Tube Forming Device

Abstract

A technique facilitates the plastic deformation of tubing to a desired size and shape. The technique enables deformation of tubing, such as a coiled tubing end, in a manner which facilitates installation of a tubing connector. A tubing forming device is used in cooperation with a tubing injector. The tubing injector moves the tubing through a die of the tubing forming device in a linear direction so as to deform the tubing to a desired shape and/or size.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A system for deploying coiled tubing, comprising:
 a coiled tubing injector; and   a coiled tubing end forming device, the coiled tubing end forming device comprising a segmented die having an opening for receiving coiled tubing therethrough, the segmented die being radially contractible to cause plastic deformation of the coiled tubing as the coiled tubing is forced through the opening by the coiled tubing injector.   
     
     
         2 . The system as recited in  claim 1 , wherein the coiled tubing end forming device further comprises a housing for receiving the segmented die. 
     
     
         3 . The system as recited in  claim 2 , wherein the coiled tubing end forming device further comprises a die having a wedge-shaped portion positioned between the housing and the segmented die to force the segmented die to radially contract while the coiled tubing injector is operated to move the coiled tubing axially along the opening. 
     
     
         4 . The system as recited in  claim 3 , wherein the coiled tubing end forming device further comprises a die limit ring held by the die at a desired location to limit the radial contraction of the segmented die. 
     
     
         5 . The system as recited in  claim 1 , wherein the coiled tubing injector is operated to pull the coiled tubing through the segmented die to plastically deform an end of the coiled tubing. 
     
     
         6 . The system as recited in  claim 1 , wherein the coiled tubing injector is operated to push the coiled tubing through the segmented die to plastically deform an end of the coiled tubing. 
     
     
         7 . The system as recited in  claim 4 , wherein movement of the coiled tubing by the coiled tubing injector causes lineal movement of the segmented die into engagement with the die limit ring while the wedge-shaped portion forces the segmented die to radially contract. 
     
     
         8 . The system as recited in  claim 4 , wherein the die limit ring is adjustable to enable changes to a final diameter of the coiled tubing moved through the segmented die. 
     
     
         9 . The system as recited in  claim 1 , wherein the segmented die comprises a plurality of metal segments held together by a polymer material which allows radial expansion and contraction of the segmented die. 
     
     
         10 . The system as recited in  claim 1 , wherein the coiled tubing end forming device is mounted to the coiled tubing injector. 
     
     
         11 . A method for shaping coiled tubing, comprising:
 positioning a coiled tubing injector to inject coiled tubing into a well;   operating the coiled tubing injector to move coiled tubing through a die; and   contracting the die, via the power of the coiled tubing injector moving the coiled tubing, until the coiled tubing undergoes plastic deformation as the coiled tubing is moved linearly through the die by the coiled tubing injector.   
     
     
         12 . The method as recited in  claim 11 , wherein operating comprises operating the coiled tubing injector to move coiled tubing through a segmented die which is radially contractible and expandable. 
     
     
         13 . The method as recited in  claim 12 , wherein contracting comprises moving the segmented die linearly against a wedge-shaped portion to force radial contraction of the segmented die. 
     
     
         14 . The method as recited in  claim 11 , wherein operating comprises operating the coiled tubing injector to pull the coiled tubing through the die until an end of the coiled tubing is sized to a desired outer diameter. 
     
     
         15 . The method as recited in  claim 11 , wherein operating comprises operating the coiled tubing injector to push the coiled tubing through the die until an end of the coiled tubing is sized to a desired outer diameter. 
     
     
         16 . A method for shaping tubing, comprising:
 providing a tubing forming device with a die;   locating a wedge-shaped portion along the die such that a linear movement of the die along the wedge-shaped portion causes radial contraction of the die; and   using a tubing injector to move tubing through the die such that movement of the tubing causes the linear movement of the die and thus the radial contraction of the die.   
     
     
         17 . The method as recited in  claim 16 , further comprising limiting the radial contraction of the die to a diameter which causes a desired plastic deformation of the tubing as the tubing is moved in a linear direction by the tubing injector. 
     
     
         18 . The system as recited in  claim 16 , wherein providing comprises providing the tubing forming device with a segmented die. 
     
     
         19 . The system as recited in  claim 16 , wherein using further comprises causing plastic deformation of an end of the tubing as the tubing is pulled through the die by the tubing injector. 
     
     
         20 . The system as recited in  claim 16 , wherein using further comprises causing plastic deformation of an end of the tubing as the tubing is pushed through the die by the tubing injector.