Abstract:
A process for forming a coil of scrap tubing includes the steps of forming a turntable having at least one longitudinal member extending upwardly therefrom, extending a length of the tubing to the turntable, rotating the turntable such that the tubing wraps around the longitudinal member so as to form the coil, and lifting the coil from the turntable that above the longitudinal member. An end of the scrap tubing from the reel is fixed to the turntable prior to the step of rotating. The longitudinal member includes a panel extending upwardly from the turntable and an arm pivotally mounted adjacent an end of the panel opposite the turntable. The arm is movable between a substantially horizontal orientation and a substantially vertical orientation.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    Not applicable. 
       STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT 
       [0002]    Not applicable. 
       NAMES OF THE PARTIES TO A JOINT RESEARCH AGREEMENT 
       [0003]    Not applicable. 
       INCORPORATION-BY-REFERENCE OF MATERIALS SUBMITTED ON A COMPACT DISC 
       [0004]    Not applicable. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0005]    1. Field of the Invention 
         [0006]    The present invention relates to coiled tubing. More particularly, the present invention relates to apparatus and processes for forming a coil of scrap tubing. Additionally, the present invention relates to processes and apparatus whereby a coil of scrap tubing can be formed and provided without the need for a spool. 
         [0007]    2. Description of Related Art Including Information Disclosed Under 37 CFR 1.97 and 37 CFR 1.98. 
         [0008]    Coiled tubing is a term referred to metal piping that is used in the oil and gas drilling industry. Coiled tubing is a metal pipe that usually comes in small sizes, varying from less than one inch to several inches in outer diameter. Because of its small size, coiled tubing is bendable. This is contrast to conventional drilling tubulars which are larger in outer diameter and not flexible. Because it is bendable, coiled tubing is stored on a spool prior to and after its use. A spool can typically hold great lengths of coiled tubing, with some lengths of reaching even over a mile of coiled tubing on one single spool. On advantage of coiled tubing over traditional drilling tubulars is that the entire length stored on a spool is continuous. This is contrast to traditional drilling tubular that come in sixty to ninety foot increments and must be patched end-to-end while drilling. 
         [0009]    Coiled tubing has many uses. Coiled tubing can be used to circulate fluid within a wellbore. It may also be used to pump a fluid to a specific location in a well for purposes such as cementing perforations in a wellbore or performing chemical washes of downhole components. Coiled tubing can also be used for drilling a well. A drillbit can be attached to an end of the coiled tubing and the coiled tubing is pushed into the ground so as to drill a wellbore for a well. 
         [0010]    As a result of the many uses of coiled tubing, it is used frequently within the oil and gas well drilling industry. One problem associated with the use of coiled tubing in the oil and gas industry is that disposal of used coiled tubing. Normally, used coiled tubing is wound back around a spool. The spool is then taken to a disposal location, the spool is simply left at that location. Thus, after disposal there is normally no further utilization of coiled tubing. Because used coiled tubing is almost never utilized once it is used, it because a worthless scrap metal. Scrap coiled tubing becomes a financial burden on oil and gas drilling companies because not only is the scrap coiled tubing worthless, it is useless and requires additional costs for its disposal. 
         [0011]    One of the problems with the disposal of the scrap tubing is the expense of the reel upon which the scrap tubing is placed after the tubing has exceeded its life expectancy. Typically, the oil and gas production company will simply wrap the coiled tubing around a reel for an extended length. Since the cost of the reel can be up to $15,000, it is not practical to dispose of the coiled tubing after it is been wrapped around the reel. Typically, the reel and the scrap tubing is maintained in storage for an extended time. Ultimately, the tubing should be removed from the reel prior to disposal. This avoids the cost of the lost reel. 
         [0012]    In prior U.S. Pat. No. 7,958,762, issued to the present inventor on Jun. 14, 2011, the scrap coiled tubing was formed into a length of straight tubing. The straight scrap coil is then utilized in the cattle and ranching industries for the purposes of continuous fences and cattleguards. As such, the scrap coiled tubing was actually repurposed for another use. 
         [0013]    In other circumstances, it is simply desirable to provide the scrapped coiled tubing for recycling. Typically, at present values, the scrap tubing will be worth fifteen dollars per pound. If it were possible to provide the scrapped tubing without the use of a spool or reel, then the economic benefit to the recycler or to the scrapper would be significantly improved. As such, a need has developed so as to provide the scrap tubing in a compact form without a spool or reel so that the scrap coiled tubing can maximize returns to the scrapper or recycler. 
         [0014]    In the past, various patents have issued relating to techniques for coiling tubing. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 3,605,541, issued on Sep. 20, 1971 to Ruben et al., describes a method for rotary shear and scrap preparation of tubing. Elongated scrap material to be cut to length is fed radially inwardly toward the axis of rotation of a drum between a fixed blade and the drum mounted blade. A cutting force is uniform across the full length of the cutting blades. Material feed is controlled both as to speed and presentation. The rotary drum sweeps cut material toward discharge means. 
         [0015]    U.S. Pat. No. 6,264,128, issued on Jul. 24, 2001 to Shampine et al., discloses a levelwind system for a coiled tubing reel. The levelwind system includes an arcuate guide arm extending over the upper surface of the reel. A universal joint mounts the lower end of the arm for pivotal movement both vertically and horizontally. A guide member is supported on the free end of the guide arm for guiding the coiled tubing to an on-and-off reel. A hydraulic fluid circuit is responsive to a position sensor and a microprocessor for controlling the movement of the coiled tubing guide arm. 
         [0016]    U.S. Pat. No. 6,435,447, issued on Aug. 20, 2002 to Coats et al., describes a coiled tubing winding tool. This winding tool is operable in conjunction with a levelwind so as to spool coiled tubing into a helical pattern onto a reel. The winding tool includes a plurality of rollers that are urged against the winds of the coiled tubing with a biasing member. A driver provides controlled oscillatory translational movement for the rollers. 
         [0017]    U.S. Pat. No. 6,460,796, issued on Oct. 8, 2002 to Berning et al., discloses a reel for supporting composite coiled tubing. The coiled tubing is wound onto the reel and pressurized for pumping fluid through the coiled tubing into a subterranean well. The wheel includes a portable base, a hub mounted on the base and rotatable about a hub axis, and end flange adjacent to each end of the hub for retaining the coiled tubing on the hub and between the end flanges, and a compliant material covering at least a portion of the exterior surface of the hub for engagement with the coiled tubing. As a result, radially inward compressive forces exerted by the coiled tubing are absorbed by the compliant material. 
         [0018]    U.S. Pat. No. 8,393,079, issued on Mar. 12, 2013 to M. A. Parmer, discloses a method for salvaging scrap by initially placing a partially completed coil on a reel. An end of a straight tube that is helically wrapped with a spine being stripped to an end of a partially completed coil is connected to an end of a straight tube. The reel is rotated after completing the connection until the partially completed spin fin coil is complete. 
         [0019]    U.S. Patent Publication No. 2011/0167973, published on Jul. 14, 2011 to L. W. Wadsworth, shows an apparatus for cutting tubular members. This apparatus includes a support structure, a control system, the cutting station, a guide, and an extracting assembly. The cutting station includes a first wheel having at least one cutting member located on the circumference of the first wheel and a second wheel having at least one projection located on the circumference of the second wheel. The extracted assembly has a cylindrical member with a first end and a second end. 
         [0020]    It is an object of the present invention to provide a process and apparatus that effectively provides a coil of scrap tubing without a reel or a spool connected thereto. 
         [0021]    It is another object of the present invention provide a process and apparatus whereby the scrap coiled tubing can be easily formed into a coil. 
         [0022]    It is still another object of the present invention provide a process and apparatus that maximizes the return for the delivery of scrap coiled tubing. 
         [0023]    It is still further object of the present invention to provide a process and apparatus that simplifies the disposal of scrap coiled tubing. 
         [0024]    It is still a further object of the present invention provide a process and apparatus that is easy-to-use, easy to manufacture and relatively inexpensive. 
         [0025]    These and other objects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from a reading of the attached specification and appended claims. 
       BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0026]    The present invention is a process for forming a coil of tubing that comprises the steps of: (1) forming a turntable having at least one longitudinal member extending upwardly therefrom; (2) extending a length of the tubing to said turntable; (3) rotating said turntable such that the tubing wraps around the longitudinal member so as to form the coil; and (4) lifting the coil from the turntable and above the longitudinal member. 
         [0027]    In the present invention, a reel of the tubing is supplied in a location adjacent to the turntable. An end of this tubing is extended toward the turntable. This end of the tubing is fixed to the turntable prior to the step of rotating. 
         [0028]    The longitudinal member includes a panel that extends upwardly from the turntable and an arm pivotally mounted adjacent an end of the panel opposite the turntable. The arm is pivoted upwardly as the tubing wraps around the panel. The arm is movable between a substantially horizontal orientation and a substantially vertical orientation. The arm is moved to the substantially vertical orientation prior to the step of lifting. The arm is moved to the substantially horizontal orientation prior to the step of rotating. The coil is lifted above an upper end of the arm when the arm is in the substantially vertical orientation. The panel is pivotally attached to the turntable. The panel is movable between a vertical position and an inwardly angularly inclined position. The panel is moved to the inwardly angularly inclined position prior to the step of lifting. 
         [0029]    In the process of the present invention, the tubing can extend through a levelwind. The levelwind is positioned adjacent to the turntable. The levelwind moves while the turntable rotates so as to evenly distribute and helically wind the tubing around the longitudinal member. The tubing is clamped in a fixed position prior to the step of lifting. The tubing can then be cut so as to separate the coil of tubing from a remainder of the tubing from the reel. 
         [0030]    The present invention is also an apparatus for forming a coil of tubing. This apparatus comprises a base, a turntable rotatably mounted upon the base, and at least one longitudinal member extending upwardly from the base. The longitudinal member has an outer surface suitable for allowing the tubing to wrap therearound as the turntable rotates. 
         [0031]    In the apparatus of the present invention, the turntable has a slotted area therein. The turntable includes a clamp positioned adjacent to the slotted area. The clamp is suitable for fixing an end of the tubing to the turntable. 
         [0032]    The at least one longitudinal member includes a panel extending upwardly from the turntable and an arm pivotally mounted adjacent an end of the panel opposite the turntable. The arm is movable between a substantially horizontal orientation and a substantially vertical orientation. The panel is pivotally mounted to the turntable so as to be movable between a vertical position and an inwardly inclined position. An actuator is cooperative with the panel. The actuator is actuable so as to move the panel between the vertical position and the inwardly inclined position. The arm is in the substantially vertical orientation when the actuator moves the panel to the inwardly inclined position. In particular, the at least one longitudinal member includes a plurality of panels positioned on the turntable so as to generally form chords of a circle. Each of the plurality of arms is movable between a substantially horizontal orientation and a substantially vertical orientation. A plurality of cams are respectively pivotally connected to the plurality of arms. The plurality of cams are respectively cooperative with a surface of the plurality of arms such that an inward movement of the plurality of panels causes the plurality of arms to move toward the substantially vertical orientation. 
         [0033]    It in the apparatus of the present invention, a levelwind is positioned in spaced relation to the turntable. The levelwind is movable so as to cause the tubing to evenly wrap into a coil around the longitudinal member. A winch is positioned in spaced relation to the turntable. The winch is suitable for drawing the tubing over the turntable. 
         [0034]    This foregoing Section is intended to describe, with particularity, the preferred embodiment of the present invention. It is understood that modifications to this preferred embodiment can be made within the scope of the present invention. As such, this Section should not to be construed, in any way, as limiting of the broad scope of the present invention. The present invention should only be limited by the following claims and their legal equivalents. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0035]      FIG. 1  is a side elevational view showing the process of the present invention for forming a coil of tubing. 
           [0036]      FIG. 2  is a plan view showing the process of the present invention for forming the coiled of tubing. 
           [0037]      FIG. 3  is a perspective view of the apparatus of the present invention showing the arms in a substantially horizontal orientation. 
           [0038]      FIG. 4  is a perspective view of the apparatus of the present invention showing the arms in a substantially vertical orientation. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0039]    Referring to  FIG. 1 , there is shown the system  10  for the formation of a coil of scrap tubing. In particular, in  FIG. 1 , it can be seen that there is a reel  12  having scrap tubing  14  wrapped therearound. Reel  12  is rotatably mounted to a frame  16  mounted upon a base  18 . The reel  20  is supplied by the oil and gas production company. After the coiled tubing  14  has been used for a period of time and after the coiled tubing  14  exceeds its life expectancy or has become damaged, the oil and gas production company will wrap the scrap tubing around the reel  12 . As such, the reel  12  will contain an extremely long length of tubing  14 . This large reel  12  of tubing can be delivered by truck or rail to a destination. At the destination, the reel  12  is unloaded from the truck or train and then placed upon the frame  16 . As a result, the tubing  14  on the reel  12  can be unwound therefrom. 
         [0040]      FIG. 1  illustrates the apparatus  20  of the present invention for forming a coil  22  of the tubing  14 . In particular, a base  24  is provided. A turntable  26  is rotatably mounted upon the base  24 . Typically a motor  28  is provided so as to cause the rotary motion of the turntable  26 . A winch  30  extends upwardly from the base  24 . Winch  30  is supported by a frame  32 . A motor can be drivingly connected to the winch  30  so as to cause the requisite rotary motion of the winch  30 . Additionally,  FIG. 1  shows that there is a levelwind  34  positioned on a post  36  extending upwardly from the base  24 . Also, a clamp  38  in the nature of a vise is also provided on a beam  40  extending upwardly from the base  24 . The levelwind  34  moves along the post  36  so as to assure an even helical wrapping of the tubing  14  upon the turntable  26 . 
         [0041]    As can be seen in  FIG. 1 , and as will be described hereinafter, there are a plurality of longitudinal members  42  extending upwardly from the turntable  26 . Longitudinal members  42  are positioned within the interior of the coil  22  so as to provide a structure whereby the coil  22  can be wrapped therearound. The plurality of longitudinal members  42  are created so as to form a temporary spool so that the coil  22  can be formed therearound. After the tubing  14  is properly formed into a coil  22 , the longitudinal members  42  can be manipulated so that a forklift can be utilized so as to lift the coiled  22  from the turntable  26  and upwardly over the longitudinal members  42 . 
         [0042]    In the process of the present invention, the tubing  14  from the reel  12  can be fastened to a line extending to the winch  30 . Typically, holes are formed diametrically through the end of the tubing  14 . A suitable fastener can be affixed within these holes. The line is connected to the fastener and connected to the winch  30 . The winch  30  can be suitably actuated so as to pull the tubing  14  across the upper surface of the turntable  26  so that an end  44  resides in an area generally beyond the turntable  26 . This end  44  can then be released from the winch  30  and moved downwardly so as to be received within the turntable  26  and clamped by clamp  46  thereto. As a result, the rotation of the turntable  26  will cause the tubing  14  to wrap around the longitudinal members  42  into the form of the coil  22 . 
         [0043]    The tubing  14  can extend through the levelwind  34 . During the wrapping of the tubing  14  around the longitudinal members  42 , the levelwind  34  can move correspondingly upwardly and downwardly so as to create a helical coil  22 . Typically, the levelwind  34  will serve to form a helical pattern of the coil  22  over the longitudinal members  42 . 
         [0044]    After the coil  42  has been properly formed, the vise  38  is clamped upon the portion  48  of the tubing  14 . As a result, the portion  48  will be in a fixed position. The portion  38  can then be cut so as to separate from the remainder of the tubing  14  on the reel  12 . The vise  38  will serve to assure that there is no “spring-back” effect. Once portion  48  has been cut, the portion  48  can be tack-welded to the exterior of the coil  22  so as to remain in a fixed position. Additionally, the end  44  can be unclamped from the clamp  46  and moved so as to be tack-welded to the exterior surface of the coil  22 . 
         [0045]    Ultimately, after this is been completed, a forklift can be provided adjacent to the apparatus  20 . The forks of the forklift will enter below the bottom of the coil  22  and lift the coil  22  over the longitudinal members  42 . As a result, the coil  22  can be provided without the need for a spool or reel. As such, the cost of the spool or reel is effectively avoided. 
         [0046]      FIG. 2  shows a plan view of the system  10  of the present invention. In particular, in  FIG. 2 , the frame  16  is supported upon the base  18 . The reel  12  is rotatably mounted within the frame  16 . The tubing  14  is illustrated as wrapped around the reel  12 . A portion of the tubing  14  and will extend outwardly of the reel  12 . 
         [0047]    The tubing  14  can extend through the levelwind  34  that is supported by post  36 . As such, the tubing  14  can be guided in the desired manner toward the turntable  26 . The vise  38  is illustrated as positioned between the levelwind  34  and the turntable  26 . 
         [0048]    In  FIG. 2 , it can be seen that the turntable  26  has a generally circular configuration. The longitudinal member  42  is illustrated as having a panel  50  and an arm  52 . In particular, a plurality of panels  50  extend upwardly from the turntable  26  within the interior of the coil  22 . The panels  50  are generally configured so as to form chords of a circle. The generally stiff nature of the tubing  14  will cause the tubing to wrap around the panels  50  in a circular pattern, despite the planar nature of the panels  50 . The arms  52  are illustrated as extending in a generally horizontal orientation. In this position, the arms  52  provide a containment area for the coil  22 . The arms  52  also serve to limit the height of the coil  22 . The specific configuration of the panels  50  and the arms  52  are shown in  FIGS. 3 and 4  herein. 
         [0049]    The turntable  26  can include a slot  54  formed through a surface thereof. The clamp  46  is illustrated as oriented adjacent to the slot  54 . Ultimately, the end  44  of the tubing  14  can be introduced into and through the slot  54 . Once the end  44  is introduced through the slot  54 , the clamp  46  can be clamped thereon. The turntable  26  can then rotate so as to cause the formation of the coil  22 . 
         [0050]    The winch  30  is provided on a side of the turntable  26  opposite the levelwind  34  and the vise  38 . A motor  58  is illustrated as cooperative with the winch  30 . The winch  30  is particularly useful for drawing the coil  44  across the upper surface of the turntable  26 . The winch  34  can be connected by a line to the end  44  of the tubing  14 . As such, the winch  30  can facilitate the ability to place the end  44  of the tubing  14  within the slot  54 . Once the end  44  is received within the slot  54  and the clamp  46  is clamped upon this end  44 , a cutting tool can be used so as to separate the end  44  from the line extending to the winch  30 . Under other circumstances, the fastener can be unbolted from the holes formed in the end  44  of the tubing  14  so as to allow the end  44  to remain free. It can be seen that as the turntable  26  will rotate in a clockwise direction, the tubing  14  will wrap around the panels  50  and within the constraints formed between the upper surface of the turntable  26  and the arms  52  so as to form the coil  22 . 
         [0051]    After the coil  22  has been formed, the arms  52  can be moved to a generally vertical orientation. Additionally, and as will be described hereinafter, the panels  50  will angularly incline inwardly so that the no longer exert any force upon the inner surface of the coil  22 . As a result, it is relatively easy for a forklift to lift the coil  22  from the turntable  26 . The coil  22  can then be delivered to the recycler or can the be delivered as scrap for delivered for disposal in a neat compact coil form. 
         [0052]      FIG. 3  shows the coiling apparatus  20  of the present invention. In the coiling apparatus  20 , the arms  52  are illustrated in their generally horizontal orientation. It can be seen that there is a base  24  having a plurality of struts  60  that serve to support the turntable  26  thereon. A suitable motor (not shown) can be provided so as to effectively rotate the turntable  26  relative to the base  24 . The turntable  26  is illustrated as having shims or spacers  62  on a top surface thereof. The shims or spacers  62  facilitate the ability for the forks of a forklift to enter the space between the bottom of the coil  22  and the top surface of the turntable  26 . As such, the bottom of the coil  22  will be slightly spaced from the top surface of the turntable  26 . The turntable  26  further includes the slot  54  formed therein. Slot  54  has a width suitable for accommodating the diameter of the coil  14  therein. The clamp  46  is illustrated as positioned at the periphery of the turntable  26  adjacent to the slot  54 . As such, once the tubing  14  has entered the slot  54  and extends outwardly therefrom, the clamp  46  can be closed so as to secure the end  44  of the tubing  14  within the slot  54 . The turntable  26  will then be ready for rotation. 
         [0053]      FIG. 3  shows that there are a plurality of panels  50  that extend vertically upwardly from the turntable  26 . The panels  50  are configured in spaced relationship to each other. Panels  50  are generally of a curved configuration or a planar configuration so as to form chords or segments of a circle. An actuator  66  is located centrally of the turntable  26 . Actuator  66  is cooperative with the arms  52 . Arms  52  are pivotally connected adjacent to a top of each of the panels  52 . In  FIG. 3 , the arms  52  are configured to extend horizontally outwardly from the center of the turntable  26 . As a result, the arms  52  form a limiting area for the formation of the coil  22 . Cams  68  are pivotally connected to the arms  52  and also have a surface that resides against the panels  50 . As will be described hereinafter, as the panels  50  pivot inwardly so as to have an inwardly inclined orientation, the cams  68  will cooperate with the arms  52  so as to move the arms  52  into a substantially vertical orientation. 
         [0054]    The levelwind  34  is supported upon a post  36 . A structure  70  has horizontal beams  72  and  74  which support post  36 . The levelwind  34  can move upwardly and downwardly along post  36  and also along post  76 . The parallel arrangement of the posts  36  and  76  assure that the levelwind  34  is always in a proper orientation relative to the interior structure of the turntable  26 . A pair of rollers  78  are mounted on the levelwind  34 . As a result, the tubing  14  can extend between the pair of rollers  78 . A weight  80  is illustrated as in an upper position. Weight  80  will bear against the tubing as it moves between the pair of rollers  78 . A sensor  82  is provided so as to measure a length of tubing passing between the rollers  78  and onto the turntable  26 . As such, the present invention effectively measures the length of tubing that is placed upon the turntable  26  and formed into the coil as the coil is being formed. 
         [0055]    Winch  30  is illustrated as supported upon the base  24  and extending upwardly therefrom. Motor  58  is cooperative with the winch  30  so as to cause rotational movement of the winch  30 . 
         [0056]      FIG. 4  shows the apparatus  20  in which the arms  52  are illustrated in their substantially vertical orientation. It can be seen that the panels  50  are pivotally mounted at their bottoms to the turntable  26 . In  FIG. 4 , the actuator  66  has been actuated so as to pivot the panels  50  from the generally vertical position to the angularly inwardly inclined position. The upper ends of each of the panels  50  will bear upon the cams  68 . This will correspondingly cause the arms  52  to move to the substantially vertical orientation. 
         [0057]    Typically, the panels  50  will move to their inwardly angularly inclined position after the coil  22  has been formed or during the formation of the coil  22 . If the panels  54  are maintained in their vertical position during the formation of the coil  22 , than the coil  22  will have a generally constant outer diameter. Importantly, when the panels  52  are moved angularly inwardly after the coil  22  has been formed, this will release any pressure or forces between the outer surfaces of the panels  50  and the inner surfaces of the coil  22 . Additionally, the arms  52  are moved to the substantially vertical orientation. The outer diameter of the arms  52 , when in the substantially vertical orientation, will be less than the inner diameter of the coil  22 . As a result, a forklift can be introduced between the top surface of the turntable  26  and the bottom of the coil  22 . The forklift can then lift the coil from the panels  50  and up and over the arms  52 . The arms  52  can be lowered to the horizontal orientation and the panels  50  can be moved back to the vertical position so that another coil can be formed. 
         [0058]    The foregoing disclosure and description of the invention is illustrative and explanatory thereof. Various changes in the details of the illustrated construction or the steps in the described method can be made within the scope of the present claims without departing from the true spirit of the invention. The present invention should only be limited by the following claims and their legal equivalents.