Key information

Title: An apparatus for operation in a tubular, a method of operating the apparatus, and use of the apparatus as a cleaning and/or inspection tool in a tubular
Application number: 20221108
Case type: National
Status: 24.06.2024 Patent opprettholdt etter innvilget fortsatt behandling
Filed: 17.10.2022
Effective date: 17.10.2022
Publicly available: 18.04.2024
Next annual fee due: 31.10.2027
Applicant: Genera2r AS (NO)
Owner: Genera2r AS (NO)
Inventor: Roger ENGEBRETSEN (NO) et al.
Agent: ZACCO NORWAY AS (NO)
Granted: 24.06.2024
Patent number: 348027
Expiry date: 17.10.2042

Abstract and drawing

Disclaimer: This text has been machine-scanned and may contain errors – please refer to "Publications" for legally binding content.

An apparatus (1; 1’) for operation in a tubular comprises a cylindrical housing (2) and at least two spaced apart elements (6, 7) arranged between first and second ends (2a, 2b) of the housing and configured for rotating around the apparatus’ longitudinal axis (X). Each rotatable element (6, 7) comprises one or more contact members (8; 8’) helically arranged on at least a portion of the rotatable element, and the rotatable elements (6, 7) are configured for controllably rotating in the same rotational direction and in opposite rotational directions. At least one contact member (8; 8’) on each rotatable element (6, 7) comprises one or more device for providing a radial force against at least a portion of an inner wall of the tubular. The apparatus (1; 1’) is useful as a cleaning and/or inspection tool in a tubular, and may be operated by controlling the rotational speeds and directions of the rotatable elements (6, 7) in order to allow the apparatus to translate inside the tubular or to remain stationary at a location in the tubular.

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Date

Date	Doc. No.	Process	Case number	In/Out	Journal description	To/from
11.07.2025	03-01	Oppreisning	2025/00208	UT	Generelt brev	ZACCO NORWAY AS
11.07.2025	02-02	Oppreisning	2025/00208	UT	IAFO04- Avgjørelse - fristoversittelse_2029167
11.07.2025	02-01	Oppreisning	2025/00208	UT	Generelt brev	ZACCO NORWAY AS
28.05.2025	01-02	Oppreisning	2025/00208	INN	P448296NO00_Oppreisningsbegjæring 348027	ZACCO NORWAY AS
28.05.2025	01-01	Oppreisning	2025/00208	INN	Nytt overprøvningskrav (OP)	ZACCO NORWAY AS
15.05.2025	12-01	Saksbehandling	20221108(348027)	UT	PT Opphørt Patent - for ikke betalt årsavgift (3311)	ZACCO NORWAY AS
02.03.2025	11-01	Saksbehandling	20221108(348027)	UT	PT Påminnelse om ikke betalt årsavgift (3329) (PT20221108)	ZACCO NORWAY AS
02.09.2024	10-01	Saksbehandling	20221108(348027)	UT	PT Varsel om betaling av første årsavgift (3317) (PT20221108)	ZACCO NORWAY AS
28.06.2024	09-01	Saksbehandling	20221108(348027)	UT	PT Registreringsbrev nasjonal patent (15) (PT20221108)
22.04.2024	08-01	Saksbehandling	20221108	UT	PT Meddelelse om patent	ZACCO NORWAY AS
19.10.2023	07-04	Saksbehandling	20221108	INN	Specification and claims - Clean	ZACCO NORWAY AS
19.10.2023	07-03	Saksbehandling	20221108	INN	Specification and claims - Annotated	ZACCO NORWAY AS
19.10.2023	07-02	Saksbehandling	20221108	INN	Responsebrev	ZACCO NORWAY AS
19.10.2023	07-01	Saksbehandling	20221108	INN	Korrespondanse (Hovedbrev inn)	ZACCO NORWAY AS
25.09.2023	06-01	Saksbehandling	20221108	UT	Realitet patent	ZACCO NORWAY AS
22.09.2023	05-02	Saksbehandling	20221108	INN	Responsbrev	ZACCO NORWAY AS
22.09.2023	05-01	Saksbehandling	20221108	INN	Korrespondanse (Hovedbrev inn)	ZACCO NORWAY AS
02.08.2023	04-01	Saksbehandling	20221108	UT	PT Bekreftelse på fristutsettelse	ZACCO NORWAY AS
06.02.2023	03-02	Saksbehandling	20221108	UT	PT report 01:38:02
06.02.2023	03-01	Saksbehandling	20221108	UT	20221108_1669774_PT 08	ZACCO NORWAY AS
18.10.2022	02-01	Saksbehandling	20221108	UT	Informasjon til oppfinner	Jostein KALLEVIG
17.10.2022	01-05	Saksbehandling	20221108	INN	Specification and claims	ZACCO NORWAY AS
17.10.2022	01-04	Saksbehandling	20221108	INN	Power of attorney	ZACCO NORWAY AS
17.10.2022	01-03	Saksbehandling	20221108	INN	Figures	ZACCO NORWAY AS
17.10.2022	01-02	Saksbehandling	20221108	INN	Erklæring	ZACCO NORWAY AS
17.10.2022	01-01	Saksbehandling	20221108	INN	Søknadsskjema Patent	ZACCO NORWAY AS

Description, claims and drawings

Disclaimer: This text has been machine-scanned and may contain errors – please refer to "Publications" for legally binding content.

Description

An apparatus for operation in a tubular, a method of operating the apparatus, and use of the apparatus as a cleaning and/or inspection tool in a tubular

Technical field of the invention

The invention concerns an apparatus configured for operation in a tubular such as a pipe or flowline, as set out by the preamble of claim 1. The invention also concerns a method of operating the apparatus, as set out by the preamble of claim 12, and the use of the apparatus as a cleaning and/or inspection tool in a tubular, as set out by the preamble of claim 11.

Background of the invention

Pipelines, tubing strings and other conduits are commonly cleaned and inspected by devices referred to as a “pig”, which is a tool that is sent down a pipeline and propelled by the pressure of the product flow in the pipeline itself.

The prior art includes publication US 10,525,511 B2, which describes how debris over time can deposit in a pipeline and/or residual waste (e.g., scale, wax such as paraffin, and/or hydrates) can accumulate, and that this build-up seriously can affect pipeline efficiency and flow rates. The publication describes how pipelines can be cleaned and inspected by using a Pipeline Inspection Gauge (“PIG”), or conventional pig (often referred to as a Utility Pig), and that pigging (i.e., pipeline cleaning and/or inspection) is a common industry practice to deal with emerging challenges throughout the service life of the pipeline. The device described in the publication travels with the fluid flowing in the pipeline and comprises abrasive bristles that clean the internal walls of the pipeline. The bristles may be powered by an on-board electric motor.

The prior art also comprises US 6,880,195 B1, which describes a vehicle for travel though a fluid-filled pipe, and being capable of using power derived from the fluid flow to drive the vehicle (directly or indirectly, e.g. via an electric motor). Certain embodiments have drive means capable of variable pitch in order to adjust the speed and direction of the vehicle in the pipe. Certain embodiments have drive means comprising a helical arm that can vary in pitch and diameter to accommodate different sizes of pipe and/or different rates of travel along the pipe. The vehicle comprises drive wheels that are preferably disposed in a row of four or more on heads carried on arms on the vehicle. The attitude of the heads can optionally be adjustable so as to change the direction of force applied by the wheels, to control the speed and direction of movement of the vehicle. The heads can be set at 90° attitude with respect to the axis of the pipe whereby the wheels will rotate in the same direction and the arms rotate around the axis of the vehicle inside the pipe without axial translocation. On the other hand, the heads can be set at 0°, in which case the vehicle will be propelled axially through the pipe with no rotational movement. The heads can be set at an intermediate attitude between 0° and 90° whereby they will follow a helical path through the pipe. The pitch of the helical path (and therefore the ease with which the vehicle moves against a fluid flow), and the axial speed of movement can be controlled by altering the attitude of the heads.

The prior art also includes JP 2009-285521 A, which describes a pipeline cleaning apparatus for removing foreign substances such as scales from the inner wall surface of a pipeline. The apparatus comprises a hydraulic turbine-driven rotary brush device for cleaning the pipe inner wall while traveling along the pipe by itself. The hydraulic turbine-driven rotary brush device includes first and axially adjacent first and second brushes. A second turbine and a turbine shaft supporting the first and second turbines to supply high pressure water, the first turbine being rotatable on the turbine shaft. The second turbine has a first rotor blade supported and helically provided with a brush on its outer peripheral surface and a first nozzle for supplying high-pressure water to the first rotor blade, a second rotor blade rotatably supported by the turbine shaft and having a helical brush on its outer peripheral surface, and a second nozzle for supplying high-pressure water to the second rotor blade.

It is therefore a need for an improved and more versatile cleaning and inspection apparatus.

Summary of the invention

The invention is set forth and characterized in the main claim, while the dependent claims describe other characteristics of the invention.

It is thus provided an apparatus for operation in a tubular, comprising a cylindrical housing and at least two spaced apart elements arranged between first and second ends of the housing and configured for rotating around the apparatus’ longitudinal axis, characterized in that each rotatable element comprises one or more contact members helically arranged on at least a portion of the rotatable element, and the rotatable elements are configured for controllably rotating in the same rotational direction and in opposite rotational directions.

In one embodiment, at least one contact member on each rotatable element comprises one or more device for providing a radial force against at least a portion of an inner wall of the tubular. In one embodiment, the at least one contact member comprises bristles or brushes configured for abrasive contact with at least a portion of an inner wall of the tubular.

The apparatus may comprise a plurality of devices which allow the apparatus to move along the longitudinal axis but prevent the apparatus from rotating around the longitudinal axis when the apparatus is arranged in a tubular, and the devices are spaced at regular intervals around the housing circumference. In one embodiment, each device comprises a rolling member which is movably arranged on the housing and supported by an axle or similar rolling support. In one embodiment, the device comprises one or more biasing members arranged and configured for forcing the rolling member radially outwards (towards a tubular inner wall), and a radial retaining member. In one embodiment, the apparatus comprises a through-going bore.

The apparatus conveniently comprises at least one electric motor, at least one battery, and transmission devices for controllably rotate each rotatable element.

In one embodiment, the apparatus comprises a bi-directional turbine and a bi-directional generator, and the turbine is drivingly connected to the generator, which is configured for providing an electrical charging current to the at least one battery. In one embodiment, the turbine is arranged in the through-going bore.

The invented apparatus is useful as a cleaning and/or inspection tool in a tubular.

It is also provided a method of operating the invented apparatus in a tubular, characterized by controlling the rotational speeds and directions of the at least two rotatable elements in order to allow the apparatus to translate inside the tubular or to remain stationary at a location in the tubular.

Brief description of the drawings

These and other characteristics of the invention will become clear from the following description of embodiments of the invention, given as non-restrictive examples, with reference to the attached schematic drawings, wherein:

Figure 1a is a side view of a first embodiment of the apparatus according to the invention;

Figure 1b is a side sectional view along the longitudinal axis X-X in figure 1a;

Figure 2 is another side view of the apparatus illustrated in figure 1a;

Figure 3 is a perspective view of the apparatus illustrated in figures 1a, 1b, 2;

Figure 4 is an enlarged view of the area marked “C” in figure 3;

Figure 5 is a perspective sectional view along the longitudinal axis X-X in figure 1a;

Figure 6 is an enlarged view of the area marked “D” in figure 5;

Figure 7 is a perspective view of a second embodiment of the apparatus according to the invention;

Figure 8 is a perspective sectional view along the longitudinal axis X-X in figure 7; and

Figure 9 is an enlarged view of the area marked “E” in figure 8.

Detailed description of embodiments of the invention

The following description may use terms such as “horizontal”, “vertical”, “lateral”, “back and forth”, “up and down”, ”upper”, “lower”, “inner”, “outer”, “forward”, “rear”, etc. These terms generally refer to the views and orientations as shown in the drawings and that are associated with a normal use of the invention. The terms are used for the reader’s convenience only and shall not be limiting.

Referring initially to figures 1a, 1b, 2, and 3, the illustrated first embodiment of the invented apparatus 1 comprises a housing 2 with first and second end portions 2a, 2b.

Arranged between the end portions are two rotatable elements (e.g. sleeves) 6, 7 that in the illustrated embodiment have an external shape and circumference that correspond to the external shape of the housing 2. Although not illustrated, it should be understood that the apparatus may comprise additional rotatable elements of the same kind. As the apparatus is intended for operation in a tubular, the housing 2 and the rotatable elements 6, 7 have a cylindrical shape. The tubular, which is not illustrated, may be a pipeline or any other tubular configured for carrying a flowing fluid. The apparatus may be deployed into and retrieved from a tubular by any means known in the art, for example via a deployment and retrieval profile 11.

Each rotatable element 6, 7 comprises a contact member 8 which extends in a helical fashion around the rotatable element. A rotatable element 6, 7 may comprise more than one helical contact member. The contact member may extend partly or completely around the circumference of the rotatable element, and all contact members preferably have the same pitch. In the illustrated embodiment, each contact member extends more than once (i.e. more than 360°) around the circumference of the rotatable element. The contact members 8 extend a radial distance outside the outer surface of the rotatable element, as can be seen in figure 4, and are configured for bearing against the tubular inner wall in which the apparatus is arranged, i.e. to generate a radial force against the tubular inner wall. It will therefore be understood that – in a practical application – the apparatus diameter (i.e. that of the housing 2 and rotatable elements 6, 7) is dimensioned such that the housing and rotatable elements are not in contact with the tubular inner wall, but the contact members 8 are forced against the tubular inner wall. The contact members 8 may be forced against the tubular inner wall by biasing devices (e.g. springs, actuators; not shown) or by elasticity inherent in the contact member material. In one embodiment, one or more of the contact members 8 comprise a rubber strip. In another embodiment, metal elements (e.g. brushes or bristles) or other hard elements are arranged on the rubber strip. In general, the contact members 8 are configured for providing a gripping force on the tubular inner wall. Therefore, if the apparatus is arranged in a tubular and a rotatable element were to rotate while the housing 2 is kept stationary, the contact members 8 would slide against the inner wall and provide an abrasive effect (and thus an abrasive cleaning effect).

In the illustrated embodiment, the rotatable elements 6, 7 can be rotated (around the apparatus’ longitudinal axis X) by one or more electric motors 16, for example via a transmission device 17, for example a pinion gear assembly. The electric motors (or motor) 16 are powered by one or more batteries 14 and controlled by a control-andcommunications module 15. Cables, connectors, etc. are not illustrated, as such means are well known in the art. In the illustrated embodiment, the batteries are charged by a bi-directional generator 13 which is rotatably connected to a bi-directional turbine 12. It should be understood that the turbine may be any fluid-driven turbine, for example a radial turbine.

The turbine, generator, battery, and control-and-communications module are advantageously arranged in an in-line configuration as shown in figures 1b and 5. The turbine 13 is arranged in a through-going bore 9, extending between a first fluid opening 10a and a second fluid opening 10b. Fluid flowing through the bore 9 may thus rotate the turbine and the generator, which in turn charges the batteries. This embodiment of the invented apparatus may therefore be autonomous, as it is being constantly powered by fluid flow in the tubular in which the apparatus is arranged. The turbine blades are advantageously configured to break and fall off if they have accumulated a certain amount of substances, so as not to clog the bore 9. The batteries may also be charged by other means while in the tubular (e.g. inductive charging).

The apparatus 1 comprises at least one set of so-called “dynamic anchors” 5. In the illustrated embodiment, the tool comprises a first set 3 and a second set 4. Each set comprises a plurality of dynamic anchors 5, preferably three or more, spaced at regular intervals around the housing 2 circumference. For the purpose of this specification, a “dynamic anchor” shall mean a device 5 which allows the apparatus to move along the longitudinal axis X (i.e. along the tubular longitudinal axis) but prevents the apparatus from rotating around the longitudinal axis when the apparatus is arranged in a tubular. In the illustrated embodiment, see e.g. figures 4, 5, and 6, the dynamic anchor comprises a rolling member 18 which is movably arranged in a recess in the housing wall 2c and supported by an axle 21 or similar rolling support. The rolling member 18 may be a wheel, for example a relatively narrow wheel, that promotes rolling along the tubular longitudinal axis X but resists rotation around the longitudinal axis (by virtue of its interaction with the tubular inner wall). One or more biasing members 19 (e.g. a spring or a hydraulic piston) are arranged and configured for forcing the wheel 18 radially outwards (towards a tubular inner wall), and the wheel’s radial displacement is restricted by a retaining member 20.

In use, the invented apparats 1 may be deployed into a tubular, for example a production tubing in a subterranean hydrocarbon borehole, by means of known means, for example e-line or slickline. The turbine 12 will be propelled by the fluid flowing in the tubular and through the apparatus’ bore 9, and provide a charging current to the on-board batteries 14. The dynamic anchors 5 will keep the housing 2 and sleeves 6, 7 a predetermined distance from the tubular wall, prevent the apparatus from rotating around its longitudinal axis, but allow translation along the tubular. The apparatus 1 may be operated autonomously (by on-board control systems and/or pre-set parameters) or by external means.

The apparatus 1 may operate in a cleaning mode, in a motion mode, or in a combination of these two modes. In the cleaning mode, the first 6 and second 7 rotatable elements are rotated in opposite directions at the same rotational speeds. This will not generate any forces in the tubular axial direction, so the apparatus will remain stationary. The counter-rotating rotatable elements 6, 7 will thus cause the contact members 8 (e.g. bristles or brushes) to slide against the tubular wall, where they will function as abrasive cleaning devices. In order to keep the apparatus at a desired location, the rotational speed of each rotatable elements 6, 7 may be adjusted in order to compensate for external forces acting on the apparatus, for example fluid pressure or gravity.

In the motion mode, the first 6 and second 7 rotatable elements are rotated in the same directions, at the same rotational speeds or at different rotational speeds. The dynamic anchors 5 prevent rotation around the longitudinal axis. The rotating rotatable elements – and the contact members 8 bearing against the tubular wall – will generate a force in the tubular axial direction, so the apparatus will translate inside the tubular. The rotational direction determines the direction of translation. The pitch of the helical contact members 8 determines the translation speed. The translation speed may also be controlled by controlling the rotational speed of each rotatable elements 6, 7. The cleaning mode and the motion mode may be combined, for example in order to provide abrasive cleaning while the apparatus is translating in the tubular.

The invented apparatus may be used as a tool for cleaning the inner wall of a tubular, by operating the rotatable elements 6,7 as described above, or as an inspection tool. It will therefore be understood that the apparatus may be equipped with sensors and other measurement devices, as well as devices for wireless communication with equipment outside the tubular (for example at an uphole location if the tubular is arranged in a subterranean wellbore).

A second embodiment of the invention will now be described with reference to figures 7-9. This embodiment of the apparatus 1’ is particularly useful for placement in a sidepocket mandrel or other recess inside a tubular where the apparatus 1’ may be operating in a confined cavity and perform autonomous cleaning by means of counterrotating contact members 8’, as described above. A notable difference between the first embodiment and the second embodiment, is that the latter does not comprise a throughgoing bore and a turbine for charging the batteries. The illustrated second embodiment does also not comprise dynamic anchors, as this is not necessary for stationary cleaning, for example in a side pocket mandrel. It should be understood, however, that this second embodiment may be furnished by anchors or other wall gripping means that resist rotation around the apparatus’ longitudinal axis X.

The invented apparatus 1’ comprises a housing 2 with first and second end portions 2a, 2b. Arranged between the end portions are two rotatable elements (e.g. sleeves) 6, 7 that in the illustrated embodiment have an external shape and circumference that correspond to the external shape of the housing 2. Although not illustrated, it should be understood that the apparatus may comprise additional rotatable elements of the same kind. As the apparatus is intended for operation in a tubular, the housing 2 and the rotatable elements 6, 7 have a cylindrical shape. The tubular, which is not illustrated, may be a side pocket in a tubular. The apparatus may be deployed into and retrieved from a tubular by any means known in the art, for example by wireline via a deployment and retrieval profile 11.

Each rotatable element 6, 7 comprises a plurality of contact members 8’ which extend in a helical fashion partly around circumference of the rotatable element. The rotatable elements 6, 7 may comprise a contact member configuration similar to the one of the first embodiment of the invention (described above). The contact member 8’ may thus extend partly or completely around the circumference of the rotatable element 6, 7, and all contact members 8’ preferably have the same pitch. The contact members 8’ extend a radial distance outside the outer surface of the rotatable element, as can be seen in figures 7-9, and are configured for bearing against a tubular inner wall in which the apparatus is arranged, i.e. to generate a radial force against the inner wall. It will therefore be understood that – in a practical application – the apparatus diameter (i.e. that of the housing 2 and rotatable elements 6, 7) is dimensioned such that the housing and rotatable elements are not in contact with the tubular inner wall, but the contact members 8’ are forced against the tubular inner wall. The contact members 8’ may be forced against a tubular inner wall by biasing devices (e.g. springs, actuators; not shown) or by elasticity inherent in the contact member material. In one embodiment, one or more of the contact members 8’ comprise a rubber strip. In another embodiment, each contact element 8’ comprises a plurality of metal elements (e.g. brushes or bristles) 23 or other hard elements are arranged on the rubber strip or directly on the rotatable element 6, 7. In general, the contact members 8’ are configured for providing a gripping force on a tubular inner wall. Therefore, if the apparatus is arranged in a tubular and a rotatable element were to rotate while the housing 2 is kept stationary, the contact members 8’ would slide against the inner wall and provide an abrasive effect (and thus a cleaning effect).

The rotation of the rotatable elements 6, 7 around the apparatus’ longitudinal axis X may be effected in a manner similar to that described above with reference to the first embodiment, for example by one or more electric motors 16 via a transmission device 17, for example a pinion gear assembly 22. The electric motors (or motor) 16 are powered by one or more batteries 14 and controlled by a control-and-communications module (not illustrated in figure 7-9). Cables, connectors, etc. are not illustrated, as such means are well known in the art. In the embodiment illustrated in figures 7-9, the apparatus 1’ may be retrieved from time to time in order to charge or replace the batteries. The batteries may also be charged by other means while in the tubular (e.g.

inductive charging), in which case the invented apparatus may be autonomous in a downhole location.

Common to both embodiments of the invented apparatus 1; 1’ are two or more rotatable elements 6, 7; each such element comprising one or more helical contact member 8; 8’, and at least one of the contact members comprising one or more element (e.g. bristles, brushes) that provides an axial force against a tubular wall (when the apparatus is installed in a tubular). The rotatable elements 6, 7 may be rotated in the same direction in order to cause the apparatus to move (translate) in a tubular, and in opposite directions in order for the contact members to provide an abrasive cleaning effect on the tubular inner wall. The apparatus is prevented from rotating around its longitudinal axis.

Claims

1. An apparatus (1; 1’) for operation in a tubular, comprising a cylindrical housing (2) and at least two spaced apart elements (6, 7) arranged between first and second ends (2a, 2b) of the housing and configured for rotating around the apparatus’ longitudinal axis (X), characterized in that

each rotatable element (6, 7) comprises one or more contact members (8; 8’) helically arranged on at least a portion of the rotatable element, and the rotatable elements (6, 7) are configured for controllably rotating in the same rotational direction and in opposite rotational directions.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein at least one contact member (8; 8’) on each rotatable element (6, 7) comprises one or more device for providing a radial force against at least a portion of an inner wall of the tubular.

3. The apparatus of any one of claims 1-2, wherein the at least one contact member (8; 8’) comprises bristles or brushes configured for abrasive contact with at least a portion of an inner wall of the tubular.

4. The apparatus of any one of claims 1-3, further comprising a plurality of devices (5) which allow the apparatus to move along the longitudinal axis (X) but prevent the apparatus from rotating around the longitudinal axis when the apparatus is arranged in a tubular, and the devices (5) are spaced at regular intervals around the housing (2) circumference.

5. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein each device (5) comprises a rolling member (18) which is movably arranged on the housing and supported by an axle (21) or similar rolling support.

6. The apparatus of claim 5, wherein the device (5) comprises one or more biasing members (19) arranged and configured for forcing the rolling member (18) radially outwards (towards a tubular inner wall), and a radial retaining member (20).

7. The apparatus of any one of claims 1-6, further comprising a through-going bore 8. The apparatus of any one of claims 1-7, further comprising at least one electric motor (16), at least one battery (14), and transmission devices (17, 22) for controllably rotate each rotatable element (6, 7).

9. The apparatus of claim 8, further comprising a bi-directional turbine (12) and a bi-directional generator (13), and the turbine (12) is drivingly connected to the generator (13), which is configured for providing an electrical charging current to the at least one battery (14).

10. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein the turbine (12) is arranged in the throughgoing bore (9).

11. Use of the apparatus (1; 1’) as defined by any one of claims 1-10, as a cleaning and/or inspection tool in a tubular.

12. A method of operating the apparatus (1; 1’) as defined by any one of claims 1-10 in a tubular, characterized by controlling the rotational speeds and directions of the at least two rotatable elements (6, 7) in order to allow the apparatus to translate inside the tubular or to remain stationary at a location in the tubular.

Patentkrav

1. Et apparat (1; 1’) for operasjon i et rørformet legeme, omfattende et sylinderformet hus (2) og minst to elementer (6, 7) anbragt med mellomrom mellom hverandre of arrangert mellom første og andre ender (2a, 2b) i huset og konfigurert for å rotere rundt apparatets lengdeakse (X), karakterisert ved at

hvert roterbart element (6, 7) omfatter én eller flere kontaktdeler (8; 8’) som er arrangert i spiralform på i det minste et parti av det roterbare elementet, og de roterbare elementene (6, 7) er konfigurert for styrbart å rotere i den samme rotasjonsretningen og i motsatte rotasjonsretninger.

2. Apparatet som angitt i krav 1, der minst én kontaktdel (8; 8’) på hvert roterbart element (6, 7) omfatter én eller flere anordninger for å frembringe en radiell kraft mot i det minste et parti av en innvendig vegg i det rørformede legemet.

3. Apparatet som angitt i et hvilket som helst av kravene 1-2, der den minst ene kontaktdelen (8; 8’) omfatter bust eller børster konfigurert for abrasiv kontakt med i det minste et parti av en innvendig vegg i det rørformede legemet.

4. Apparatet som angitt i et hvilket som helst av kravene 1-3, videre omfattende et flertall anordninger (5) som lar apparatet bevege seg langs lengdeaksen (X) men forhindrer apparatet fra å rotere rundt lengdeaksen når apparatet er arrangert i et rørformet legeme, og anordningene (5) er anbrakt med regelmessige mellomrom rundt husets (2) omkrets.

5. Apparatet som angitt i krav 4, der hver anordning (5) omfatter en rullende del (18) som er bevegbart arrangert på huset og båret av en aksling (21) eller lignende rullende bæreelement.

6. Apparatet som angitt i krav 5, der anordningen (5) omfatter ett eller flere belastningselementer (19) arrangert og konfigurert for å tvinge den rullende delen (18) radielt utover (mot et rørformet legemes innvendige vegg), og et radielt tilbakeholdingselement (20).

7. Apparatet som angitt i et hvilket som helst av kravene 1-6, videre omfattende en gjennomgående boring (9).

8. Apparatet som angitt i et hvilket som helst av kravene 1-7, videre omfattende minst én elektrisk motor (16), minst ett batteri (14), og overføringsanordninger (17, 22) for regulerbart å rotere hvert roterbare element (6, 7).

9. Apparatet som angitt i krav 8, videre omfattende en toveis turbin (12) og en toveis generator (13), og der turbinen (12) er drivbart koblet til generatoren (13), som er konfigurert for å frembringe en elektrisk ladestrøm til det minst ene batteriet (14).

10. Apparatet som angitt i krav 9, der turbinen (12) er arrangert i den gjennomgående boringen (9).

11. Bruk av apparatet (1; 1’) som angitt i et hvilket som helst av kravene 1-10, som et rengjørings- og/eller inspeksjonsverktøy i et rørformet legeme.

12. En fremgangsmåte for operasjon av apparatet (1; 1’) som angitt i et hvilket som helst av kravene 1-10 i et rørformet legeme, karakterisert ved å styre de minst to roterbare elementenes (6, 7) rotasjonshastigheter og retninger for å la apparatet bevege seg rettlinjet inne i det rørformede legemet eller la det forbli stasjonært på en lokasjon i det rørformede legemet.

Drawings

Priority

No priority

Patent classes

IPC classes

F16L 55/32

B08B 9/049

B08B 9/051

F16L 101/30

E21B 37/00

CPC classes

F16L 55/32

B08B 9/049

B08B 9/051

F16L 2101/30

E21B 37/00

Citations

WO 00/63606 A1 ( A1)

GB 2469058 A (A)

CN 113819339 A (A)

Applicants, owners and inventors

Owners

Genera2r AS

c/o Jostein Harald Kallevig, Landevegen 46

4262 AVALDSNES

NO (KARMØY Municipality, Rogaland county)

Org. number: 927214156

Inventors

Roger ENGEBRETSEN

Ulsbergkroken 9

4034 STAVANGER

NO (STAVANGER Municipality, Rogaland county)

Jostein KALLEVIG

Landevegen 46

4262 AVALDSNES

NO (KARMØY Municipality, Rogaland county)

Agent

ZACCO NORWAY AS

Postboks 488

0213 OSLO

NO (OSLO Municipality, Oslo county)

Org. number: 982702887

Reference: P448296NO00

Status history

Payment history

Oppositions and appeals

Fristoversittelse

Received: 28.05.2025

NIPO's case No.: 2025/00208

Current status: Avgjort. Fortsatt behandling innvilget

Administrative limitation

No administrative limitation

Liens and licences

No liens or licenses registered

Gazette entries

No Gazette entries found

Only events from 2024.03.04 and onwards are shown.

An apparatus for operation in a tubular, a method of operating the apparatus, and use of the...