placing or drawing out wear protectors
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 29/49885 with coating before or during assembling
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 29/4998 Combined manufacture including applying or shaping of fluent material
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 29/49982 Coating

Abstract

A method and apparatus for the application of a sleeve upon a tubular, such as a pipe string, used in downhole applications, for example in oil and gas exploration or recovery. A mould is located around the tubular into which a composite material is injected. The material is cured at ambient temperature. Optional heating may then be applied to enhance the properties of the sleeve. The heating temperatures are well below those at which the structural integrity of the metal tubular would be compromised as regards its fitness for downhole use. Embodiments of wear protectors are illustrated for sleeves with and without wear pads.

Claims

1. A method of creating a sleeve on tubing for use in a well bore, the method comprising the steps of:

(a) locating a mould around the tubular, the mould comprising at least first and second portions, the portions including opposite mating surfaces to engage adjacent portions such that a seal is provided between the portions and the mould including first and second ends, the ends being arranged to provide a seal against the tubular when the mould is located around the tubular with the portions providing at least one circumferential recess in the mould;

(b) inserting a composite material into the/each recess through at least one entry port in the mould;

(c) curing the composite material; and

(d) removing the mould to there provide a composite sleeve around the tubular.

2. A method as claimed in claim 1 wherein the method includes the step of keying at least a portion of the surface of the tubular prior to step (a).

3. A method as claimed in claim 1 wherein the method includes the step of coating at least a portion of the tubular with a stand-off material prior to step (a).

4. A method as claimed in claim 3 wherein the method includes the step of removing the stand-off material once the composite material has cured.

5. A method as claimed in claim 3 wherein the method includes the steps of keying circumferential bands on either side of a central band longitudinally arranged on the tubular.

6. A method as claimed in claim 1 wherein the method includes the step of inserting the composite material into at least one further recess arranged on the circumferential recess of the mould, the at least one further recess being arranged as a pad.

7. A method as claimed in claim 1 wherein the method includes the step of inserting at least one pad into at least one additional recess arranged on the circumferential recess of the mould prior to step (a).

8. A method as claimed in claim 1 wherein the step of curing the composite material is achieved by leaving the mould upon the tubular for a period of time at ambient temperature.

9. A method as claimed in claim 1 wherein the method includes the further step of heating the sleeve following curing.

10. A method as claimed in claim 9 wherein the step of heating comprises elevating the temperature in a range between ambient and approximately 150 degrees.

11. A method as claimed in claim 1 wherein the method includes the step of inserting a matrix material in at least one recess.

12. A method as claimed in claim 1 wherein the method includes the step of wrapping a bandage of material around the tubular prior to locating the mould on the tubular over the bandage.

20. A mould for use in providing a sleeve by the method of claim 1, the mould comprising at least first and second portions, the portions including opposite mating surfaces to engage adjacent portions such that a seal is provided between the portions and the mould including first and second ends, the ends being arranged to each provide a circumferential seal against a tubular when the mould is located around a tubular with the portions providing at least one circumferential recess in the mould.

21. A mould as claimed in claim 20 wherein there are arranged two circumferential indents spaced apart longitudinally on the mould, each indent traversing the portions and having a depth approximately equal to a depth of the recess at the location of the indent.

13. A sub for location in a tubular string within a well bore, the sub comprising a tubular body having first and second ends adapted for connection in a tubular string;

a continuous single piece sleeve located around the tubular body, the sleeve arranged to move axially and rotationally upon the tubular body;

first and second end stops, the stops comprising continuous single piece annular bands located around the body at either side of the sleeve, the stops being fixed upon the body such that they limit the axial movement of the sleeve and wherein the sleeve and stops all comprise a composite material.

14. A sub as claimed in claim 13 wherein the sub is a wear protector.

15. A sub as claimed in claim 13 wherein the composite material is identical for the sleeve and the stops.

16. A sub as claimed in claim 13 wherein the sleeve further comprises a matrix in the form of a web imbedded within the composite material.

17. A sub as claimed in claim 13 wherein the sleeve further comprises a bandage arranged circumferentially within the composite material.

18. A sub as claimed in claim 13 wherein there are arranged on the sleeve one or more pads, the pads comprising the composite material.

19. A sub as claimed in claim 13 wherein the sleeve has an outer diameter greater than an outer diameter of the stops.