Dual-Reel Assembly For Coiled Tubing

Abstract

A coiled tubing reel assembly has two rotatable coiled, tubing reels that jointly hold a single continuous length of coiled tubing coiled wound around both of the reels. A drive mechanism provides controlled rotation to the reels and a levelwind mechanism positions the coiled tubing on the reels during reel rotation. The coiled tubing reel assembly allows transportation of greater continuous lengths of coiled tubing while minimizing the bending stresses associated with coiling and uncoiling the coiled tubing from the reels. Use of two coiled tubing reels also allows the overall dimensions of the reels to be minimized to facilitate transportation.

I claim: 
     
         1 . A coiled tubing reel assembly comprising:
 (a) a first reel;   (b) a second reel;   (c) at least one drive mechanism providing controlled rotation of said first and second reels; and   (d) a single continuous length of coiled tubing coiled around both said first reel and said second reel.   
     
     
         2 . The coiled tubing reel assembly recited in  claim 1  further comprising a levelwind mechanism positioning said length of coiled tubing on said first reel. 
     
     
         3 . The coiled tubing reel assembly recited in  claim 2  further comprising a levelwind mechanism positioning said length of coiled tubing on said second reel. 
     
     
         4 . The coiled tubing reel assembly recited in  claim 3  wherein said first and second reels are mounted on the bed of a transport vehicle. 
     
     
         5 . The coiled tubing reel assembly recited in  claim 2  wherein said first and second reels are mounted on a skid. 
     
     
         6 . The coiled tubing reel assembly recited in  claim 3  wherein said first and second reels are mounted on a skid. 
     
     
         7 . The coiled tubing reel assembly recited in  claim 3  wherein said first and second reels have a radially extending fixed flange segment and a detachable flange segment. 
     
     
         8 . The coiled tubing reel assembly recited in  claim 7  further comprising a hinge holding said detachable flange segment to said fixed flange segment. 
     
     
         9 . The coiled tubing reel assembly recited in  claim 8  further comprising a latch holding said detachable flange segment in an erect position relative to said fixed flange segment. 
     
     
         10 . A coiled tubing reel assembly comprising:.
 (a) two rotatable reels;   (b) a drive mechanism providing controlled rotation for said reels;   (c) a levelwind mechanism engaging a continuous length of coiled tubing; and   (c) wherein said rotatable reels jointly hold a continuous length of coiled tubing wound around said rotatable reels.   
     
     
         11 . The coiled tubing reel assembly recited in  claim 10  wherein said rotatable reels are mounted on the bed of a transport vehicle. 
     
     
         12 . The coiled tubing reel assembly recited in  claim 10  wherein said rotatable reels are mounted on a skid. 
     
     
         13 . The coiled tubing reel assembly recited in  claim 10  wherein said rotatable reels have a radially extending fixed flange and a radially extending detachable flange segment. 
     
     
         14 . A method for transporting a continuous segment of coiled tubing comprising the steps of:
 (a) providing two rotatable reels;   (b) providing a drive mechanism providing controlled rotation for said reels;   (c) providing a continuous length of coiled tubing;   (d) rotating said reels with said drive mechanism whereby said continuous length of coiled tubing is coiled around each of said rotatable reels; and   (e) wherein said rotatable reels jointly hold said continuous length of coiled tubing.   
     
     
         15 . The method for transporting a continuous segment of coiled tubing recited in  claim 14  comprising the additional steps of:
 (a) providing a levelwind mechanism; 
 (b) engaging said continuous length of coiled tubing with said levelwind mechanism; and 
 (c) positioning said length of coiled tubing on said reels. 
 
     
     
         16 . The method for transporting a continuous segment of coiled tubing recited in  claim 15  comprising the additional step of mounting said rotatable reels on a skid. 
     
     
         17 . The method for transporting a continuous segment of coiled tubing recited in  claim 15  comprising the additional step of mounting said rotatable reels on the bed of a vehicle. 
     
     
         18 . The method for transporting a continuous segment of coiled tubing recited in  claim 17  comprising the additional steps of:
 (a) providing each of said rotatable reels with a fixed flange segment and detachable flange segment; 
 (b) detaching said detachable flange segment from said fixed segment of said rotatable reels; and 
 (c) transporting said rotatable reels on said vehicle. 
 
     
     
         19 . The method for transporting a continuous segment of coiled tubing recited in  claim 18  comprising the additional steps of:
 (a) attaching said detachable flange segment to said fixed segment of said rotatable reels; and 
 (b) uncoiling said coiled tubing from each of said rotatable reels.