Patent Publication Number: US-11643000-B2

Title: Installation trailer for coiled flexible pipe and method of utilizing same

Description:
This application is a continuation of U.S. Nonprovisional patent application Ser. No. 16/599,485 filed Oct. 11, 2019 which claims the benefit, and priority benefit, of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/745,052 filed Oct. 12, 2018, titled “INSTALLATION TRAILER FOR COILED FLEXIBLE PIPE AND METHOD OF UTILIZING SAME,” the disclosure of which is incorporated herein in its entirety. 
    
    
     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 collapsible trailer frame and a lifting mechanism coupled to the collapsible trailer frame. The lifting mechanism is configured to raise or lower a coil of pipe or a reel of pipe. The system also includes a braking mechanism. 
     In another aspect, embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a method that includes providing a trailer having a collapsible trailer frame, a lifting mechanism coupled to the trailer frame, and a braking mechanism. The method also includes coupling a coil of pipe or a reel of pipe to the lifting mechanism, adjusting a vertical position of the coil of pipe or the reel of pipe via the lifting mechanism, deploying the pipe via rotation of the coil of pipe or the reel of pipe, and applying pressure via the braking mechanism to a drum assembly inserted into the coil of pipe or applying pressure via the braking mechanism to the reel of pipe. 
     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 diagram of a collapsible installation trailer 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 reel of spoolable pipe according to embodiments of the present disclosure. 
         FIG.  4    is a perspective view of a collapsible installation trailer according to embodiments of the present disclosure. 
         FIG.  5    is a perspective view of a collapsible installation trailer in a collapsed configuration according to embodiments of the present disclosure. 
         FIG.  6    is a perspective view of telescoping sides of a collapsible installation trailer according to embodiments of the present disclosure. 
         FIG.  7    is a perspective view of a lifting mechanism and a braking mechanism according to embodiments of the present disclosure. 
         FIG.  8    is a perspective view of a lifting mechanism that includes a mechanical lockout according to embodiments of the present disclosure. 
         FIG.  9    is a side view of a mechanical lockout in an engaged position according to embodiments of the present disclosure. 
         FIG.  10    is a side view of a mechanical lockout in a disengaged position according to embodiments of the present disclosure. 
         FIG.  11    is a perspective view a drum assembly that may be used to manipulate coils according to embodiments of the present disclosure. 
         FIG.  12    is a perspective view of a drum assembly according to embodiments of the present disclosure. 
         FIG.  13    is a perspective view of a collapsible installation trailer and a drum assembly according to embodiments of the present disclosure. 
         FIG.  14    is a side view of a collapsible installation trailer and a drum assembly according to embodiments of the present disclosure. 
         FIG.  15    is a rear view of a collapsible installation trailer and a drum assembly according to embodiments of the present disclosure. 
         FIG.  16    is a rear view of a collapsible installation trailer and a drum assembly according to embodiments of the present disclosure. 
         FIG.  17    is a perspective view of a portion of a collapsible installation trailer according to embodiments of the present disclosure. 
         FIG.  18    is a perspective view of a portion of a collapsible installation trailer according to embodiments of the present disclosure. 
         FIG.  19    is a perspective view of a portion of a collapsible installation trailer according to embodiments of the present disclosure. 
         FIG.  20    is a top view of a collapsible installation trailer according to embodiments of the present disclosure. 
     
    
    
     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, or the coils of pipe may be supported around a reel (which may be referred to as a reel of pipe). Deployment systems according to embodiments of the present disclosure may include a collapsible installation trailer that includes a trailer frame, a lifting mechanism coupled to the trailer frame that is configured to raise or lower a coil of pipe or a reel of pipe, and a braking mechanism. 
     Embodiments of the present disclosure will be described below with reference to the figures. In one aspect, embodiments disclosed herein relate to embodiments for deploying spoolable pipe from a collapsible installation trailer. 
     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 collapsible installation trailer  10 . As described in detail below, the collapsible installation trailer  10  may be used to deploy spoolable pipe  12 , which may refer to any type of flexible pipe or piping capable of being bent into a coil. The spoolable pipe  12  may be wound on a spool or reel, or the spoolable pipe  12  may be handled as coils without spools or reels. Such reels or 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. 
     Flexible or spoolable pipe is a tube to convey or transfer any water, gas, oil, or any type of suitable fluid. The spoolable pipe  12  may be made of any type of materials including plastics, metals, composites (e.g., fiber-reinforced composites), and/or other suitable materials. The spoolable pipe  12  is used frequently in many applications, including without limitation, both onshore and offshore oil and gas applications. The spoolable pipe  12  may be a flexible pipe, which may include Bonded or Unbonded Flexible Pipe, Flexible Composite Pipe (FCP), Thermoplastic Composite Pipe (TCP), or Reinforced Thermoplastic Pipe (RTP). FCP or RTP pipe may itself be generally composed of several layers. In one or more embodiments, a flexible pipe may include a thermoplastic liner or internal pressure sheath having a reinforcement layer and a thermoplastic outer cover layer. In one or more embodiments, the thermoplastic may be high-density polyethylene (HDPE). Thus, flexible pipe may include different layers that may be made of a variety of materials and may also provide corrosion resistance. For example, in one or more embodiments, pipe used to make up a coil of pipe may have a corrosion protection outer cover layer that is disposed over another layer of steel reinforcement. In this embodiment, 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. Accordingly, 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 flexible or spoolable pipe is coiled tubing or reeled tubing, which may be made of steel and have a corrosion protection shield layer. 
     The collapsible installation trailer  10  of  FIG.  1    includes a collapsible trailer frame  14  that provides a base and support for other components of the collapsible installation trailer  10 , such as a lifting mechanism  16  coupled to the collapsible trailer frame  14 . The collapsible trailer frame  14  may be constructed of one or more structural components, such as, but not limited to, beams, columns, posts, tubes, sheets, and so forth, coupled to one another via various techniques, such as, but not limited to, bolts, screws, slots and tabs, welds, brazing, and so forth. The collapsible trailer frame  14  may be made from steel, other metal alloys, or composite structural members. In certain embodiments, the collapsible trailer frame  14  enables the collapsible trailer frame  14  to take up less space when being shipped or transported. The lifting mechanism  16  may be configured to raise or lower a coil of spoolable pipe  12  or a reel of spoolable pipe  12 , as described in detail below. The collapsible installation trailer  10  may also include a braking mechanism  18  configured to apply back tension to the spoolable pipe  12  while the spoolable pipe  12  is being deployed by the collapsible installation trailer  10 , as described in detail below. Finally, the collapsible installation trailer  10  may include a power unit  20  configured to power various components of the installation trailer  10 , which may include hydraulic power, electrical power, or mechanical power. The power unit  20  may be coupled to the collapsible trailer frame  14  or disposed on a separate skid in certain embodiments. In other embodiments, the power unit  20  may be omitted. For example, a separate hydraulic or electric power skid may be coupled to the collapsible installation trailer  10  when the collapsible installation trailer  10  is operated. The collapsible installation trailer  10  may include two or more wheels  22  to enable the collapsible installation trailer  10  to be moved. The wheels  22  may be tires or continuous tracks to accommodate movement on different types of terrain. Further, certain embodiments may include appropriate wheels  22  to enable the installation trailer  10  be towed along roadways on the wheels  22 . 
     In certain embodiments, the collapsible installation trailer  10  may include a re-rounding mechanism configured to re-round the deploying spoolable pipe  12 . For example, the spoolable pipe  12  may have an oval cross-sectional shape when coiled. In other words, the spoolable pipe  12  may not have a circular cross-sectional shape. The re-rounding mechanism may use rollers or other components with circular or partially-circular shapes to re-shape the spoolable pipe  12  to have a circular or substantially circular cross-sectional shape when the rollers or other components are engaged with or pressed against the spoolable pipe  12 . For example, the re-rounding mechanism may include one or more pairs of rollers located approximately 180 degrees apart from one another that engage with an outer surface of the spoolable pipe  12 . Other types of re-rounding mechanisms and re-rounding techniques may also be used. For example, the re-rounding mechanisms may use a clamp or other device to push against some or all of the outer surface of the spoolable pipe  12 . 
     In further embodiments, the collapsible installation trailer  10  may include one or more band cutters, which may include a cutting portion that is sharpened to be able to cut through bands of the coil. In certain embodiments, the band cutters may be made from multiple components to enable the cutting portion to be removed or replaced without having to remove or replace the entire band cutter. In further embodiments, the band cutters may be omitted and other techniques (e.g., manual band cutting) used to cut the bands. 
       FIG.  2    illustrates a perspective view of an embodiment of a coil  30  of spoolable pipe  12 . The coil  30  may be defined by an axial axis or direction  32 , a radial axis or direction  34 , and a circumferential axis or direction  36 . The coil  30  may be formed by wrapping the spoolable pipe  12  into a coil with an interior channel  38  formed axially  32  therethrough, where the coil  30  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  30  may be configured in columns along the axial direction  32  of the coil  30  and/or configured in layers along the radial direction  34  of the coil  30 . For example, multiple columns of wraps may be formed along the axial direction  32  of the coil  30 , where an axial dimension  40  of the coil  30  is based on the diameter of the pipe  12  and the number and axial  32  position of wraps forming the coil  30 . Further, multiple layers of wraps may be formed along the radial direction  34  of the coil  30 , where a radial dimension  42  of the coil  30  is based on the diameter of the pipe and the number and radial  34  position of the wraps forming the coil  30 . In certain embodiments, a weight of the coil  30  may exceed 40,000 pounds (18,144 kilograms), 60,000 pounds (27,216 kilograms), or even 75,000 pounds (34,019 kilograms). As such, the collapsible trailer frame  14  and other components of embodiments of the collapsible installation trailer  10  may be configured to handle such coils  30  that other trailers not having the features of the collapsible installation trailer  10  cannot. For example, structural members of embodiments of the collapsible installation trailer  10  may be larger or heavier than ones used in other trailers. In one or more embodiments, the coil  30  may be disposed on a reel, which is further discussed below in  FIG.  3   . 
     As shown in  FIG.  2   , the coil  30  of spoolable pipe  12  may be one or more layers (e.g., layers  44  and  46 ) of pipe packaged or bundled into the coil  30 . The coil  30  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  30  is coiled into a substantially cylindrical shape, where the axial dimension  40  of the coil  30  is measured between outer edges  48  and  50  of the coil  30 . 
     As known to those of ordinary skill in the art, the spoolable pipe  12  used to make up the coil  30  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  30 , assists when transporting pipe, which may be several hundred feet in length in one or more embodiments. Further, the coil  30  may be wound to facilitate deployment of the spoolable pipe  12 . Deployment, as described above and used herein, may refer to the action of unspooling or unwinding the spoolable pipe  12  from the coil  30 . The spoolable pipe  12  may be installed underground, above ground, or in water. 
     After being assembled into a coil, the coil  30  shown in  FIG.  2    may include the interior channel  38  formed axially  32  through the coil  30 . The interior channel  38  is a bore disposed generally in the center of the coil  30 . The interior channel  38  may be substantially circular-shaped. The coil  30  may have an outer diameter (OD) and an inner diameter (ID), where the inner diameter is defined by the interior channel  38 . As shown in  FIG.  2   , one or more bands  52  may be wrapped around the coil  30  to help prevent the coil  30  from unraveling. When the spoolable pipe  12  is deployed, the bands  52  may be cut at one or more desired locations using the band cutter described previously or a manual band cutter. 
       FIG.  3    illustrates a perspective view of an embodiment of a reel  60  of spoolable pipe  12 . In some instances, the coil  30  of spoolable pipe  12  may be wound around the components of the reel  60 , instead of transported as a bundled, freestanding package (e.g., as shown in  FIG.  2   ). The coil  30  may be wound around the reel  60  such that the interior channel of the coil  30  is concentric with a central bore of the reel  60 . A reel, as understood by those of ordinary skill, may include a cylindrical drum, such as cylindrical drum  62 , around which layers of pipe may be wrapped to form the coil  30 . The reel  60  may include two substantially circular reel ends  64  and  66  that are capable of turning about a shared axis. Accordingly, the reel ends  64  and  66  may be attached to the cylindrical drum  62 . 
     As shown in  FIG.  3   , a bore  68  is disposed in each end  64  and  66  at a substantially central position. In addition, the bores  68  for each end  64  and  66  are substantially aligned with each other (and may also be aligned with a central axis of cylindrical drum  62 ). Spoolable pipe  12  (e.g. flexible pipe) may be wound around the cylindrical drum  62  using any means known to those of ordinary skill in the art. 
       FIG.  4    illustrates a perspective view of an embodiment of the collapsible installation trailer  10 , which may have a front side  70  and a rear side  72 . In the illustrated embodiment, the collapsible trailer frame  14  is made from several structural members  80  coupled to one another such that the collapsible trailer frame  14  may support the other components of the collapsible installation trailer  10  and the weight of the coil  30  or reel  60 , which may exceed 40,000 pounds (18,144 kilograms), 60,000 pounds (27,216 kilograms), or 75,000 pounds (34,019 kilograms). For example, the structural members  80  may be made from square steel tubing, steel I-beams, sheet metal, or similar composite structural members. The collapsible trailer frame  14  may include a trailer connection point  82 , 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 collapsible installation trailer  10 . In other embodiments, the trailer connection point  82  may be configured as a breakaway hitch so that electric brakes for the collapsible installation trailer  10  may be activated if the collapsible installation trailer  10  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 collapsible installation trailer  10 . In one or more embodiments, a vehicle used to tow the collapsible installation trailer  10  may include without limitation, a dozer, a front-end loader, or excavator, for example, when the collapsible installation trailer  10  is fully loaded with the coil  30  or reel  60 , or by standard trucks, automobiles, or other vehicles, for example, when the collapsible installation trailer  10  is in an unloaded state (i.e. is not carrying the coil  30  or reel  60 ). The collapsible installation trailer  10  may be further designed for off-road use by selecting wheels  22  appropriate for off-road use. In some embodiments, the wheels  22  may be wide base tires (e.g., super single tires) coupled to heavy duty hubs. Thus, the collapsible installation trailer  10  may be adapted for use with many types of roads and terrains. In the illustrated embodiment, the two wheels  22  on each side may be coupled to a frame  84  that tilts about a pivot  86  to enable the collapsible installation trailer  10  to move easily over uneven terrain. Although a total of four wheels  22  are shown in  FIG.  4   , other embodiments may include different numbers of wheels  22  (e.g., two, six, or more wheels  22 ) or track mechanisms. In certain embodiments, the collapsible installation trailer  10  is capable of deploying the spoolable pipe  12  by means of towing the collapsible installation trailer  10  along a pipeline path or keeping the collapsible installation trailer  10  stationary and pulling the spoolable pipe  12  off the collapsible installation trailer  10 . 
     As shown in  FIG.  4   , the lifting mechanism  16  may be used to raise and lower coils  30  or reels  60  with the use of two “j-shaped” hooks  88 . The lifting hooks  88  may be raised and lowered by use of hydraulic cylinders  90  capable of lifting or lowering coils  30  or reels  60  that may exceed 40,000 pounds (18,144 kilograms), 60,000 pounds (27,216 kilograms), or 75,000 pounds (34,019 kilograms). In certain embodiments, the hydraulic cylinders  90  may be coupled directly to the lifting hooks  88 . In other embodiments, the hydraulic cylinders  90  may be coupled indirectly to the lifting hooks  88 . For example, one or more sheaves  92  or pulleys and an appropriate belt  94 , 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  90 . In certain embodiments, the lifting mechanism  16  may have a 2:1 ratio, a 3:1 ratio, or better. As shown in  FIG.  4   , the lifting mechanism  16  is configured to move the lifting hooks  88  and the corresponding coil  30  or reel  60  in a perpendicular direction to the axial axis  32  (e.g., vertically). In other embodiments, the lifting mechanism  16  may be disposed at an angle to the axial axis  32 , thereby moving the coil  30  or reel  60  at an angle to the horizontal direction. In further embodiments, the lifting hooks  88  may have shapes other than a “j-shape.” For example, each lifting hook  88  may have a circular opening to accommodate a shaft used to manipulate the coil  30  or reel  60 . In further embodiments, a rack and pinion gear, hand crank with gears, or other mechanical or electrical device or actuator may be used instead of hydraulic cylinders  90  in the lifting mechanism  16 . 
     In certain embodiments, a vertical stop  95  may be used with the lifting hook  88 . When a shaft or similar portion of the reel  60  or a device used to manipulate coils  30  is located in the lifting hook  88  and the lifting hook  88  is raised toward the vertical stop  95  by the lifting mechanism  16 , the vertical stop  95  may be used to block the shaft from inadvertently coming or falling out of the lifting hook  88 , for example if the installation trailer  10  were to encounter a bump during movement or deployment of the spoolable pipe  12 . Thus, the vertical stop  95  provides this safety feature without having an operator climb onto the installation trailer  10  or use a ladder to install or move a similar safety retainer into place. Instead, the vertical stop  95  provides this feature when the lifting mechanism  16  is in the deployment position (e.g., when the lifting hook  88  is located at its topmost position). In other embodiments, the vertical stop  95  may be coupled to the lifting hook  88  and move vertically together with the lifting hook  88 . In such embodiments, the vertical stop  95  may be coupled to the lifting hook  88  via a hinge or similar connection to enable the vertical stop  95  to be moved into an appropriate position to block undesired movement of the shaft. 
     In the illustrated embodiment, the braking mechanism  18  may include a caliper brake  96  that includes one or more calipers  98  disposed against a rotor  100 , which may be coupled to the lifting mechanism  16 . The caliper brake  96  may be used to slow or stop rotation of the coil  30  or reel  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  30  or reel  60 . In some embodiments, the braking mechanism  18  may be configured to provide braking for reels  60 . For example, the braking mechanism  18  may grip or directly contact the reel  60  to provide the braking force. Thus, the braking mechanism  18  applies pressure to the reel  60 . In further embodiments, a motor or similar device may be added to the braking mechanism  18  or to the installation trailer  10  to provide respool capability. In other words, the motor may rotate the coil  30  or reel  60  in an opposite direction to that used during deployment to respool some or all of the deployed spoolable pipe  12  back onto the coil  30  or reel  60 . 
     In the illustrated embodiment, the hydraulic power unit  20  may be coupled to the trailer frame  14  near the trailer connection point  82 . For example, the hydraulic power unit  20  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  10 , such as the hydraulic cylinders  90  of the lifting mechanism  14 , the breaking mechanism  18 , or other hydraulic cylinders described below. In some embodiments, the hydraulic power unit  20  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  10  may include telescoping sides  102  configured to move in the direction of arrows  104  via one or more hydraulic cylinders disposed within the structural members  80  (as shown in  FIG.  6   ) or coupled externally to the structural members  80 . In other words, inner structural members  106  may have a smaller dimension (e.g., width, height, or diameter) than outer structural members  108  to enable the inner structural members  106  to slide in or out of the outer structural members  108 . One end of the hydraulic cylinders may be coupled to the inner structural member  106  and another end coupled to the outer structural member  108  to provide the motive force to move the inner structural members  106 . In other embodiments, the hydraulic cylinders may be omitted and an operator may manually move the inner structural members  106  in or out of the outer structural members  108 . In further embodiments, a rack and pinion gear, hand crank with gears, or other mechanical or electrical device or actuator may be used to move the inner structural members  106  telescopically. As shown in  FIG.  4   , the installation trailer  10  has an expanded system width  110 . In other words, the telescoping sides  102  enable the inner structural members  106  to move outward in the direction of arrows  104  to the expanded system width  110 . The installation trailer  10  may be able to accommodate coils  30  or reels  60  when in the expanded position that would not be possible when the installation trailer  10  is in a collapsed position, as described below. In further embodiments, other techniques may be used to accomplish expanding or contracting the installation trailer  10 , 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  80  may be disposed at the rear side  72  between lengthwise structural members  80  to provide additional structural stability to the installation trailer  10 . The additional structural members  80  may couple together telescopically or swing toward or away from the installation trailer  10  via hinges like a gate. 
       FIG.  5    illustrates a perspective view of an embodiment of the installation trailer  10  in a collapsed position, such that a collapsed system width  120  is less than the expanded system width  110  shown in  FIG.  4   . The hydraulic power unit  20  has been removed for clarity. As shown in  FIG.  5   , the inner structural members  106  (not visible in  FIG.  5   ) are fully inserted into the outer structural members  108  via hydraulic cylinders disposed in or coupled to the inner structural members  106 . The two lifting mechanisms  16  may be disposed adjacent to each other when the installation trailer  10  is in the collapsed position, thereby improving the compactness of the collapsed trailer  10 . Thus, when the installation trailer  10  is in the collapsed position, the trailer  10  can be more easily and economically shipped or transported to the deployment site. 
       FIG.  6    illustrates a perspective view of an embodiment of the telescoping sides  102  of the installation trailer  10 , with a left side  126  and a right side  128  (referring to left and right sides of the installation trailer  10 ). Portions of two outer structural members  108  are shown in  FIG.  6   , namely a left outer structural member  130  (with an opening to the left side  126 ) and a right outer structural member  132  (with an opening to the right side  128 ). A left inner structural member  134  is shown pulled out of the left outer structural member  130 . A portion of a left hydraulic cylinder  136  is shown inside the left outer structural member  130 . The left hydraulic cylinder  136  has a first end  138  that is configured to couple with an internal support (not shown) of the left inner structural member  134 . When the left hydraulic cylinder  136  is contracted, it pulls the left inner structural member  134  further into the left outer structural member  130 . Alternatively, when the left hydraulic cylinder  136  is extended, it pushes the left inner structural member  134  further out of the left outer structural member  130 . A portion of a right hydraulic cylinder  140  is shown inside the right outer structural member  132 . A covering of the right outer structural member  132  has been omitted to enable the right hydraulic cylinder  140  to be visible in  FIG.  6   . The right hydraulic cylinder  140  has a second end  142  that is configured to couple with an internal support  144  of the right outer structural member  132 . The right hydraulic cylinder  140  works in a similar manner to the left hydraulic cylinder  136  to extend or retract the right inner structural member (not shown) from the right outer structural member  132 . The left inner structural member  134  moves in an opposite direction from the right inner structural member (not shown) when the installation trailer  10  is expanded or collapsed. In certain embodiments, the left inner structural member  134  may include one or more pads  146  to reduce friction between the left inner structural member  134  and left outer structural member  130 . The pads  146  may be made from a low-friction polymer or similar material. The pads  146  may also be made of steel or another metal or metal alloy and be configured to be replaced when worn, thereby helping to prevent excessive wear of the inner structural members. Additionally or alternatively, the left outer structural member  130  may include similar pads on one or more internal surfaces of the left outer structural member  130 . The right inner structural member (not shown) and/or the right outer structural member  132  may also include one or more pads  146 . In other embodiments, the hydraulic cylinders  136  and  140  may be configured differently. For example, the hydraulic cylinders  136  and  140  may be disposed outside of the left and right outer structural members  130  and  132 . In further embodiments, a single hydraulic cylinder may be used instead of two cylinders  136  and  140 . 
       FIG.  7    illustrates a perspective view of an embodiment of the lifting mechanism  16  and the braking mechanism  18 . Portions of the lifting mechanism  16 , such as external covers, are omitted in  FIG.  7    to enable internal components to be visible. As shown in  FIG.  7   , the lifting hook  88  includes a first surface  160  and a second surface  162 . The first surface  160  may be curved to generally correspond with a shaft diameter or similar portion of the reel  60  or a device used to manipulate coils  30 , as described in more detail below. The first surface  160  may be made of a material that is harder, more durable, or provides a lower coefficient of friction when in sliding contact with the shaft than the material used for the rest of the lifting hook  88  to reduce wear caused by friction when the shaft rotates during deployment of the spoolable pipe  12 . In certain embodiments, an insert may be added to the first surface  160  and the insert may be made of an appropriate wear-resistant material, such as, but not limited to, alloys of aluminum bronze, aluminum copper, nickel aluminum bronze, manganese bronze, and so forth. By using an insert for the first surface  160 , the insert may be replaced without having to replace the entire lifting hook  88 . The second surface  162  may be generally oriented perpendicular to the axial axis  32 , thereby acting as a stop to the shaft used with coils  30  or reels  60 . For example, the installation trailer  10  may be moved toward the coil  30  or reel  60  until the shaft reaches the second surface  162 . At that point, the shaft is in the proper position with respect to the first surface  160  (i.e., directly above the first surface  160 ) and the lifting hook  88  may be raised by the lifting mechanism  16  to engage with the shaft. When deployment is complete, the lifting hook  88  may be lowered by the lifting mechanism  16  until the shaft can clear a lip  164  of the lifting hook  88 . The lip  164  may help prevent the shaft from inadvertently coming out of the lifting hook  88 . In certain embodiments, the lifting hook  88  may be coupled to the belt  94  via a trolley  170  or similar mechanism that moves within a track  172  of the lifting mechanism  16 . The trolley  170  may include one or more wheels  174 , low-friction surfaces, or both to enable free movement of the lifting hook  88 . 
     When the shaft is raised by the lifting mechanism  16 , the shaft will engage with a brake shaft  166  coupled to the rotor  100  of the caliper brake  96 . The brake shaft  166  may include a keyed opening  168  configured to engage or mate with a corresponding shape of the shaft. For example, both the shaft and the keyed opening  168  may include one or more flat (i.e., non-curved) sides or surfaces to prevent rotation of the shaft within the keyed opening  168 . Thus, rotation of the shaft causes rotation of the brake shaft  166  and rotor  100 . In addition, the keyed opening  168  enables the brake shaft  166  to engage with the shaft without having to move the brake shaft  166  and rotor  100  axially  32  (i.e., inwardly or outwardly with respect to the shaft). Before the shaft is engaged with the braking mechanism  18 , the rotor  100  and brake shaft  166  may be rotated such that the keyed opening  168  is facing in a downward direction toward the shaft so the shaft can enter the keyed opening  168 . When deployment is complete, the rotor  100  may be rotated such that the keyed opening  168  is facing again in the downward direction toward the shaft so the shaft can exit from the keyed opening  168 . In other embodiments, different techniques may be used to temporarily couple the shaft to the braking mechanism  18 , such as, but not limited to, screws, bolts, pins, threads, and so forth. Further, although the brake shaft  166  is shown in  FIG.  7    coupled to the caliper brake  96 , the brake shaft  166  and lifting hook  88  may be used with other types of braking mechanisms  18 . In some embodiments, the keyed opening  168  may have a socket or circular shape instead of the open shape shown in  FIG.  7   . In such embodiments, the brake shaft  166 , or the shaft used with the coil  30  or reel  60 , or both the brake shaft  166  and shaft are moved axially  32  to engage the shaft with the keyed opening  168 . 
       FIG.  8    illustrates a perspective view of an embodiment of the lifting mechanism  16  that includes a mechanical lockout  180 . As shown in  FIG.  8   , the mechanical lockout  180  includes a plunger  182 , a lever  184 , a handle  186 , and a pivot  188 . The mechanical lockout  180  is configured to mechanically lock the lifting hook  88  into the raised position without relying alone on the hydraulic cylinders  90 . Thus, the mechanical lockout  180  improves the safety associated with operation of the installation trailer  10  by reducing the possibility of the coil  30  or reel  60  falling and reducing the number of pinch points. When lockout of the lifting hook  88  is desired, an operator pulls on the handle  186  in an outward direction (i.e., away from the installation trailer  10 ), which causes the lever  184  to push the plunger  182  inward (i.e., toward the installation trailer  10 ) via the pivot  188  thereby engaging the plunger  182  with an opening formed in the lifting hook  88  (not shown). The lever  184  enables the operator to engage the plunger  182  from ground level without having to climb onto the installation trailer  10  to reach the plunger  182 . In certain embodiments, the plunger  182  may include a proximity switch (not shown) to indicate that the plunger  182  has properly engaged with the opening in the lifting hook  88 . Thus, the operator may be able to receive a signal from the proximity switch to verify proper engagement of the mechanical lockout  180  without having to climb onto the installation trailer  10 . In further embodiments, other types of mechanical or electrical lockouts may be provided on the installation trailer  10  to prevent inadvertent movement of the lifting hook  88 . 
       FIG.  9    illustrates a side view of an embodiment of the mechanical lockout  180  in an engaged position. As shown in  FIG.  9   , the lever  184  has been pushed toward the lifting mechanism  16  and has rotated about the pivot  188 . The plunger  182  coupled to the end of the lever  184  has been pushed inward to engage with an opening  200  in the lifting hook  88 . In addition, the plunger  182  is disposed in a sleeve  202  coupled to the lifting mechanism  16 . One or more hinges  204  may be provided in the mechanical lockout  180  to achieve a desired range of motion. 
       FIG.  10    illustrates a side view of an embodiment of the mechanical lockout  180  in a disengaged position. As shown in  FIG.  10   , the lever  184  has been pushed away from the lifting mechanism  16  and has rotated about the pivot  188 . The plunger  182  coupled to the end of the lever  184  has been pulled into the sleeve  202  and no longer engages with the opening  200  in the lifting hook  88 . Thus, the lifting hook  88  is free to move vertically via the hydraulic cylinder  90 . In certain embodiments, the lifting hook  88  may not include the opening  200  and may instead include an additional feature (e.g., a socket) for the plunger  182  to engage with. 
       FIG.  11    illustrates a perspective view of an embodiment of a drum assembly  210  that may be used to manipulate coils  30 . The drum assembly  210  may include a support bar  214  having a first end  216  and a second end  218  that extends axially  32  through the center of the drum assembly  210 . The support bar  214  is used to handle the drum assembly  210  and various components are coupled to the support bar  214 , as described in further detail below. In certain embodiments, a first plurality of expandable spokes  220  are coupled to the support bar  214  proximate the first end  216  and a second plurality of expandable spokes (not shown) are coupled to the support bar  214  proximate the second end  218 . In addition, each of a plurality of drum segments  224  are mounted to a distal end  226  of one of the first plurality of expandable spokes  220  and a distal end of one of the second plurality of expandable spokes. The drum segments  224  extend parallel to the support bar  214 . The plurality of drum segments  224  are used to support the spoolable pipe  12  and the distal end  226  of the first plurality of expandable spokes  220  and the distal end of the second plurality of expandable spokes are movable between retracted and extended positions via one or more mechanical actuators  240 . Thus, the drum assembly  210  is configured to be easily inserted, expanded outward to support, then manipulate the coils  30 , and withdrawn from coils  30  of spoolable pipe  12  and to be used with coils  30  of spoolable pipe  12  of different inner coil diameters. The mechanical actuators  240  can be connected to and powered by the hydraulic power unit  20  when used with the installation trailer  10 . 
     In certain embodiments, a first hub  300  is disposed at the first end  216  and the first hub  300  includes a first hub shaft  302 , which may have a circular cross-sectional shape. Although not shown in the perspective view of  FIG.  11   , the drum assembly  210  may also include a second hub and second hub shaft disposed at the second end  218  similar to the first hub  300  and first hub shaft  302 . In certain embodiments, the first hub  300  and second hub may be referred to as integrated hubs because the first hub  300  and second hub may eliminate the use of a hollow support bar with open ends along the axial axis  32  of the drum assembly  210  for inserting a rod or pole for lifting and deploying the drum assembly  210 . Instead, integrated hubs such as the first hub  300  and the second hub may act together with the support bar  214  as a fixed axle with respect to the drum assembly  210 . In addition, the first hub shaft  302  and second hub shaft may provide fixed locations for an operator to grab or manipulate the drum assembly  210 , such as with a forklift, without using a rod, pole, or other similar lifting equipment. 
     In particular, the first hub  300  and second hub can be used to handle and move the drum assembly  210 . In addition, when the drum assembly  210  is placed in an appropriate frame, trailer, or other deployment device, such as the installation trailer  10 , the first hub shaft  302  and second hub shaft may be used to enable rotation of the drum assembly  210 . In other words, the first hub shaft  302  and second hub shaft may fit within a circular or partially circular opening or bearing surface of the frame, trailer, or other deployment device to allow the drum assembly  210  to rotate. One example of such an opening is the lifting hook  88  of the installation trailer  10 . Thus, the first hub shaft  302  and second hub shaft may contact the first surface  160  or insert of the first surface  160  of the lifting hook  88  during deployment. In addition, the first hub  300  and second hub may be shaped to match the keyed opening  168  of the brake shaft  166  of the braking mechanism  18 . Thus, the braking mechanism  18  applies pressure to the drum assembly  210  having the coil  30 . In certain embodiments, one or more pad-eyes  304  may be disposed at the first and second ends  216  and  218  to enable handling of the drum assembly  210 . For example, straps, ropes, chains, or similar securement devices may be coupled to the pad-eyes  304  to facilitate movement of the drum assembly  210 . The pad-eyes  304  may be coupled to the support bar  214 , expandable spokes  220 , spoke frames  290 , or other appropriate locations of the drum assembly  210 . In further embodiments, the drum assembly  210  may include at least two fork channels  306  that extend axially  32  or radially  34  along the support bar  14 . The forks or tines of a forklift, truck, or similar machinery may be inserted into the fork channels  306  to enable lifting and moving the drum assembly  210 . For example, fork channels  306  that extend axially  32  may be used to insert and remove the drum assembly  210  from the interior channel  38  of the coil  30 . Fork channels  306  that extend radially  34  may be used to lift or set the drum assembly  210  from or on a truck, railcar, or similar transportation or used when access to the fork channels  306  extending axially  32  is limited or restricted. The fork channels  306  may be coupled to the support bar  214 , expandable spokes  220 , spoke frames  290 , or other appropriate locations of the drum assembly  210 . 
     In certain embodiments, the drum assembly  210  may include a cage  310  that at least partially covers one or more components of the drum assembly  210 . For example, the cage  310  may help to protect components of the drum assembly  210  when the drum assembly  210  is moved or handled via the fork channels  306 . The cage  310  may be made from expanded metal or mesh and coupled to the support bar  214 , expandable spokes  220 , spoke frames  290 , fork channels  306 , or other appropriate locations of the drum assembly  210 . In further embodiments, the drum assembly  210  may include a plurality of extension arms, flanges, cages, or so forth at the first and second ends  16  and  18  to help contain the coil  30  during deployment of the spoolable pipe  12 . Although one embodiment of a drum assembly  210  that may be used with the installation trailer  10  is shown in  FIG.  11   , other embodiments of the drum assembly  210  with different, additional, or fewer features may also be used with the installation trailer  10 . For example, the drum assembly  210  may have a different number or arrangement of drum segments  224 , the cage  310  may be omitted, additional containment arms or flanges may be located at one or both of the first and second ends  216  and  218 , and so forth. 
       FIG.  12    illustrates a perspective view of another embodiment of the drum assembly  210 . Elements in common with those shown in  FIG.  11    are labeled with the same reference numerals. As shown in  FIG.  12   , the drum assembly  210  includes containment flange  320  coupled to the support bar  214  or other portions of the drum assembly  210  at the second end  218  so the containment flange  320  rotates together with the drum assembly  210  during deployment of the spoolable pipe  12 . The containment flange  320  may be used to help contain the coil  30  while disposed on the drum assembly  210 . In other words, the containment flange  320  may help block the spoolable pipe  12  of the coil  30  from moving or shifting outside of the containment flange  320 . The open structure provided by the containment flange  320  may help reduce the overall weight of the drum assembly  210 , but in other embodiments, a solid structure may be used for the containment flange  320 . The containment flange  320  may have a variety of shapes, such as, but not limited to circles, ovals, rectangles, squares, polygons, and so forth. In the illustrated embodiment, the drum assembly  210  includes a plurality of folding arms  322  disposed at the first end  216 . Although three folding arms  322  are shown in  FIG.  12   , in other embodiments, there may be two, four, five, six, or more folding arms  322 . In the illustrated embodiment, the plurality of folding arms  322  are shown in a collapsed configuration such that the plurality of folding arms  322  are generally parallel to the axial axis  32  of the drum assembly  210 . In the collapsed configuration, the drum assembly  210  may be more easily inserted into the interior channel  38  of the coil  30 . After the coil  30  has been placed over the plurality of drum segments  224 , the plurality of folding arms  322  may be folded open to be generally perpendicular to the axial axis  32  of the drum assembly  210  (i.e., an expanded configuration). Thus, the coil  30  may be generally contained between the containment flange  320  and plurality of folding arms  322 . Although three drum segments  224  are shown in  FIG.  12   , in other embodiments, there may be two, four, five, six, or more drum segments  224 . In  FIG.  12   , the plurality of drum segments  224  are shown without covers to illustrate one or more ribs  225  found inside the drum segments  224  that are used to provide structural stability to the drum segments  224 . In certain embodiments, each of the plurality of folding arms  322  may include a pad  324  coupled to the folding arm via a spring mechanism  326  to accommodate coils  30  with different axial dimensions  40 . In certain embodiments, the containment flange  320  may be replaced by one or more of the plurality of folding arms  322 , which may be installed to be able to fold or installed in a fixed manner similar to the containment flange  320 . Although one embodiment of a drum assembly  210  that may be used with the installation trailer  10  is shown in  FIG.  12   , other embodiments of the drum assembly  210  with different, additional, or fewer features may also be used with the installation trailer  10 . For example, the drum assembly  210  may have a different number or arrangement of drum segments  224 , a different number or arrangement of folding arms  322 , containment flanges  320  located at both the first and second ends  216  and  218 , one or two containment flanges  320  coupled to one or more hydraulic cylinders to enable the one or two containment flanges  320  to move axially  32  toward the coil  30  for containment purposes, and so forth. For example, the containment flange  320  may be replaced with folding arms  322 , whether fixed or foldable. 
       FIG.  13    illustrates a perspective view of embodiments of both the installation trailer  10  and the drum assembly  210  shown in  FIG.  12   . The coil  30  is represented by a transparent cylinder so the details of the drum assembly  210  can be seen. In addition, the hydraulic power unit  20  has been removed for clarity. The support bar  214  of the drum assembly  210  is supported in the lifting hooks  88  of the installation trailer  10 . Thus, the lifting mechanism  16  can be used to raise the coil  30  disposed on the drum assembly  210  for deployment. When deployment of the spoolable pipe  12  is complete, the lifting mechanism  16  can be used to lower the drum assembly  210  to the ground and disengage the support bar  214  from the lifting hooks  88 . At this point, the drum assembly  210  can be removed or the installation trailer  10  moved away from the drum assembly  210 . If additional spoolable pipe  12  is to be deployed, the same or different drum assembly  210  with another coil  30  can be placed in the installation trailer  10  or the installation trailer moved to the drum assembly  210 . The lifting mechanism  16  can also be used to lower partial coils  30  (i.e., drum assembly  210  that has some remaining spoolable pipe  12 ) to the ground. Thus, the configuration and location of the lifting mechanism  16  on the installation trailer  10  enables various configurations and modalities of drum assemblies  210  with or without full or partial coils  30  to be lifted for deployment and lowered to the ground. 
       FIG.  14    illustrates a side view of embodiments of both the installation trailer  10  and the drum assembly  210  shown in  FIG.  12    with the drum assembly  210  and coil  30  in a raised position. The installation trailer  10  is capable of lowering the empty drum assembly  210  to the ground because of the range of motion provided by the lifting mechanism  16 . 
       FIG.  15    illustrates a rear view of embodiments of both the installation trailer  10  and the drum assembly  210  shown in  FIG.  12    with the drum assembly  210  shown in a lowered position and without the coil  30 . Elements in common with those shown in previous figures are labeled with the same reference numerals. As shown in  FIG.  15   , one or more hydraulic cylinders  340  may be used to move the plurality of folding arms  322  between expanded and collapsed configurations. The hydraulic cylinders  340  can be connected to and powered by the hydraulic power unit  20  when used with the installation trailer  10 . 
       FIG.  16    illustrates a rear view of embodiments of both the installation trailer  10  and the drum assembly  210  shown in  FIG.  12    with the drum assembly  210  shown in a raised position and with the coil  30 . Elements in common with those shown in previous figures are labeled with the same reference numerals. As shown in  FIG.  16   , the lifting mechanism  16  raises the drum assembly  210  so that a desired clearance  350  between the bottom of the coil  30  and the ground is achieved. 
       FIG.  17    illustrates a perspective view of a portion of an embodiment of the installation trailer  10  that includes guide plates  360  coupled to the lifting mechanisms  16 . Note that one of the lifting hooks  88  has been omitted from  FIG.  17    to enable the guide plate  360  to be clearly visible. The guide plate  360  may be a rectangular-shaped piece of metal and the connection to the lifting mechanism  16  may be reinforced by one or more ribs  362 . In other embodiments, the guide plate  360  may have other shapes and configurations. The connection between the guide plate  360  and the lifting mechanism  16  may be accomplished via welding, brazing, or other mechanical fastening techniques. When the installation trailer  10  is moved toward the drum assembly  210 , the guide plates  360  may be used so the drum assembly  210  is positioned properly with respect to the lifting hooks  88 . In other words, if the drum assembly  210  is not aligned properly, the guide plates  360  may either push the drum assembly  210  into the proper position and/or push the installation trailer  10  into a different position with respect to the drum assembly  210 . When the installation trailer  10  is used with reels  60 , the guide plates  360  may be used in a similar manner with respect to the shaft used with the reel  60 . In certain embodiments, the shaft may include one or more alignment features  366  (as shown in  FIG.  15   ) that coordinate with the guide plates  360 . 
     The embodiment of the installation trailer  10  shown in  FIG.  17    also illustrates additional variations of some of the features previously discussed. For example, the vertical stop  95  is shaped differently than that shown in  FIG.  4   . Specifically, the vertical stop  95  includes a horizontal stop portion  364  to block movement of the shaft or similar portion of the reel  60  or a device used to manipulate coils  30  in the horizontal direction (e.g., generally parallel to the axial axis  32 ). 
       FIG.  18    illustrates a perspective view of a portion of an embodiment of the installation trailer  10  that includes stop plates  380  coupled to a support plate  382  that is then coupled to structural member  80  via one or more fasteners  384 . Portions of the lifting mechanism  16  have been omitted for clarity. The stop plates  380  block excessive movement of the frame  84  about the pivot  86 . The stop plates  380  may be rectangular-shaped pieces of metal, but have other shapes in other embodiments. The connection between the stop plates  380  and the support plate  382  may be accomplished via welding, brazing, or other mechanical fastening techniques. In certain embodiments, the support plate  382  may be omitted and the stop plates  380  coupled directly to the structural member  80 . 
       FIG.  19    illustrates a perspective view of a portion of an embodiment of the installation trailer  10  that includes one or more telescoping side locking pins  400  inserted through locking pin holes  402  formed in the left outer structural member  130  and the left inner structural member  134 . After the left inner structural member  134  has been extended by the left hydraulic cylinder  136 , the locking pins  400  may be inserted into the locking pin holes  402  to block movement of the left inner structural member  134 , such as upon a failure or loss of hydraulic pressure in the left hydraulic cylinder  136 . When the installation trailer  10  is to be collapsed, the locking pins  400  may be removed from the locking pin holes  402  to enable the left inner structural member  134  to be pulled into the left outer structural member  130  by the left hydraulic cylinder  136 . In certain embodiments, the locking pins  400  may be inserted into different locking pin holes  402  when the installation trailer  10  is collapsed to block movement of the left inner structural member  134 . Locking pins  400  and locking pin holes  402  may also be provided for the right side  128  of the installation trailer  10  and be used in a similar manner as that described above for the left side  126 . Although two locking pins  400  are shown for each side in  FIG.  19   , different numbers of locking pins  400  may be used in other embodiments. 
       FIG.  19    also illustrates one or more lifting lugs  404  coupled to the installation trailer  10 . In certain embodiments, each of the lifting lugs  404  may include a shackle  406  to enable the lifting lugs  404  to be used when lifting the installation trailer  10 , such as via a crane or other lifting device. In certain embodiments, four lifting lugs  404  may be located about the perimeter of the installation trailer  10  as shown in  FIG.  20   . In some embodiments, one or more hydraulic hose tracks  408  may be used to protect the hydraulic hoses of the installation trailer  10  when it moves between expanded and collapsed configurations. 
     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.