Patent Publication Number: US-2023150791-A1

Title: Flexible pipe handling system and method of using same

Description:
BACKGROUND 
     Flexible pipe is useful in a myriad of environments, including in the oil and gas industry. Flexible pipe may be durable and operational in harsh operating conditions and can accommodate high pressures and temperatures. Flexible pipe may be bundled and arranged into one or more coils to facilitate transporting and using the pipe. 
     Coils of pipe may be positioned in an “eye to the side” or “eye to the sky” orientation. When the flexible pipe is coiled and is disposed with its interior channel facing upwards, such that the coil is in a horizontal orientation, then the coils of pipe are referred to as being in an “eye to the sky” orientation. If, instead, the flexible pipe is coiled and disposed such that the interior channel is not facing upwards, such that the coil is in an upright or vertical orientation, then the coils of pipe are referred to as being in an “eye to the side” orientation. 
     The flexible pipe may be transported as coils to various sites for deployment (also referred to as uncoiling or unspooling). Different types of devices and vehicles are currently used for loading and transporting coils of pipe, but usually extra equipment and human manual labor is also involved in the process of loading or unloading such coils for transportation and/or deployment. Such coils of pipe are often quite large and heavy. Accordingly, there exists a need for an improved method and apparatus for loading and unloading coils of pipe. 
     SUMMARY 
     This summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts that are further described below in the detailed description. This summary is not intended to identify key or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used as an aid in limiting the scope of the claimed subject matter. 
     In one aspect, embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a system that includes a drum assembly that includes a support bar having a first end and a second end, and a plurality of drum segments coupled to the support bar. The plurality of drum segments are movable between a retracted position and an extended position, and the drum assembly is configured to be disposed within an interior region of a coil of flexible pipe when the plurality of drum segments are in the retracted position. The system also includes a first containment flange coupled to the drum assembly at the first end, and a second containment flange coupled to the drum assembly at the second end. The first and second containment flanges are configured to contain the flexible pipe disposed on the drum assembly between the first and second containment flanges. The system also includes a first coupling device configured to removably couple the first containment flange to the drum assembly and a second coupling device configured to removably couple the second containment flange to the drum assembly. 
     In another aspect, embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a method of engaging a drum assembly with a coil of flexible pipe that includes disposing the drum assembly within an interior region of the coil of flexible pipe. The drum assembly includes a support bar having a first end and a second end, and a plurality of drum segments coupled to the support bar. The plurality of drum segments are movable between a retracted position and an extended position, and the drum assembly is configured to be disposed within an interior region of a coil of flexible pipe when the plurality of drum segments are in the retracted position. The method also includes moving the plurality of drum segments from the retracted position to the extended position, removably coupling a first containment flange to the drum assembly at the first end via a first coupling device, removably coupling a second containment flange to the drum assembly at the second end via a second coupling device, and containing the flexible pipe disposed on the drum assembly between the first and second containment flanges. 
     Other aspects and advantages of the claimed subject matter will be apparent from the following description and the appended claims. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG.  1    is a block diagram of a flexible pipe handling system that includes a drum assembly according to embodiments of the present disclosure. 
         FIG.  2    is a perspective view of a coil of spoolable pipe according to embodiments of the present disclosure. 
         FIG.  3    is a perspective view of a flexible pipe handling system according to embodiments of the present disclosure. 
         FIG.  4    is a perspective view of a portion of a drum assembly according to embodiments of the present disclosure. 
         FIG.  5    is a front perspective view of a containment flange according to embodiments of the present disclosure. 
         FIG.  6    is a rear perspective view of a containment flange according to embodiments of the present disclosure. 
         FIG.  7    is a front perspective view of a containment flange according to embodiments of the present disclosure. 
         FIG.  8    is a rear perspective view of a containment flange according to embodiments of the present disclosure. 
         FIG.  9    is a side view of a flexible pipe handling system with containment flanges coupled to a drum assembly via coupling devices according to embodiments of the present disclosure. 
         FIG.  10    is a side view of a coupling device according to embodiments of the present disclosure. 
         FIG.  11    is a side cross-sectional view of a coupling device according to embodiments of the present disclosure. 
         FIG.  12    is a side cross-sectional view of a coupling device according to embodiments of the present disclosure. 
         FIG.  13    is a perspective view of a flexible pipe handling system as used with an A-frame according to embodiments of the present disclosure. 
         FIG.  14    is a top view of a support bar engaged with a bearing of an A-frame according to embodiments of the present disclosure. 
         FIG.  15    is a top view of a braking mechanism to be used with an A-frame according to embodiments of the present disclosure. 
         FIG.  16    is a perspective view of an installation trailer that may be used with a flexible pipe handling system according to embodiments of the present disclosure. 
         FIG.  17    is a perspective view of an installation trailer that may be used with a flexible pipe handling system according to embodiments of the present disclosure. 
         FIG.  18    illustrates a perspective view of an embodiment of an installation trailer that may be used with embodiments of the flexible pipe handling system. 
         FIG.  19    illustrates a perspective view of another embodiment of the installation trailer that may be used with embodiments of the flexible pipe handling system. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Embodiments of the present disclosure relate generally to systems used for deploying coils of flexible pipe. The coils of pipe may be self-supported, for example, using bands to hold coils together. Flexible pipe handling system according to embodiments of the present disclosure may include a drum assembly, containment flanges coupled to the drum assembly, and coupling devices configured to removably couple the containment flanges to the drum assembly. The drum assembly may include a support bar and a plurality of drum segments coupled to the support bar. The plurality of drum segments are movable between retracted and extended positions, and the drum assembly is configured to be disposed within an interior region of the coil of flexible pipe when the plurality of drum segments are in the retracted position. 
     Embodiments of the present disclosure will be described below with reference to the figures. In one aspect, embodiments disclosed herein relate to embodiments for handling coils using flexible pipe handling systems. 
     As used herein, the term “coupled” or “coupled to” may indicate establishing either a direct or indirect connection, and is not limited to either unless expressly referenced as such. The term “set” may refer to one or more items. Wherever possible, like or identical reference numerals are used in the figures to identify common or the same elements. The figures are not necessarily to scale and certain features and certain views of the figures may be shown exaggerated in scale for purposes of clarification. 
       FIG.  1    illustrates a block diagram of an embodiment of a flexible pipe handling system  8  that includes a drum assembly  10 . As described in detail below, spoolable pipe  12  may be disposed about the drum assembly  10  to enable handling of the spoolable pipe  12 . Spoolable pipe  12  may refer to any type of flexible pipe or piping capable of being bent into a coil. Such coils of spoolable pipe  12  may reduce the amount of space taken up by pipe during manufacturing, shipping, transportation, and deployment compared to rigid pipe that is not capable of being bent into a coil. 
     Pipe, as understood by those of ordinary skill, may be a tube to convey or transfer any water, gas, oil, or any type of fluid known to those skilled in the art. The spoolable pipe  12  may be made of any type of materials including without limitation plastics, metals, a combination thereof, composites (e.g., fiber reinforced composites), or other materials known in the art. One type of spoolable pipe  12  is flexible pipe, which is used frequently in many applications, including without limitation, both onshore and offshore oil and gas applications. Flexible pipe may include Bonded or Unbonded Flexible Pipe, Flexible Composite Pipe (FCP), Thermoplastic Composite Pipe (TCP) or Reinforced Thermoplastic Pipe (RTP). A FCP or RTP pipe may itself be generally composed of several layers. In one or more embodiments, a flexible pipe may include a high-density polyethylene (“HDPE”) liner having a reinforcement layer and an HDPE outer cover layer. Thus, flexible pipe may include different layers that may be made of a variety of materials and also may be treated for corrosion resistance. For example, in one or more embodiments, pipe used to make up a coil of pipe may have a corrosion protection shield layer that is disposed over another layer of steel reinforcement. In this steel-reinforced layer, helically wound steel strips may be placed over a liner made of thermoplastic pipe. Flexible pipe may be designed to handle a variety of pressures, temperatures, and conveyed fluids. Further, flexible pipe may offer unique features and benefits versus steel/carbon steel pipe lines in the area of corrosion resistance, flexibility, installation speed and re-usability. Another type of spoolable pipe is coiled tubing. Coiled tubing may be made of steel. Coiled tubing may also have a corrosion protection shield layer. 
     The drum assembly  10  of  FIG.  1    also includes a support bar  14  having a first end  16  and a second end  18 . The support bar  14  is used to handle the drum assembly  10  and various components are coupled to the support bar  14 , as described in further detail below. In certain embodiments, a first plurality of expandable spokes  20  are coupled to the support bar  14  proximate the first end  16  and a second plurality of expandable spokes  22  are coupled to the support bar  14  proximate the second end  18 . In addition, each of a plurality of drum segments  24  are mounted to the first plurality of expandable spokes  20  and the second plurality of expandable spokes  22 . The drum segments  24  extend parallel to the support bar  14 . The plurality of drum segments  24  are used to support the spoolable pipe  12  and are movable between retracted and extended positions, as described in more detail below. Thus, the drum assembly  10  is configured to be easily inserted and withdrawn from coils of spoolable pipe  12  and to be used with coils of spoolable pipe  12  of different inner diameters. 
     The flexible pipe handling system  8  shown in  FIG.  1    also includes a first containment flange  26  coupled to the drum assembly  10  at the first end  16  and a second containment flange  28  coupled to the drum assembly  10  at the second end  18 . The first and second containment flanges  26  and  28  help to contain the spoolable pipe  12  disposed on the drum assembly  10  between the first and second containment flanges  26  and  28  as described in more detail below. In the illustrated embodiment, a first coupling device  30  is used to removably couple the first containment flange  26  to the drum assembly  10  and a second coupling device  32  is used to removably couple the second containment flange  28  to the drum assembly  10 . The function and components of the first and second coupling devices  30  and  32  are described in more detail below. In certain embodiments, the first and second containment flanges  26  and  28  may be interchangeable meaning the first containment flange  26  may be coupled at the second end  18  and the second containment flange  28  may be coupled at the first end  16 . In further embodiments, the first and second containment flanges  26  and  28  may be identical to each other and in other embodiments, the first and second containment flanges  26  and  28  may be different from one another. 
       FIG.  2    illustrates a perspective view of an embodiment of a coil  60  of spoolable pipe  12 . The coil  60  may be defined by an axial axis or direction  62 , a radial axis or direction  64 , and a circumferential axis or direction  66 . The coil  60  may be formed by wrapping the spoolable pipe  12  into a coil with an interior channel  68  formed axially  62  therethrough, where the coil  60  may be moved as a single package or bundle of coiled pipe, as shown in  FIG.  2   . Each complete turn of coiled pipe may be referred to as a wrap of pipe. Multiple wraps of pipe in the coil  60  may be configured in columns along the axial direction  62  of the coil  60  and/or configured in layers along the radial direction  64  of the coil  60 . For example, multiple columns of wraps may be formed along the axial direction  62  of the coil  60 , where an axial dimension  70  of the coil  60  is based on the diameter of the pipe  12  and the number and axial  62  position of wraps forming the coil  60 . Further, multiple layers of wraps may be formed along the radial direction  64  of the coil  60 , where a radial dimension  72  of the coil  60  is based on the diameter of the pipe and the number and radial  64  position of the wraps forming the coil  60 . The coil  60  may also be defined by a diameter  73 . In certain embodiments, a weight of the coil  60  may exceed 40,000 pounds (18,144 kilograms), or exceed 60,000 pounds (27,216 kilograms). 
     As shown in  FIG.  2   , the coil  60  of spoolable pipe  12  may be one or more layers (e.g., layers  74  and  76 ) of pipe packaged or bundled into the coil  60 . The coil  60  may include at least one or more layers of pipe that have been coiled into a particular shape or arrangement. As shown in  FIG.  2   , the coil  60  is coiled into a substantially cylindrical shape having substantially circular bases  78  and  80  formed on each end of the coil  60 , where the axial dimension  70  of the coil  60  is measured between the two bases  78  and  80 . 
     As known to those of ordinary skill in the art, the spoolable pipe  12  used to make up the coil  60  shown in  FIG.  2    may be coiled using spoolers or other coiler machines suited for such a function. Those of ordinary skill will recognize that the present disclosure is not limited to any particular form of coiler or other device that may be used to form pipe into a coil. Winding pipe into a coil, such as  60 , assists when transporting pipe, which may be several hundred feet in length in one or more embodiments. Further, the coil  60  may be wound to facilitate deployment of the coil. Deployment, as used herein, may refer to the action of unspooling or unwinding the spoolable pipe  12  from the coil  60 . 
     After being assembled into a coil, the coil  60  shown in  FIG.  2    may include the interior channel  68  formed axially  62  through the coil  60 . The interior channel  68  is a bore disposed generally in the center of the coil  60 . The interior channel  68  may be substantially circular-shaped. The coil  60  may have an outer diameter (OD) and an inner diameter (ID), where the inner diameter is defined by the interior channel  68 . 
       FIG.  3    illustrates a perspective view of an embodiment of the flexible pipe handling system  8 . Elements in common with those shown in  FIG.  1    are labeled with the same reference numerals. In the illustrated embodiment, the drum assembly  10  includes four drum segments  24  coupled to the support bar  14  via the first plurality of expandable spokes  20  and the second plurality of expandable spokes  22  (not shown). Although four drum segments  24  are shown in  FIG.  3   , other embodiments of the drum assembly  10  may include different numbers of drum segments, such as, but not limited to, two, three, six, or eight drum segments  24 . When the drum segments  24  are in the extended position, one or more of the drum segments  24  are in contact with the coil  60  with enough pressure on the interior channel  68  such that the coil  60  is secured to the drum assembly  10 . Outer surfaces of the plurality of drum segments  24  may have a cross-sectional shape generally conforming with the curved shaped of the interior channel  68 , thereby evenly distributing the pressure across the interior channel  68 . In other words, the drum segments  24  may have a semi-circular shape to correspond to the semi-circular shape of the interior channel  68 . Thus, the expanded drum assembly  10  may be used to fully support the coil  60 , such as during handling and deployment of the coil  60 . In particular, the expanded drum assembly  10  and coil  60  can be handled in a similar manner to spoolable pipe  12  disposed on a reel or spool. However, one drum assembly  10  may be used to handle many coils  60  without the logistics associated with empty reels or spools. In addition, use of the drum assembly  10  enables heavier coils  60  of spoolable pipe  12  to be handled and transported because the weight of reels or spools is not involved. 
     As shown in  FIG.  3   , the first and second containment flanges  26  and  28  are configured in an open framework that includes a plurality of beams  90  coupled to one another. An open framework such as that shown in  FIG.  3    may provide adequate strength and stability to the first and second containment flanges  26  and  28  without the added weight and cost associated with a solid containment flange. In certain embodiments, the first and second containment flanges  26  and  28  may include a containment flange extension  92  located on one or both sides of the first and second containment flanges  26  and  28  (e.g., bottom or both top and bottom). The containment flange extensions  92  may be used with a support leg (not shown) to maintain the first and second containment flanges  26  and  28  in upright position when not coupled to the drum assembly  10  as described in more detail below. The containment flange extensions  92  may be coupled to the first and second containment flanges  26  and  28  removably or permanently via various techniques, such as, screws, bolts, clamps, welding, brazing, or other fastening techniques. Details regarding the first and second coupling devices  30  and  32  shown in  FIG.  3    are described in more detail below. 
       FIG.  4    illustrates a perspective view of a portion of an embodiment of the drum assembly  10 . The plurality of drum segments  24  are omitted to better illustrate internal details of the drum assembly  10 . In addition, the drum assembly  10  may utilize various mechanical actuators or hydraulic cylinders to move the plurality of drum segments  24  between the retracted position and the extended position and these components are not shown in  FIG.  4    for clarity. As shown in  FIG.  4   , the support bar  14  coincides with the center axis of the drum assembly  10  and provides support for other components of the drum assembly  10 , such as the first and second plurality of expandable spokes  20  and  22  at the first and second ends  16  and  18  respectively. 
     In particular, the first and second pluralities of expandable spokes  20  and  22  include a plurality of rigid spokes  108  (e.g., hollow tubes), which may be made from square tubing of steel or similar composition. The rigid spokes  108  do not move during extension of the drum assembly  10 . Instead, the plurality of drum segments  24  may include square tubing that slides into and out of interiors of the plurality of rigid spokes  108  during retraction and extension of the drum assembly  10 , respectively. In other embodiments, the rigid spokes  108  may have other cross-sectional shapes, such as circles or rectangles. In the illustrated embodiment, the support bar  14  may be made from square tubing of steel or similar composition. In other embodiments, the support bar  14  may have other cross-sectional shapes, such as circles or rectangles. 
     In certain embodiments, a plurality of spoke frames  110  may be used to provide cross-support to the first and second pluralities of expandable spokes  20  and  22 . The plurality of spoke frames  110  may be rods, beams, columns, or similar objects coupled between each of the first plurality of expandable spokes  20  and each of the second plurality of expandable spokes  22  to provide support to the expandable spokes  20  and  22  during handling, shipment, expansion, and retraction of the drum assembly  10 . The spoke frames  110  may also be made from tubing of steel or similar composition with square or other cross-sectional shapes. In certain embodiments, the spoke frames  110  may include a plurality of tapped holes  112  that are used to attach components of the first and second coupling devices  30  and  32  as described in more detail below. 
     In further embodiments, the drum assembly  10  may include at least two fork channels  114  that extend axially  62  and/or radially  64  along the support bar  14 . The forks or tines of a forklift, truck, or similar machinery may be inserted into the fork channels  114  to enable lifting and moving the drum assembly  10 . For example, fork channels  114  that extend axially  62  may be used to insert and remove the drum assembly  10  from the interior channel  68  of the coil  60 . Fork channels  114  that extend radially  64  may be used to lift or set the drum assembly  10  from a truck, railcar, or similar transportation or used when access to the fork channels  114  extending axially  62  is limited or restricted. The fork channels  114  may be coupled to the support bar  14 , expandable spokes  20  or  22 , spoke frames  110 , or other appropriate locations of the drum assembly  10 . The fork channels  114  that extend radially  64  may be coupled to the fork channels  114  that extend axially  62  via one or more fork offsets  116 , which may be made from tubing of steel or similar composition with square or other cross-sectional shapes. 
     In addition, the drum assembly  10  may include a plurality of plates  118  coupled to the spoke frames  110  and/or other structural components  120  of the drum assembly  10 . The plurality of plates  118  may also be used to attach components of the first and second coupling devices  30  and  32  as described in more detail below. The structural components  120  may be coupled to the spoke frames  110  and/or fork channels  114 . In addition, a plurality of plates  122  may be coupled to the plurality of plates  118  and the plates  122  may also be used to attach components of the first and second coupling devices  30  and  32  as described in more detail below. 
     In the illustrated embodiment, the drum assembly  10  also includes a spacer ring  124 , a loading ring  126 , a stop ring  128 , and a plurality of supports  130  at both the first and second ends  16  and  18 . These components may be coupled to one another via various techniques, such as, screws, bolts, clamps, welding, brazing, or other fastening techniques. As shown in  FIG.  4   , the spacer ring  124  is configured as an eight-sided ring, but in other embodiments, the spacer ring  124  may have three, four, five, six, seven, nine or more sides, or the spacer ring  124  may be circular or oval in shape. The spacer ring  124  may be used to fill a space or gap between ends of the spoke frames  110  and the first and second containment flanges  26  and  28 . In other embodiments where there is no space or gap, the spacer ring  124  may be omitted. The loading ring  126  is configured as an eight-sided ring in  FIG.  4   , but in other embodiments, the loading ring  126  may have three, four, five, six, seven, nine or more sides. The flat sides of the loading ring  126  may engage with corresponding flat sides of the first and second containment flanges  26  and  28 , thereby preventing rotation of the drum assembly  10  separate from the first and second containment flanges  26  and  28 . In other words, the flat sides of the loading ring  126  help the first and second containment flanges  26  and  28  move together with the drum assembly  10  during rotation of the flexible pipe handling system  8  that occurs during deployment of the spoolable pipe  12 . In other embodiments, the loading ring  126  may be circular or oval in shape and other techniques used to maintain simultaneous rotation of the first and second containment flanges  26  and  28  with the drum assembly  10 . For example, various temporary fastening techniques, such as bolts, screws, pins, and so forth may be used. As shown in  FIG.  4   , the stop ring  128  is configured as a flat circular ring coupled to the loading ring  126  and may be used with a braking mechanism as described in detail below. In embodiments where braking is not provided or used, the stop ring  128  may be omitted. In certain embodiments, the braking mechanism may be configured to engage with the loading ring  126  and the stop ring  128  may be omitted. Finally, the plurality of supports  130  may be coupled to the support bar  14  and/or the plurality of rigid spokes  108  and used to couple the spacer ring  124  and/or loading ring  128  to the drum assembly  10 . 
     The various components of the drum assembly  10  described above may be coupled to one another via various techniques, such as, screws, bolts, clamps, welding, brazing, or other fastening techniques. In addition, although one embodiment of the drum assembly  10  is shown in  FIG.  4   , other configurations are possible that provide the same or similar functionality. 
       FIG.  5    illustrates a front perspective view of the first containment flange  26 , although the following discussion also applies equally to the second containment flange  28 . As mentioned previously, the first containment flange  26  may be configured in an open framework that includes a plurality of beams  90  coupled to one another. In the illustrated embodiment, the first containment flange  26  includes a plurality of beams  140  that couple together to form an octagonal ring corresponding to the loading ring  126  of the drum assembly  10 . The octagonal ring of the first containment flange  26  is larger in diameter than the loading ring  126  and thus, fits around or over the loading ring  126 . In addition, the flat sides of the plurality of beams  140  engage with the flat sides of the loading ring  126  to help the first containment flange  26  to move together with the drum assembly  10 . If the loading ring  126  has a different number of sides (e.g., three, four, five, six, seven, nine or more sides), then the number beams  140  may be adjusted to form a ring with the appropriate number of sides. As with all of the components of the first containment flange  26 , the plurality of beams  140  may be coupled to one another via various techniques, such as, screws, bolts, clamps, welding, brazing, or other fastening techniques. 
     The first containment flange  26  also includes four top or bottom beams  142  that includes holes  144  that can be used to couple the containment flange extension  92  to the first containment flange  26 , such as via screws or bolts. In addition, the first containment flange  26  includes two side beams  146 , two middle beams  148 , and four vertical beams  150  to provide vertical structure to the first containment flange  26 . The first containment flange  26  also includes a plurality of horizontal beams  152  to provide horizontal structure to the first containment flange  26 . As shown in  FIG.  5   , the first containment flange  26  includes four corner beams  154  that couple together the top or bottom beams  142  with the side beams  146 . The first containment flange  26  includes four diagonal beams  156  that couple together the top or bottom beams  142  with the plurality of beams  140 . Two horizontal beams  158  couple the diagonal beams  156  on the top to each other and similarly couple the diagonal beams  156  on the bottom to each other. In this context, top and bottom are used to refer to the components as shown in  FIG.  5   , but in general, the first containment flange  26  is symmetrical so that a component shown at the top may be located at the bottom if the first containment flange  26  is rotated 180 degrees about the axial axis  62 . Finally, the first containment flange  26  includes two catches  160  made from plates coupled to the middle beams  148 . As described in more detail below, the catches  160  are configured to removably couple with the first coupling device  30  of the drum assembly  10 . In particular, openings  162  in the catches removably couple with a lever of the first coupling device  30 . In general, the first containment flange  26  is designed with a length  164  that is approximately equal to the diameter  73  of the coil  60 , thereby providing support to the circular bases  78  and  80  of the coil  60  during deployment of the spoolable pipe  12 . A height  166  of the first containment flange  26  may be less than the length  164  to reduce the overall weight and cost of the first containment flange  26 , and to simplify handling of the first containment flange  26 . In particular, the first containment flange  26  may be coupled to the drum assembly  10  with the support bar  14  located closer to the ground than if the height  166  was the same as the length  164 . Although one particular arrangement of components is shown in  FIG.  5    for the first containment flange  26 , other embodiment may have different shapes, components, arrangements, and so forth to accomplish the same tasks of removably coupling to the drum assembly  10  and providing containment of the spoolable pipe  12  of the coil  60 . 
       FIG.  6    illustrates a rear perspective view of an embodiment of the first containment flange  26 , although the following discussion also applies equally to the second containment flange  28 . In the illustrated embodiment, four spacer plates  180  are coupled to four of the plurality of beams  140  to help prevent the plurality of rigid spokes  150  from contacting or rubbing against the plurality of beams  140  during deployment of the spoolable pipe  12 . In other embodiments, the spacer plates  180  may be omitted or other materials, such as plastic or foam, used to protect the surface of the first containment flange  26 . 
       FIG.  7    illustrates a front perspective view of another embodiment of the first containment flange  26 , although the following discussion also applies equally to the second containment flange  28 . Elements in common with those shown in  FIG.  5    are labeled with the same reference numerals. The first containment flange  26  shown in  FIG.  7    is similar to that shown in  FIG.  5   , but has a different overall shape. In particular, the two side beams  146  are curved instead of being straight as shown in  FIG.  5   . In addition, two additional vertical beams  150  are included to support the additional area provided by the curved side beams  146 . The illustrated embodiment of the first containment flange  26  may provide additional support to the coil  60  near the outermost layer  74  of the coil  60 .  FIG.  8    illustrates a rear perspective view of the embodiment of the first containment flange  26  shown in  FIG.  7   . 
       FIG.  9    illustrates a side view of the flexible pipe handling system  8  with the first and second containment flanges  26  and  28  coupled to the drum assembly  10  via the first and second coupling devices  30  and  32 , details of which are described in further detail below. In the illustrated embodiment, a coil containment leg  190  is inserted into each of the containment flange extensions  92  to maintain the first and second containment flanges  26  and  28  in upright positions. The coil containment legs  190  may be removably coupled to the containment flange extensions  92  via various temporary fastening techniques, such as clevis pins, cotter pins, bolts, screws, and so forth. During transport or when maintaining the first and second containment flanges  26  and  28  in upright positions is no longer needed, the coil containment legs  190  may be removed from the containment flange extensions  92 . In other embodiments, different techniques may be used to maintain the first and second containment flanges  26  and  28  in upright positions, such as stakes, kickstands, chains, ropes, straps, and so forth.  FIG.  9    also illustrates how the first and second containment flanges  26  and  28  are in close proximity to the plurality of drum segments  24 , thereby helping to prevent any of the spoolable pipe  12  from falling into spaces or gaps between the first and second containment flanges  26  and  28  and the plurality of drum segments  24 . 
       FIG.  10    illustrates a side view of an embodiment of the first coupling device  30 , although the following discussion also applies equally to the second coupling device  32 . In the illustrated embodiment, a clevis pin  200  passes through each pair of plates  122  to secure a latch  202  (e.g., a duck head latch) to the first coupling device  30 . In the illustrated embodiments, each pair of plates  122  has a separate clevis pin  200 , but in other embodiments, one clevis pin  200  may pass through both pair of plates  122 . A cotter pin  204  may be used to hold each clevis pin  200  in place. Thus, the latch  202  may be free to rotate about the clevis pins  200 . A pair of stud anchors  206  may be coupled to the latch  202  and used to secure a pair of springs (not shown) to the plate  118 . A jackscrew  208  may be coupled to the latch  202  near the stud anchors  206  and used to disengage the latch  202  from the catch  160 . Operation of the latch  202  is described in more detail below. Although two latches  202  are shown in  FIG.  10   , other embodiments of the coupling device  30  may include different numbers of latches  202 , such as one, three, or more, depending on component weights and other operational constraints of the flexible pipe handling system  8 . 
     In certain embodiments, a stake  210  may be used to block the latch  202  from disengaging from the catch  160 . In certain embodiments, the stake  210  may be a rod with a circular or other cross-sectional shape. As shown in  FIG.  10   , the stake  210  includes a head  212  and a cotter pin  214 . The catch  160  may include brackets  216  through which the stake  210  is inserted and kept in place via the head  212  and cotter pin  214 . Operation of the stake is described in more detail below. 
       FIG.  11    illustrates a side cross-sectional view of the first coupling device  30 , although the following discussion also applies equally to the second coupling device  32 . In the illustrated embodiment, the first coupling device  30  is shown in an unlocked position. In this position, the first containment flange  26  may be uncoupled from the drum assembly  10 . As shown in  FIG.  11   , the jackscrew  208  has been turned or rotated to move the latch  202  radially  64  away from the catch  160  of the first containment flange  26 . In other words, rotation of the jackscrew  208  in a first direction in a threaded opening  220  of the latch  202  causes the jackscrew  208  to move down through the threaded opening  220 . However, since an end  222  of the jackscrew  208  is confined against the surface of the plate  118 , the rotation of the jackscrew  208  in the first direction causes the latch  202  to move up away from the plate  118 . With the latch  202  in the unlocked position, a duck head portion  224  of the latch  202  is no longer engaged against the catch  160 . Thus, the first containment flange  26  and catch  160  are free to move axially  62  away from the drum assembly  10 . The jackscrew  208  is used to disengage the latch  202  because springs  226  coupled to the stud anchors  206  normally bias the latch  202  in a locked position as described in detail below. In certain embodiments, the stud anchors  206  are inserted into the tapped holes  112  shown in  FIG.  4   . As shown more clearly in  FIG.  10   , two springs  226  may be used with each latch  202 , although in other embodiments, one, three, four or more springs  226  may be used depending on the requirements of the flexible pipe handling system  8 . In the illustrated embodiment, the stake  210  cannot be seen, but a portion of the bracket  216  coupled to the catch  160  and through which the stake  210  is inserted is visible. In further embodiments, different configurations of the latch  202  may be used that include different components or components in different locations than that shown in  FIG.  11   . 
       FIG.  12    illustrates a side cross-sectional view of the first coupling device  30 , although the following discussion also applies equally to the second coupling device  32 . In the illustrated embodiment, the first coupling device  30  is shown in a locked position. In this position, the first containment flange  26  may be coupled to the drum assembly  10 . As shown in  FIG.  11   , the jackscrew  208  has been turned or rotated in a second direction opposite from the first direction so the end  222  of the jackscrew  208  is no longer in contact with the plate  118 . Thus, the jackscrew  208  is no longer causing the latch  202  to move away from the plate  118 . Instead, the springs  226  bias the latch  202  toward the plate  118  so that the duck head portion  224  is engaged against the catch  160 , thereby maintaining the first containment flange  26  coupled to the drum assembly  10 . As shown more clearly in  FIG.  10   , the duck head portion  224  is located in the opening  162  of the catch  160 . In the illustrated embodiment of  FIG.  12   , the duck head portion  224  includes an angled surface  227  that is configured to contact a leading edge  228  of the plate  118  when the first containment flange  26  is moved axially  62  toward the drum assembly  10 . As the first containment flange  26  continues to move axially  62  toward the drum assembly  10 , the angled surface  227  causes the duck head portion  224  to move radially  64  away from the plate  118  until the springs  226  cause the duck head portion  224  to move into the opening  162  of the catch  160  when a tip  230  of the duck head portion  224  reaches the opening  162 , thereby locking the first containment flange  26  to the drum assembly  10 . In certain embodiments, the stake  210  is inserted into the brackets  216  and held in place via the cotter pin  214 . As shown in  FIG.  12   , the stake  210  blocks radial  64  movement of the duck head portion  224  out of the catch  160 . Although the springs  226  are configured to bias the latch  202  closed, the stake  210  may be used as a secondary or back-up method of preventing the latch  202  from opening. The process described above with respect to  FIG.  11    is used to remove the first containment flange  26  from the drum assembly  10 . Specifically, the stake  210  may be removed from the brackets  216  to enable the duck head portion  224  to move out of the catch  160  when the jackscrew  208  is rotated in the second direction. 
       FIG.  13    illustrates a side cross-sectional view of the latch  202  that does not include the jackscrew  208 . Instead, a cam  232  is used to move the latch  202  away from the plate  118 . Specifically, the cam  232  is coupled to the latch  202  via a hinge  234  that enables the cam  232  to rotate about the hinge  234  with respect to the latch  202 . The cam  232  includes a curved surface  236  that slides against the plate  118  and a handle  238  to enable an operator to rotate the cam  232 . As shown in  FIG.  13   , when the curved surface  236  is against the plate  118 , the position of the cam  232  forces the latch  202  away from the plate  118 . 
       FIG.  14    illustrates a side cross-sectional view of the latch  202  in a closed position using the cam  232 . As shown in  FIG.  14   , the cam  232  has been rotated radially  66  about the hinge  234  such that the curved surface  236  is no longer in contact with the plate  118 . Instead, a second curved surface  238  is now in contact with the plate  118 . In this position of the cam  232 , the latch  202  is in the closed position. Thus, the cam  232  provides an alternative method of moving the latch  202  between open and closed positions. Other configurations of the cam  232  and other techniques may also be used to move the latch  202  with respect to the plate  118 . 
       FIG.  15    illustrates a perspective view of an embodiment of the flexible pipe handling system  8  as used with an embodiment of an A-frame  240 , which may be a stationary device placed on the ground and used for deploying the spoolable pipe  12 . In certain embodiments, the A-frame  240  may be placed on a moving platform (e.g., truck, lowboy, etc.) to enable mobile deployment of the spoolable pipe  12 . The A-frame  240  provides a platform  242  for various beams  244  that are coupled to a bearing  246  configured to engage the support bar  14  of the drum assembly  10 . The bearing  246  may utilize various friction-reducing techniques to enable the support bar  14  to rotate freely in the bearing  246 . For example, the bearing  246  may include bushings made from steel or aluminum-bronze to provide improved wear resistance. The flexible pipe handling system  8  may be lowered into the A-frame  240  via the fork channels  114  or straps coupled to the support bar  14 . Operation of the flexible pipe handling system  8  with the A-frame  240  is described in more detail below. Although one embodiment of the A-frame  240  is shown in  FIG.  15   , it is understood that the flexible pipe handling system  8  may be used with a variety of different A-frames and other types of deployment equipment as described below. 
       FIG.  16    illustrates a top view of an embodiment of the support bar  14  engaged with the bearing  246  of the A-frame  240 . In the illustrated embodiment, the support bar  14  sits within the bearing  246 . In certain embodiments, the bearing  246  may include one or more keepers  260  configured to block the support bar  14  from inadvertently coming out of the bearing  246 . When removal of the flexible pipe handling system  8  from the A-frame  240  is desired, the keepers  260  may be manually or automatically moved out of the way to enable the support bar  14  to come out of the bearing  246 . As shown in  FIG.  16   , the A-frame  240  may include a braking mechanism  262  to be used with the stop ring  128  of the flexible pipe handling system  8 . In the illustrated embodiment, the braking mechanism  262  includes a brake pad  264  to engage with the stop ring  128 . The brake pad  264  may be made from a variety of materials selected to provide increased friction when engaged with the stop ring  128 . An actuator  266  may work together with a linkage  268  to move the brake pad  264  axially  62  toward or away from the stop ring  128 . Although the braking mechanism  262  shown in  FIG.  16    includes two brake pads  264  and associated equipment, one, three, four or more brake pads  264  and associated equipment may be used in other embodiments. The braking mechanism  262  may be used to apply back tension to the spoolable pipe  12  while the spoolable pipe  12  is being deployed by the flexible pipe handling system  8 , thereby preventing undesired unspooling, free-spooling, or backlash of the spoolable pipe  12 . 
       FIG.  17    illustrates a top view of another embodiment of the braking mechanism  262  to be used with the A-frame  240 . In the illustrated embodiment, the braking mechanism  262  does not include the linkage  268  shown in  FIG.  16   . Instead, the actuator  266  acts directly in the axial direction  62  against the stop ring  128 . In certain embodiments, the braking mechanism  262  includes one or more springs  268  to move the brake pad  264  away from the stop ring  128  when the actuator  266  is not being used to move the brake pad  264  against the stop ring  128 . In other words, the springs  268  bias the brake pad  264  away from the stop ring  128 . In addition, the braking mechanism  262  may include a hydraulic connection  270  to enable hydraulic or other fluid to be supplied to the actuator  266 . The hydraulic connection  270  may be coupled to a hand pump or other device to control the supply of hydraulic fluid to the actuator  266 . In further embodiments, other types of braking mechanism or techniques may be used including, but not limited to, caliper brakes, drum brakes, eddy current brakes, and so forth. 
       FIG.  18    illustrates a perspective view of an embodiment of an installation trailer  280  that may be used with embodiments of the flexible pipe handling system  8 . In the illustrated embodiment, the installation trailer  280  has a front side  370  and a rear side  372 . A trailer frame  314  is made from several structural members  380  coupled to one another such that the trailer frame  314  may support the other components of the installation trailer  280  and the weight of the coil  60  and flexible pipe handling system  8 , which may exceed 40,000 pounds (18,144 kilograms), or exceed 60,000 pounds (27,216 kilograms). For example, the structural members  380  may be made from square steel tubing, steel I-beams, sheet metal, or similar composite structural members. The trailer frame  314  may include a trailer connection point  382 , which may be a hitch, such as a draw bar hitch. A draw bar hitch may be a type of tow hitch that includes a ball extending from a bar and configured to secure a hook or a socket combination for the purpose of towing or being towed. Those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that other types of tow hitches and attachment systems may be used to attach another vehicle to the installation trailer  280 . In other embodiments, the trailer connection point  382  may be configured as a breakaway hitch so that electric brakes for the installation trailer  280  may be activated if the installation trailer  280  becomes disconnected from the tow vehicle for some reason. 
     Accordingly, a vehicle (not shown) may be fitted with a connector or attachment system known to those of ordinary skill in the art for connecting to the installation trailer  280 . In one or more embodiments, a vehicle used to tow the installation trailer  280  may include without limitation, a dozer, a front-end loader, or excavator, for example, when the installation trailer  280  is fully loaded with the coil  60 , or by standard trucks, automobiles, or other vehicles, for example, when the installation trailer  280  is in an unloaded state (i.e. is not carrying the coil  60 ). The installation trailer  280  may be further designed for off-road use by selecting wheels  322  appropriate for off-road use. In some embodiments, the wheels  322  may be wide base tires (e.g., super single tires) coupled to heavy duty hubs. Thus, the installation trailer  280  may be adapted for use with many types of roads and terrains. In the illustrated embodiment, the two wheels  322  on each side may be coupled to a frame  384  that tilts about a pivot  386  to enable the installation trailer  280  to move easily over uneven terrain. In certain embodiments, the installation trailer  280  is capable of deploying the spoolable pipe  12  by means of towing the installation trailer  10  along a pipeline path or keeping the installation trailer  280  stationary and pulling the spoolable pipe  12  off the installation trailer  280 . 
     As shown in  FIG.  18   , a lifting mechanism  316  may be used to raise and lower coils  60  via support bar  14  of the flexible pipe handling system  8  with the use of two “j-shaped” hooks  388 . The lifting hooks  388  may be raised and lowered by use of hydraulic cylinders  390  capable of lifting or lowering coils  60  that may exceed 40,000 pounds (18,144 kilograms), or exceed 60,000 pounds (27,216 kilograms). In certain embodiments, the hydraulic cylinders  390  may be coupled directly to the lifting hooks  388 . In other embodiments, the hydraulic cylinders  390  may be coupled indirectly to the lifting hooks  388 . For example, one or more sheaves  392  or pulleys and an appropriate belt  394 , rope, wire, cable, chain, or other tension bearing member used to provide mechanical advantage and/or redirect the direction of motion of the hydraulic cylinders  390 . In certain embodiments, the lifting mechanism  316  may have a 2:1 ratio, a 3:1 ratio, or better. As shown in  FIG.  18   , the lifting mechanism  316  is configured to move the lifting hooks  388  and the corresponding coil  30  in a perpendicular direction to the axial axis  62  (e.g., vertically). In other embodiments, the lifting mechanism  316  may be disposed at an angle to the axial axis  62 , thereby moving the coil  60  at an angle to the horizontal direction. In further embodiments, the lifting hooks  388  may have shapes other than a “j-shape.” For example, each lifting hook  388  may have a circular opening to accommodate the support bar  14  used to manipulate flexible pipe handling system  8  and coil  60 . 
     In certain embodiments, a vertical stop  395  may be used with the lifting hook  388 . When the support bar  14  is located in the lifting hook  388  and the lifting hook  388  is raised toward the vertical stop  395  by the lifting mechanism  316 , the vertical stop  395  may be used to block the support bar  14  from inadvertently coming or falling out of the lifting hook  388 , for example if the installation trailer  280  were to encounter a bump during movement or deployment of the spoolable pipe  12 . Thus, the vertical stop  395  provides this safety feature without having an operator climb onto the installation trailer  280  or use a ladder to install or move a similar safety retainer into place. Instead, the vertical stop  395  provides this feature when the lifting mechanism  316  is in the deployment position (e.g., when the lifting hook  388  is located at its topmost position). In other embodiments, the vertical stop  395  may be coupled to the lifting hook  388  and move vertically together with the lifting hook  388 . In such embodiments, the vertical stop  395  may be coupled to the lifting hook  388  via a hinge or similar connection to enable the vertical stop  395  to be moved into an appropriate position to block undesired movement of the shaft. 
     In the illustrated embodiment, the braking mechanism  318  may include a caliper brake  396  that includes one or more calipers  398  disposed against a rotor  400 , which may be coupled to the lifting mechanism  316 . The caliper brake  396  may be used to slow or stop rotation of the coil  60  during deployment, thereby helping to prevent undesired unspooling, free-spooling, or backlash of the spoolable pipe  12 . Those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that other types of braking mechanisms, such as, but not limited to, frictional brakes, disc brakes, drum brakes, electromagnetic brakes, or hydraulic motors, may be used to provide braking of the coil  60 . In some embodiments, the braking mechanism  318  may be configured to provide braking directly to the flexible pipe handling system  8  via the stop ring  128 . For example, the braking mechanism  318  may grip or directly contact the stop ring  128  to provide the braking force similar to one of the braking mechanisms  262  of the A-frame  240  shown in  FIGS.  16  and  17   . Thus, the braking mechanism  318  applies pressure to the spoolable pipe  12  via the stop ring  128 . In further embodiments, a motor or similar device may be added to the braking mechanism  318  or to the installation trailer  280  to provide respool capability. In other words, the motor may rotate the flexible pipe handling system  8  in an opposite direction to that used during deployment to respool some or all of the deployed spoolable pipe  12  back onto the flexible pipe handling system  8 . Such respooling capability may also be added to the A-frame  240  shown in  FIGS.  16  and  17   . 
     In the illustrated embodiment, a hydraulic power unit  320  may be coupled to the trailer frame  314  near the trailer connection point  382 . For example, the hydraulic power unit  320  may include an electric-start gasoline or diesel engine, 2-stage hydraulic pump, hydraulic fluid reservoir, and gasoline reservoir configured to provide hydraulic power to the hydraulic components of the installation trailer  280 , such as the hydraulic cylinders  390  of the lifting mechanism  314 , the breaking mechanism  318 , or other hydraulic cylinders described below. In some embodiments, the hydraulic power unit  320  may be replaced by an electric power supply and the hydraulic cylinders replaced by various types of electromechanical actuators. 
     In certain embodiments, the installation trailer  280  may include telescoping sides  402  configured to move in the direction of arrows  404  via one or more hydraulic cylinders disposed within the structural members  380  or coupled to the structural members  380 . In other words, inner structural members  406  may have a smaller dimension (e.g., width, height, or diameter) than the outer structural members  408  to enable the inner structural members  406  to slide in or out of the outer structural members  408 . One end of the hydraulic cylinders may be coupled to the inner structural members  406  and another end coupled to the outer structural members  408  to provide the motive force to move the inner structural members  406 . In other embodiments, the hydraulic cylinders may be omitted and an operator may manually move the inner structural members  406  in or out of the outer structural members  408 . As shown in  FIG.  18   , the installation trailer  280  has an expanded system width  410 . In other words, the telescoping sides  402  enable the inner structural members  406  to move outward in the direction of arrows  404  to the expanded system width  410 . The installation trailer  280  may be able to accommodate coils  60  when in the expanded position that would not be possible when the installation trailer  280  is in a collapsed position. In further embodiments, other techniques may be used to accomplish expanding or contracting the installation trailer  280 , such as, but not limited to, hinges, joints, disassembly/reassembly, folding, expansion joints, accordion joints, and so forth. In further embodiments, one or more structural members  380  may be disposed at the rear side  372  between lengthwise structural members  380  to provide additional structural stability to the installation trailer  280 . The additional structural members  380  may couple together telescopically or swing toward or away from the installation trailer  280  via hinges like a gate. Although one embodiment of the installation trailer  280  is shown in  FIG.  18   , it is understood that the flexible pipe handling system  8  may be used with a variety of different installation trailers. 
       FIG.  19    illustrates a perspective view of another embodiment of the installation trailer  280  that may be used with embodiments of the flexible pipe handling system  8 . Elements in common with those shown in  FIG.  18    are labeled with the same reference numerals. In the illustrated embodiment, the lifting mechanism  316  may be used to raise and lower the flexible pipe handling system  8  with the use of two pairs of “j-shaped” hooks. A lower set of hooks  484  can lift coils  60  with a first range of diameters (e.g., between approximately 12 to 13.5 feet) and an upper set of hooks  486  can lift coils  60  with a second range of diameters (e.g., between approximately 13.6 to 16 feet) that is greater than the first range. The two sets of lifting hooks  484  and  486  may be mechanically connected to one another and may be raised and lowered by use of hydraulic cylinders capable of lifting or lowering coils  60  that may exceed 40,000 pounds (18,144 kilograms), or exceed 60,000 pounds (27,216 kilograms). In certain embodiments, the installation trailer  280  may include one of the braking mechanisms  262  or  318  described previously with respect to the A-frame  240  shown in  FIGS.  15 - 17    or the installation trailer  280  shown in  FIG.  18    respectively. 
     While the present disclosure has been described with respect to a limited number of embodiments, those skilled in the art, having benefit of this disclosure, will appreciate that other embodiments may be devised which do not depart from the scope of the disclosure as described herein. Accordingly, the scope of the disclosure should be limited only by the attached claims.