Cylindrical Truss Structure Reinforced Pipe
A pipe structure comprising inner and outer pipe sections that are coaxial with each other is disclosed. A cylindrical truss structure may be disposed between the inner and outer pipe sections to provide support to the pipe structure while reducing weight. Such a pipe structure may be used to form lightweight drill pipe that may be used in oil, gas, geothermal, and horizontal drilling.
1 . A pipe structure comprising:
an inner pipe section;
an outer pipe section coaxial with the inner pipe section; and
a cylindrical truss structure disposed between the inner and outer pipe sections.
2 . The pipe structure of claim 1 , wherein the cylindrical truss structure comprises a plurality of straight members comprising ends that are connected at a plurality of nodes to form a plurality of triangular units.
3 . The pipe structure of claim 2 , wherein at least one of the plurality of nodes is contacting either the inner pipe section or outer pipe section.
4 . The pipe structure of claim 2 , wherein at least one of the plurality of nodes comprises a hinge such that the cylindrical truss structure is expandable.
5 . The pipe structure of claim 1 , wherein the inner pipe section and outer pipe section are united at a first end and a second end and the first and second ends comprise first and second threaded connectors.
6 . The pipe structure of claim 5 , wherein the first threaded connector comprises a pin which mates with a box end of a second pipe structure and the second threaded connector comprises a box end which mates with a pin of a third pipe structure.
7 . The pipe structure of claim 5 , wherein the cylindrical truss structure is supported through the first and second threaded connectors.
8 . The pipe structure of claim 5 , wherein the first and second threaded connectors form a seal with adjacent threaded connectors such that fluid flowing through the inner pipe section does not escape into the outer pipe section.
9 . The pipe structure of claim 1 , further comprising electronics disposed between the inner and outer pipe sections and interspersed within the cylindrical truss structure.
10 . The pipe structure of claim 9 , wherein the electronics comprise resistivity tools, nuclear magnetic resonance tools, seismic/sonic tools, gamma ray tools, downhole logging/measurement tools, processing equipment, power sources, or combinations thereof.
11 . The pipe structure of claim 1 , further comprising insulation between the inner and outer pipe sections and in and around the cylindrical truss structure.
12 . The pipe structure of claim 11 , wherein the insulation comprises polyurethane, polysterene, or other spray foam.
13 . The pipe structure of claim 11 , wherein the amount and type of insulation determines the buoyancy of the pipe.
14 . The pipe structure of claim 1 , further comprising a first end and a second end that form seals with adjacent pipe structures such that fluid can flow through the inner pipe section and between the inner and outer pipe sections.
15 . The pipe structure of claim 14 , wherein the cylindrical truss structure causes fluid flowing between the inner pipe section and outer pipe section to comprise turbulent flow.
16 . The pipe structure of claim 1 , wherein the cylindrical truss structure comprises Carbon, Aramid, Fiberglass, Basalt, Bamboo, Boron, Silicon Carbide, Flax, Steel, Epoxy, Vinylester, Polyester, Phenolic, Melamine, Silicone, Polypropylene, PPS, Polyamide, PEEK, Polyurethane, Ceramic or combinations thereof.
17 . A method for transferring heat in a downhole well comprising the steps of:
providing a pipe structure comprising an inner and outer pipe section coaxial with each other and a cylindrical truss structure disposed therebetween;
disposing the pipe structure within a downhole well in an earthen formation;
circulating fluid through the inner pipe section in one direction and between the inner and outer pipe sections in an opposite direction; and
transferring heat between the earthen formation and the fluid circulating between the inner and outer pipe sections.
18 . The method of claim 17 , wherein disposing the pipe structure within the downhole well comprises drilling the pipe structure into the earthen formation.
19 . The method of claim 17 , wherein circulating fluid through the inner pipe section comprises creating laminar flow and circulating fluid between the inner and outer pipe sections comprises creating turbulent flow by passing the fluid through the cylindrical truss structure.
20 . The method of claim 17 , further comprising expanding the cylindrical truss structure and outer pipe section such that the outer pipe section is put in compression with the earthen formation.