Information
-
Patent Grant
-
6666274
-
Patent Number
6,666,274
-
Date Filed
Wednesday, May 15, 200222 years ago
-
Date Issued
Tuesday, December 23, 200321 years ago
-
Inventors
-
Original Assignees
-
Examiners
Agents
-
CPC
-
US Classifications
Field of Search
US
- 166 57
- 166 772
- 166 773
- 166 774
- 166 384
- 166 380
- 166 385
- 166 2416
- 166 2417
- 166 2426
-
International Classifications
-
Abstract
The invention comprises a section of improved tubing with coupled end connectors and an insert containing at least one electrical wire. The insert has an outside diameter that is approximately equal to the inside diameter of the improved tubing. The insert also has projections at each end such that when two inserts are placed end to end, the projections will mate up. The insert has at least one groove cut into its side and running the length of the insert. The groove is for the placement of a wire for transmission of power to the well bore or for the placement of a wire for transmission of data from the well bore. When a plurality of the inventions are placed end to end, the insert projections line up the electrical connectors and correct mating of the insert projections will result in correct mating of the electrical connectors.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention generally relates to tubing that is used to produce hydrocarbons in a subterranean environment and specifically to an improved tubing having an insert with electrical wiring.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Basic artificial lift methods to produce oil and water from a well have improved and changed in recent years. Nearly all methods of artificial lift still employ the connection of a plurality of pipes to form a conduit within a well that has been drilled and cased to allow oil and water to be pumped from the bottom of the well to production tanks at the surface. The production string usually has a pumping device at its lower end that is positioned near the bottom of the well bore that has been prepared for production. Pumping mechanisms such as electrical submersible pumps (ESP) and progressive cavity pumps (PCP) provide the energy needed to bring fluids to the surface through a string of jointed tubing. These pumps normally require an electric motor in order to make them work. Although a multitude of improvements have been made to these pumps over the years, there has been little done to reposition the wires that provide power to the pump from the outside of the tubing to the inside of the tubing.
For various reasons, those who are skilled in the science of producing fluids from a well have sought out a reliable method of supplying power to the bottom of a well bore. The previously proposed solutions to this problem have been unreliable, expensive, and complicated to install and remove. For example, the currently preferred method of power transmission to the bottom of the well bore is to secure a cable, that contains one or more wires by means of bands that secure the cable to the outside of the production string of tubing. The bands keep the wire adjacent to the tubing so that it does not snag on the production casing or on any objects which might be in the well bore. The bands also support the weight of the cable by securing the cable to the tubing. However, this method is problematic because it exposes the cable and bands to the corrosive elements of the well bore. Furthermore, installing (running) or removing (pulling) the tubing string creates opportunities to separate the cable from the tubing because inclined well bores (the most common type of well bores) increase the chance of the band to hanging up and failing at the gap where two joints of casing have been screwed together. Failure of one or more bands can prevent the removal of the pump or tubing because the annular space between the outside of the production tubing and the inside of the production casing is small and the cable, if not secured to the tubing, can wedge between the casing and the tubing causing the tubing to become stuck. Even if the cable does not break, the insulation on the wire inside the cable can be damaged which can create a short circuit in the electrical circuit, rendering the wire essentially useless. The tubing string then has to be pulled back up to the surface, and the short found and repaired, before the pump can be run back to bottom of the well bore. The problems created by banded external cables are costly and time consuming. Therefore, a need exists for an alternative method of power transmission from the surface to the bottom of the well bore that is both reliable and cost effective.
One solution to the above stated problem is to employ a plurality of tubing with multiple wires attached to the inside of the tubing instead of the outside of the drill pipe. While this solution alleviates the problem of snagging the wire, it does not solve the problem of exposing the wire to the harsh environment of the produced fluids that are contained within the production tubing. Simply hanging the cable on the inside of the tubing is also problematic because there is no way to support the weight of the cable and the pressure requirements of the pump will be higher due to the added friction between the fluid that is being pumped and the rough exterior of the cable.
Another solution to the above stated problem is to concentrically position the wires on the exterior of a tube that is inserted and attached to the actual production tubing itself. This solution avoids the problems presented by simply attaching the wire to either the interior or the exterior of the tubing. An example of this technique can be found in U.S. Pat. No. 4,683,944 (the '944 patent) entitled “Drill Pipes and Casings Utilizing Multi-Conduit Tubulars.” The '944 patent discloses a drill pipe with electrical wires positioned inside conduits in the drill pipe wall. However, positioning the wire inside the drill pipe wall significantly decreases the overall pipe wall thickness. In order to overcome the decreased wall thickness, significantly thicker drill pipes will have to be used. Furthermore, the multiple conduits create weak points in the drill pipe in between the conduits. The high rotational stress which the drill pipe encounters in the drilling operations can cause stress fractures in the pipe wall between the multiple conduit tubulars. In an extreme case, high rotational stress can lead to an internal fracture in the drill pipe that disengages the interior wall of the drill pipe from the exterior wall of the drill pipe.
Furthermore, the manufacture of the multiple conduit drill pipe is a complicated process which is unlike the manufacturing process for conventional drill pipe. Conventional drill pipe is manufactured by attaching male and female pipe connections to opposite ends of a conventional piece of pipe. The two connections are usually welded to the pipe. Multiple conduit pipes must be either extruded with the multiple conduits in place, or the multiple conduits must be drilled or cut out of a conventional drill pipe. In either case, the costs associated with manufacture of multiple conduit drill pipe are high.
Another problem encountered in the addition of wires to drill pipe, which is not unique to multiple conduits, is the problem associated with creating reliable, secure electrical connections. In conventional drill pipe the individual pipe segments screw together, creating a problem for connecting the wires during the screwing or unscrewing process. This problem can be overcome by using drill pipe that plugs together and that is secured with a threaded coupler. This type of connection is known in the art. The '944 patent discloses a similar type of coupling connection, but requires a planer conduit seal in between the individual pipe segments in order to assure the integrity of the conduit connection. The removable conduit seal is crucial to the method in the '944 patent because a permanently installed conduit seal would be susceptible to damage during manufacture, transportation, storage, and installation of the multiple conduit drill pipe during drilling operations. Installing these conduit seals during the drilling process is also a cumbersome and a time consuming process. Therefore, a need exists for a method of transmitting electrical power to the bottom of a well bore in which the electrical connections are adequately protected from damage and the process of connecting the individual pipe segments is relatively simple and fast.
The needs identified above exist for production tubing, drill pipe, casing, and/or for any cylindrical pipe used to produce hydrocarbons in a subterranean environment. Therefore, as used herein, the term “tubing” shall mean production tubing, drill pipe, casing, and/or any other cylindrical pipe that is used to produce hydrocarbons in a subterranean environment.
Since, the previous solutions to the power transmission problem are lacking, a need still exists for an apparatus and method of transmitting power to a well bore in which the wire is not exposed to either the interior or the exterior of the tubing and is operable with any conventional tubing, including without limitation production, casing or drill pipe. Furthermore, a need exists for an apparatus and method for connecting the individual tubing segments together in which the electrical connections are well protected and the connection process is quick and easy.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention, which meets the needs stated above, is an improved tubing which overcomes the problems presented by earlier inventions involving tubing and electrical wiring combinations. The invention comprises a section of tubing with coupled end connectors and an insert containing at least one electrical wire. The insert has an outside diameter that is approximately equal to the inside diameter of the improved tubing. The insert also has projections at each end such that when two inserts are placed end to end, the projections will mate up. The insert has at least one groove cut into its side and running the length of the insert. The groove is for the placement of a wire for transmission of power to the well bore or for the placement of a wire for transmission of data from the well bore. The groove is installed down the length of the insert. The groove is deep enough so that when a wire is placed inside the groove, the wire does not project beyond the outside diameter of the insert. The insert may contain as many groove and wire combinations as are necessary for the particular application. The wire has an electrical connection at each end of the insert. When the inserts are placed end to end, the insert projections line up the electrical connectors and correct mating of the insert projections will result in correct mating of the electrical connectors.
The inserts, are the same length as the tubing and are installed inside the tubing such that the insert is flush with the first end of the tubing. The inserts are then welded to the tubing or secured to the tubing by some other method. A threaded coupler is then installed on the second end of the tubing to protect the exposed insert and electrical connector. The coupler will also be used to secure the improved tubing together.
Individual pieces of improved tubing are connected together in a three step process. First the coupler is threaded onto the second end of the tubing. Next, the first end of one tubing member is positioned above the second end of another tubing member. Next, the insert projections are properly aligned so that they will mate together. Then, the two pieces of tubing are plugged together so that the electrical connections engage each other. Finally, the coupler is screwed onto the first end of the tubing so that the two pieces of tubing are secured together. The process may be repeated as necessary to create an elongated string of improved tubing.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
FIG. 1
is an illustration of the improved tubing without the insert or the coupler.
FIG. 2
is an illustration of the insert.
FIG. 3
is an illustration of the insert installed in the improved tubing.
FIG. 4A
is a cross-sectional illustration of the two wire embodiment of the insert taken along line
4
—
4
in FIG.
2
.
FIG. 4B
is a cross-sectional illustration of the three wire embodiment of the insert similar to the two wire embodiment in FIG.
4
A.
FIG. 5
is an exploded illustration of the connection between the first end of the improved drill pipe and the second end of the improved tubing.
FIG. 6
is a cross-section of the two wire embodiment of the insert installed in the improved tubing taken along line
6
—
6
in FIG.
5
.
FIG. 7
is a cross-section of the two wire embodiment of the insert installed in the improved tubing taken along line
7
—
7
in FIG.
5
.
FIG. 8
is an illustration of the positioning and alignments steps for the two wire embodiment of the improved tubing.
FIG. 9A
is an illustration of the plugging step for the two wire embodiment of the improved tubing.
FIG. 9B
is an illustration of the securing step for the two wire embodiment of the improved tubing.
FIG. 10
is an illustration of the positioning and alignment step for the three wire embodiment of the improved tubing. The dashed line indicates the alignment of the wire connectors in the three wire insert embodiment.
FIG. 11
is a cross-sectional illustration of the three wire embodiment of the insert taken along line
11
—
11
in FIG.
10
.
FIG. 12
is an illustration of the plugging step for the three wire embodiment of the improved tubing.
FIG. 13
is an illustration of the securing step for the three wire embodiment of the improved tubing.
FIG. 14
is a cross-sectional illustration of the three wire embodiment of the insert taken along line
14
—
14
in FIG.
13
.
FIG. 15
is a detail view of the geometry between the insert, the wire, and the improved tubing around the area indicated by circle
15
in FIG.
14
.
FIG. 16
is an illustration of a submerged pump in a production situation.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
As used herein, the term “improved tubing” means tubing that is adapted to receive a coupler and that has an insert.
FIG. 1
is an illustration of improved tubing
100
without insert
200
(see
FIG. 2
) or coupler
300
(see FIG.
5
). Improved tubing
100
is comprised, of three sections: first end
120
, midsection
140
, and second end
160
. First end
120
comprises coarse threads
122
, first end weld joint
124
, and wrench grip
126
. Midsection
140
comprises pipe
142
, pipe first end
144
, and pipe second end
146
. Second end
160
comprises fine threads
162
, second end weld joint
164
, and coupler stop flange
166
. First end
120
and second end
160
may be like those found in U.S. Pat. No. 5,950,744 (the '744 patent) entitled “Method and Apparatus for Aligning Pipe and Tubing.” Typically, first end
120
and second end.
160
are manufactured by either casting or forging and pipe
142
is manufactured by some other method (i.e. electric resistance welding or extrusion). The manufacture of improved tubing
100
involves the threading of first end
120
and second end
160
to pipe
142
. While the preferred method of manufacturing first end
120
and second end
160
is threading the two ends of improved tubing
100
, those skilled in the art will be aware of other methods of manufacturing first end
120
and second end
160
. Regardless of the method of manufacture, the inside diameter of first end
120
, midsection
140
, and second end
160
are substantially the same so that when insert
200
engages improved tubing
100
, the outside surface area of insert
200
contacts the inside surface area of improved tubing
100
.
FIG. 2
is an illustration of insert
200
. Insert
200
is comprised of insert first end
220
, insert midsection
240
, and insert second end
260
. Insert first end
220
comprises insert first end projection
222
and insert first end electrical connection
224
. Insert midsection
240
comprises insert body
242
and insert groove
244
. Insert second end
260
comprises insert second end projection
262
and insert second end electrical connection
264
. The depressions in insert second nd
260
in between insert second end projections
262
match up with the insert first end projections
222
. Likewise, the depressions in insert first end
220
in between insert first end projections
222
match up with the insert second end projections
262
. Thus, when two inserts
200
are coaxially aligned with insert first end
220
facing insert second end
260
, insert first end
220
will mate up with insert second end
260
. Insert
200
also contains insert groove
244
which is a groove cut down the long axis of insert
200
. Insert groove
244
is sufficiently large to accommodate at least one wire
246
. Wire
246
is electrically coupled to insert first end electrical connection
224
and insert second end electrical connection
264
and is used as a medium to transfer electricity from the surface to the bottom of the well bore. Insert first end electrical connection
224
and insert first end electrical connection
264
are single plug connectors similar to the K-25 series electrical connectors produced by Kemlon Products and Development Co. of Pearland, Tex. The K-25 series of single plug electrical connections are able to withstand temperatures up to 500° F. and pressures up to 25,000 psi.
FIG. 4A
is a cross-section of the two wire embodiment of insert
200
taken along line
4
—
4
in FIG.
2
. Inset
200
may contain only one wire
246
or may contain a plurality of wires
246
. For simplicity of illustration of the invention,
FIGS. 1 through 9B
(excluding
4
B) depict the invention with only two wires. In alternative embodiments, wire
246
can be a fiber optic in which case the two electrical connections on insert
200
would be optical connections and the fiber optic would be optically coupled to the optical connections. In another alternative embodiment, the invention could employ a mixture of fiber optics and electrical wires. In the preferred embodiment the invention incorporates three wires such that the three wires each carry the appropriate load of a three phase, 440-volt electrical system, as illustrated in FIGS.
4
B and
10
through
15
. However, the number and type of wires is not meant to be a limitation on the invention as those skilled in the art will be aware of how best to configure the invention with fiber optics, electrical wiring, or other connections within insert groove
244
of improved drill pipe
100
.
FIG. 3
is an illustration of improved tubing
100
with insert
200
installed. Insert
200
is sized lengthwise so that when insert
200
is inserted into improved tubing
100
, insert first end projection
222
is flush with first end
120
and insert second end projection
262
is the only portion of insert
200
that is projecting beyond second end
160
. As seen in
FIG. 6
, insert
200
is circumferentially sized such that the outer diameter of insert
200
is sufficiently equal to the inside diameter of improved tubing
100
. Insert groove
244
is sufficiently deep in insert body
242
so that wire
246
does not extend beyond the outer diameter of insert
200
, yet is not deep enough to affect the structural integrity of insert
200
. Insert
200
is coaxially positioned inside improved tubing
100
and secured in place. In the preferred embodiment, insert
200
is the same material as improved tubing
100
and is secured in place by welding. However, insert
200
can be made of any material suitable for drilling operations including various metal alloys, fiberglass, plastic PVC, polymer, or any other material as determined by those of skill in the art. Likewise, insert
200
can be secured in place by welding, glue, heat shrinking, expanding, set screws, or any other method as determined by those skilled in the art. Heat shrinking is defined as a process in which the outer pipe is heated so that the outer pipe expands, the insert is positioned inside the pipe, and the pipe is allowed to cool so that it contracts and secures the insert in place. Expanding is a process in which a tool (expander), having a slightly larger outside diameter than the inside diameter of the insert, is pulled forcibly through the insert causing the outside surface of the insert to expand and grip the inside of the improved tubing. Set screws is a process in which the improved tubing and insert are tapped and threaded and a screw is inserted through the improved tubing and insert to secure the insert in place relative to the pipe.
FIG. 5
is an exploded illustration of the connection between two separate pieces of improved tubing
100
with insert
200
installed and coupler
300
positioned for installation on first end
120
and drill pipe second end
160
. Coupler
300
is annular in shape and contains coupler fine threads
302
and coupler coarse threads
304
. Coupler fine threads.
302
are configured for screwing engagement with drill pipe fine threads
162
. Coupler coarse threads
304
are configured for screwing engagement with drill pipe coarse threads
122
. The pitch of drill pipe coarse threads
122
and drill pipe fine threads
162
are different pitch so that coupler
300
can only mate up with improved tubing
100
in one orientation. Similarly, when coupler fine threads
302
and coupler coarse threads
304
engage pipe coarse threads
122
and drill pipe fine threads
162
, the coarse threads and the fine threads do not interfere with the threading process of each other. As seen in
FIG. 7
, coupler stop flange
166
has a larger cross-sectional area than fine threads
162
and acts as a stop for coupler
300
so that coupler
300
does not go past second end
160
. The outside diameter of coupler
300
is sufficiently similar to pipe wrench grip
126
so that when the user is attaching the individual pieces of improved drill pipe
100
together, a pipe wrench will fit onto both pipe wrench grip
126
and coupler
300
without undue adjustment of the pipe wrench. Coarse threads
122
and coupler coarse threads
304
are tapered so that they may be completely engaged with a minimal amount of rotations after first end
120
and second end
160
have been plugged together. Coupler
300
is also sufficiently long so that when coupler
300
is completely screwed onto second end
160
and abuts coupler stop flange
166
, coupler
300
extends past insert second end projection
262
. It is important that coupler
300
extend past insert second end projection
262
because improved tubing
100
will typically be stored, transported, and handled with coupler
300
installed on second end
160
and coupler
300
will protect insert second end
260
and specifically insert second end electrical connection
264
from damage.
FIG. 8
is an illustration of coupler
300
installed on second end
160
just prior to connection of two pieces of improved tubing
100
.
FIG. 8
is representative of how improved tubing
100
will be stored, transported, and handled. In
FIG. 8
, coupler
300
extends past insert second end projection
262
and insert second end electrical connection
264
.
FIGS. 8
,
9
A, and
9
B illustrate the process of attaching two sections of improved tubing
100
together. In attaching the two sections of improved tubing
100
together, as far as the scope of this invention is concerned, it does not matter whether the second end
160
of one section of improved tubing
100
is above the first end
120
of the other section of improved tubing
100
or vice-versa. The improved tubing
100
may also be connected in the horizontal. However, the preferred embodiment and industry standard is to place the second end
160
above the first end
120
. The attachment process comprises four steps: positioning, aligning, plugging, and securing. First, in the positioning step the two sections of improved tubing
100
are positioned over one another with a second end
160
of one improved tubing
100
facing the first end
120
of the other improved tubing
100
. As seen in
FIG. 8
, the aligning step consists of rotating one or both sections of improved tubing
100
such that the insert second end projection
262
in one section of improved tubing
100
will properly mate with the insert first end projection
222
in the other section of improved tubing
100
.
When the two sections of improved tubing
100
are properly aligned, the two sections of improved tubing
100
may be plugged together.
FIG. 9A
is an illustration of the plugging step in which two sections of improved tubing
100
are plugged together. In the plugging step, the second end
160
of one section of improved tubing
100
is lowered onto the first end
120
of the other section of improved tubing
100
until the two sections of improved tubing
100
contact each other and/or the two inserts
200
fully mate with each other. To properly mate, insert second end projections
262
will fill the depression between insert first end projections
222
and insert first end projections
222
will fill the depression between insert second end projections
262
. When insert first end projection
222
and insert second end projection
262
properly mate, insert first end electrical connection
224
and insert second end electrical connection
264
will electrically couple and provide an electrical connection which will tolerate the harsh environment of the well bore. After the two improved tubing
100
are plugged together, they are secured by screwing coupler
300
onto first end
120
.
FIG. 9B
is an illustration of two sections of improved tubing
100
secured together by coupler
300
. Coupler
300
is secured to first end
120
by pipe wrenches (not shown) which grip coupler
300
and pipe wrench grip
126
and torque coupler
300
until coupler
300
is firmly screwed onto drill pipe first end
120
. The two sections of improved tubings
100
may then be used in the production process.
FIGS. 10 through 14
illustrate a three wire embodiment. The manufacture of the three wire improved drill pipe is similar to the manufacture of the two wire improved tubing. Likewise, the assembly of a plurality of three wire improved tubing is similar to the assembly of a plurality of two wire improved tubing.
FIG. 10
is an illustration of the alignment step for a three wire embodiment of the insert in which coupler
300
is installed on second end
160
. The dashed line in
FIG. 10
indicates the alignment of insert first end electrical connection
224
and insert second end electrical connection
264
. When the two electrical connectors are properly aligned, insert first end projection
222
and insert second end projection
262
are also properly aligned.
FIG. 11
is a cross-sectional illustration of the three wire embodiment of insert
200
and improved tubing
100
taken along line
11
—
11
in FIG.
10
.
FIG. 12
is an illustration of the plugging step for the three wire embodiment of insert
200
taken along line
11
—
11
in FIG.
10
.
FIG. 13
is an illustration of the securing step of two pieces of improved tubing
100
with the three wire embodiment of insert
200
and the coupler disengaged from the first end of the tubing.
FIG. 14
is a cross-section of the three wire embodiment of the insert taken along line
14
—
14
in FIG.
13
. Insert
200
in the three wire embodiment is similar to insert
200
in the two wire embodiment in that the inside diameter of pipe
142
is substantially the same as the outside diameter of inset body
242
.
FIG. 15
is a detail view of the geometry between insert
200
, wire
246
, and improved tubing
100
around the area indicated by circle
15
in FIG.
14
.
FIG. 15
illustrates the point that insert groove
244
is cut into insert body
242
so that wire
246
does not project above the outer surface of insert body
242
.
FIG. 16
is an illustration of a submerged pump in a production situation.
FIG. 16
shows multiple pieces of improved tubing
100
with the inserts installed (not shown). Power comes from an external source
402
and is stepped down in transformer
404
, is routed through vent box
406
, and goes to wellhead
408
. Power is transmitted down tubing pump
412
and or motor
414
. Well bore
418
is typically cased with casing
416
.
With respect to the above description then, it is to be realized that the optimum dimensional relationships for the parts of the invention, to include variations in size, materials, shape, form, function and manner of operation, assembly and use, are deemed readily apparent and obvious to one skilled in the art, and all equivalent relationships to those illustrated in the drawings and described in the specification are intended to be encompassed by the present invention.
Claims
- 1. An apparatus for providing a tubing with electrical transmission capability comprising:an improved tubing having an inside and an outside; a cylindrical insert engaged with the inside of the improved tubing and having a proximate end and a distal end; at least one groove disposed lengthwise in said cylindrical insert; and at least one wire positioned within said groove.
- 2. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising a pair of connectors coupled to said at least one wire at the proximate end and the distal end of said cylindrical insert.
- 3. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the groove is on the outside of said insert.
- 4. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising at least one projection on the proximate end of said cylindrical insert.
- 5. The apparatus of claim 4 further comprising at least one depression on the distal end of said cylindrical insert.
- 6. The apparatus of claim 5 wherein said at least one projection mates up with said at least one depression when a plurality of said cylindrical inserts are aligned along a common central axis.
- 7. The apparatus of claim 6 further comprising a pair of connectors coupled to said at least one wire at the proximate end of said cylindrical insert and the distal end of said cylindrical insert.
- 8. The apparatus of claim 7 wherein said pair of connectors are coupled with similar connectors on similar improved tubing when said at least one projection mates up with said at least one depression.
- 9. The apparatus of claim 7 wherein said connectors are electrical connectors, and said at least one wire is an electrical wire.
- 10. The apparatus of claim 7 wherein said connectors are optical connectors, and said at least one wire is a fiber optic.
- 11. An apparatus for transmitting power to a well bore comprising:an improved tubing having a proximate end and a distal end; a cylindrical insert sized for engagement within said improved tubing and having a proximate end and a distal end; at least one groove lengthwise disposed in said cylindrical insert; at least one wire positioned within said groove; and wherein said cylindrical insert is coaxially disposed within said improved tubing.
- 12. The apparatus of claim 11 further comprising a coupler screwed onto the distal end of said improved tubing.
- 13. The apparatus of claim 12 further comprising a coupler stop flange disposed at the distal end of said improved tubing.
- 14. The apparatus of claim 12 wherein said proximate end of said improved tubing and said coupler have coarse threads.
- 15. The apparatus of claim 14 wherein said coarse threads are tapered threads.
- 16. The apparatus of claim 11 further comprising at least one depression on the distal end of said cylindrical insert.
- 17. The apparatus of claim 16 wherein a projection mates up with said at least one depression when a plurality of said cylindrical inserts are aligned along a common central axis.
- 18. The apparatus of claim 11 further comprising a pair of connectors coupled to said at least one wire at the proximate end of said cylindrical insert and the distal end of said cylindrical insert.
- 19. The apparatus of claim 18 wherein said pair of connectors are coupled with similar connectors on similar improved tubing when a projection mates up with a depression.
- 20. The apparatus of claim 19 wherein said connectors are electrical connectors and said at least one wire is an electrical wire.
- 21. The apparatus of claim 19 wherein said connectors are optical connectors, and said at least one wire is a fiber optic.
- 22. An apparatus for producing fluids from a subterranean rock formation comprising:a wellhead containing a power transmission device; at least one improved tubing having a proximate end and a distal end; a cylindrical insert coaxially disposed within each of said improved tubings; at least one groove lengthwise disposed in said cylindrical insert; at least one wire positioned within said groove; and wherein said power transmission device transmits power from the wellhead to the bottom of a well bore via the at least one wire.
- 23. The apparatus of claim 22 further comprising a coupler screwed onto the distal end of said improved tubing.
- 24. The apparatus of claim 23 further comprising a coupler stop flange disposed at the distal end of said improved tubing.
- 25. The apparatus of claim 23 wherein said proximate end of said improved tubing and said coupler have coarse threads.
- 26. The apparatus of claim 25 wherein said coarse threads are tapered threads.
- 27. The apparatus of claim 22 further comprising at least one depression on the distal end of said cylindrical insert.
- 28. The apparatus of claim 27 wherein a projection mates up with said at least one depression when a plurality of said cylindrical inserts are aligned along a common central axis.
- 29. The apparatus of claim 22 further comprising a pair of connectors coupled to said at least one wire at the proximate end of said cylindrical insert and the distal end of said cylindrical insert.
- 30. The apparatus of claim 29 wherein said pair of connectors are coupled with similar connectors on similar improved tubing when a projection mates up with a depression.
- 31. The apparatus of claim 30 wherein said connectors are electrical connectors, and said at least one wire is an electrical wire.
- 32. The apparatus of claim 30 wherein said connectors are optical connectors, and said at last one wire is a fiber optic.
- 33. A method for attaching a first improved tubing and a second improved tubing comprising:positioning said first improved tubing coaxially with said second improved tubing; aligning said first improved tubing with said second improved tubing; plugging said first improved tubing into said second improved tubing so that a first connector in said first improved tubing couples with a second connector in said second improved tubing allowing transmission of a signal between said first improved tubing and said second improved tubing; and securing said first improved tubing to said second improved tubing.
- 34. The method of claim 33 wherein said second improved tubing is vertically above said first improved tubing.
- 35. The method of claim 33 wherein an insert projection is used to align said first improved tubing and said second improved tubing.
- 36. The method of claim 33 wherein said first connector and said second connector are electrical connectors and said signal is an electrical signal.
- 37. The method of claim 33 wherein said first connector and said connector are optical connectors and said signal is an optical signal.
- 38. The method of claim 33 wherein a coupler is used to secure said first improved tubing to said second improved tubing.
- 39. A method of manufacturing an improved tubing comprising:cutting at least one groove in an insert; embedding at least one wire in the groove of said insert; and installing said insert in said improved tubing.
- 40. The method of claim 39 further comprising screwing a coupler onto said improved tubing.
- 41. The method of claim 39 further comprising securing said insert in said improved tubing.
- 42. The method of claim 41 wherein said securing is done by welding.
- 43. The method of claim 41 wherein said securing is done by gluing.
- 44. The method of claim 41 wherein said securing is done by heat shrinking.
- 45. The method of claim 41 wherein said securing is done by set screws.
- 46. The method of claim 41 wherein said securing is done by expanding.
- 47. The method of claim 39 further comprising attaching a pair of connectors to said wire.
- 48. The method of claim 47 wherein said connectors are electrical connectors.
- 49. The method of claim 47 wherein said connectors are optical connectors.
US Referenced Citations (11)