PIPE FOR EXTRACTING RESERVOIR FLUIDS PRESENT IN AN UNDERGROUND RESERVOIR AND METHOD OF LOCALLY INCREASING THE THICKNESS OF SUCH A PIPE

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a pipe for extracting reservoir fluids present in an underground reservoir, said pipe extending into said reservoir and comprising at least one flow control device for controlling the inflow of said reservoir fluids, which flow control device is arranged in an opening in the wall of the pipe.

[0002] Such a pipe comprising a flow control device is for example known from US patent US-B2-7,419,002. The pipe of US-B2-7,419,002 comprises a nozzle arranged in a bore in the wall of the pipe. A disadvantage of the nozzle arranged in the bore in the wall is that the strength of the pipe is decreased by said bore. US 2011/0073313 discloses a pipe as in the preamble of claim 1. It is an object of the invention to overcome the disadvantage described above. In particular is it an object of the invention to provide a pipe comprising a flow control device of the type described in the preamble that has no reduction in strength.

[0003] This objective is achieved by a pipe of the type described in the preamble, which pipe according to the invention has a first thickness in a first area of the pipe comprising said flow control valve, and a second thickness in a second area of the pipe, which first thickness is greater than the second thickness for compensating for the loss of strength due to the presence of the opening.

[0004] As a result of the first thickness being greater than the second thickness the loss of strength of the pipe due to said opening is compensated for. This has the advantage that the risk of cracking or breaking of the pipe is reduced.

[0005] Said greater first thickness is especially advantageous if the flow control device of WO-A2-2011/095512 is used as the flow control device. The flow control device of WO-A2-2011/095512 is relatively large as compared to other known flow control devices, for example the nozzle of US-B2-7,419,002, such that the loss in strength due to said opening is relatively large and compensation is even more preferred. For a description of the flow control device of WO-A2-2011/095512 this document is incorporated herein by reference.

[0006] In an embodiment of the pipe according to the invention said first area extends around the periphery of the pipe over a first length of the pipe.

[0007] In another embodiment of the pipe according to the invention said pipe comprises a cylindrical sleeve that is provided around the outer periphery of said pipe over said first length, which cylindrical sleeve comprises a second opening that is in register with the opening in the wall of the pipe, and wherein the first thickness is defined by the combined thickness of the pipe and the cylindrical sleeve.

[0008] Such a cylindrical sleeve has the advantage that it has an inner surface with a shape adapted to the outer surface of said pipe and may thus be easily mounted to said pipe.

[0009] Said cylindrical sleeve may be made of a material chosen from the group comprising metal, such as high tensile or stainless steel, and (carbon) fibre reinforced plastics.

[0010] Preferably said cylindrical sleeve is arranged in abutting relation with said pipe, such that no gap is present between the pipe and the cylindrical sleeve.

[0011] Such an abutting relation of said cylindrical sleeve with respect to said pipe has the advantage that a pressure loss, otherwise occurring in the gap between the pipe and the cylindrical sleeve, is at least reduced and preferably prevented. Also, the change is reduced that fluids and particles like sand and mud end up between the pipe and the cylindrical sleeve and thus the change on wear is reduced.

[0012] Practically said cylindrical sleeve is mounted to said pipe by means of shrinking, pressing, welding, or mounting means.

[0013] Said mounting means for example comprise dowel pins, bolts, screws or the like.

[0014] In even another embodiment of the pipe according to the invention said first length is in the range of between 0.05 and 0.5 m, preferably between 0.2 and 0.3 m.

[0015] Such a length is sufficient for compensating for the loss of strength due to the presence of the opening, which opening has a diameter that is adapted to the diameter of the flow control device. For example, the flow control device WO-A2-2011/095512 has a diameter of up to 50 - 70 mm and thus the opening may have a diameter of up to 50 - 70 mm.

[0016] Said first length may also be chosen in dependence of the number of flow control devices distributed over the periphery of the pipe and/or in dependence of the ground formation of the underground reservoir.

[0017] Preferably, said first thickness is equal to the height of the flow control valve.

[0018] Such a first thickness has the advantage that the flow control valve is completely contained in the wall of said pipe, such that said flow control valve does not extend beyond both the inner surface and the outer surface of the wall of the pipe.

[0019] In yet another embodiment of the pipe according to the invention, said pipe comprises an outer cylindrical sleeve that is mounted to said cylindrical sleeve in such a manner that an annular space is defined between the outer cylindrical sleeve and said cylindrical sleeve.

[0020] Said annular space is arranged as a flow channel for said extracted fluids, wherein in use said fluids flow via the annular space through said flow control valve into said pipe. For extracting fluids said flow channel is in medium through flow connection with the reservoir, preferably via a filter for filtering said fluid.

[0021] Optionally said cylindrical sleeve is provided with an outer threading and said outer cylindrical sleeve is provided with an inner threading, wherein said outer cylindrical sleeve is mounted to said cylindrical sleeve by tightening said outer cylindrical sleeve to said cylindrical sleeve.

[0022] Alternatively, said outer cylindrical sleeve is mounted to said cylindrical sleeve by means of shrinking, pressing, welding, or mounting means.

[0023] Said mounting means for example comprise dowel pins, bolts, screws or the like.

[0024] Such an outer cylindrical sleeve mounted to said cylindrical sleeve has the advantage that the axial displacement of the outer cylindrical sleeve with respect to said cylindrical sleeve during the running of the pipe in the reservoir is at least reduced, and preferably prevented.

[0025] An outer cylindrical sleeve mounted to said cylindrical sleeve by means of the above described mutually cooperating threadings or by means of said mounting means provides the additional advantage of being able to detach said outer cylindrical sleeve from said cylindrical sleeve in case access to said cylindrical sleeve and/or said flow control device is desired, for example for maintenance.

[0026] In again another embodiment of the pipe according to the invention said cylindrical sleeve and/or the outer cylindrical sleeve comprise(s) a tapering end zone that tapers in the direction of the wall of the pipe.

[0027] Such tapering end zone(s) have the advantage of guiding the pipe and the cylindrical sleeve(s) during running into the reservoir and for at least reducing, and preferably preventing, the pressure acting thereon.

[0028] The invention also relates to a method of locally increasing the thickness of a pipe for extracting reservoir fluids present in an underground reservoir, said method comprising the steps, to be performed in suitable sequence, of:

a) providing a piece of a determined material, an inner surface of said piece being adapted in form and size to a part of the outer periphery of said pipe;

b) providing an opening in said piece, which opening is adapted in form and size to an opening in a wall of said pipe for accommodating a flow control device; and

c) mounting said piece to said pipe such that the opening in said piece is in register with the opening in the wall of said pipe and such that the thickness of the pipe is locally increased in a first area of the pipe comprising said opening for compensating for the loss of strength due to the presence of the opening.

[0029] The method according to the invention has the advantage that the thickness of pipes already available for extracting reservoir fluids present in an underground reservoir is locally increased in a first area of the pipe comprising an opening for accommodating a flow control device for compensating for the loss of strength due to the presence of the opening.

[0030] Practically said piece is a cylindrical sleeve that is mounted around the outer periphery of said pipe over a first length of said pipe.

[0031] Step (c) may be performed by welding said piece or said cylindrical sleeve to said pipe, by mounting said piece or said cylindrical sleeve to said pipe by means of mounting means, or by shrinking or pressing said cylindrical sleeve to said pipe.

[0032] Preferably, step (c) is performed such that said piece or said cylindrical sleeve is arranged in abutting relation with said pipe, such that no gap is present between the pipe and said piece or said cylindrical sleeve.

[0033] Said determined material may be chosen from the group comprising metal, such as high tensile or stainless steel, and (carbon) fibre reinforced plastics.

[0034] The invention will be further elucidated with reference to figures shown in a drawing, wherein

• figure 1 shows a longitudinal section of a part of the wall of the pipe according to the invention; and
• figure 2 shows a cross section of the pipe of figure 1 at the location of a flow control device.

[0035] Figure 1 shows a wall of a pipe 1 for extracting reservoir fluids present in an underground reservoir (not shown). In use said pipe 1 extends into said reservoir. Said pipe 1 comprises an opening 2 in which a flow control device 3 is accommodated. The diameter of the opening 2 in figure 1 is approximately 30 mm. Due to the presence of the opening 2 the strength of the pipe 1 is reduced, such that said pipe 1 is prone to cracking or breaking. In order to compensate for the loss of strength of the pipe 1 the thickness of the pipe 1 is increased to a first thickness 15 in a first area of the pipe 1 comprising said flow control valve 3 by a cylindrical sleeve 5 that is provided around the outer periphery of said pipe 1 over a first length 4 of, in this example, 0.3 m. The cylindrical sleeve 5 comprises a second opening 6 having the same diameter as the opening 2 in the wall of the pipe 1 and that is in register with the opening 2, wherein the flow control device 3 is arranged in both said opening 2 and second opening 6. The first thickness 15 of the pipe 1 is defined by the combined thickness of the pipe 1 and the cylindrical sleeve 5 and is equal to the height 7 of the flow control device 3, such that the flow control device 3 is completely contained in the wall of said pipe 1 including said cylindrical sleeve 5. The first thickness 15 is, in this example, approximately 16 mm, which is greater than, in particular twice, a second thickness 16 in a second area of the pipe 1.

[0036] In figure 1 the cylindrical sleeve 5 is mounted to the pipe 1 by means of pressing. The cylindrical sleeve 5 is mounted to the pipe 1 in such a manner that the cylindrical sleeve 5 is arranged in abutting relation with said pipe 1, such that no gap is present between the pipe 1 and the cylindrical sleeve 5. At its axial end the cylindrical sleeve 1 has a tapering end zone 9. The end zone 9 tapers under an angle 8 with respect to the wall of the pipe 1, which angle 8 is preferably between 15-30°, for example approximately 20°. The tapering end zone 9 is provided for running the pipe 1 into the reservoir.

[0037] As is seen in figure 1 the pipe 1 further comprises an outer cylindrical sleeve 10 that is mounted to said cylindrical sleeve 5 in such a manner that an annular space 11 is defined between the outer cylindrical sleeve 10 and said cylindrical sleeve 5. The annular space 11 functions as a flow channel for said fluids that are extracted from the reservoir in which the pipe 1 extends. Upon extraction the fluids flow first through a filter 12, which filter 12 filters the fluid such that sand and other particles are prevented from entering, second through a second annular space 13 formed between said filter 12 and the wall of the pipe 1, third through the annular space 11 that is in medium through flow connection with the second annular space 13, fourth through the flow control device 3, and then into the pipe 1.

[0038] As is shown in figure 1, at its axial end the outer cylindrical sleeve 10 has a tapering end zone 14 that tapers under the same angle 8 of said cylindrical sleeve 5 with respect to the wall of the pipe 1, which angle 8 is thus also between 15-30°, for example approximately 20°. Both tapering end zones 9, 14 of respectively the cylindrical sleeves 5, 10 form a continuous tapering surface for running the pipe 1 into the reservoir.

[0039] In figure 1 the outer cylindrical sleeve 10 is mounted to the cylindrical sleeve 5 by means of pressing..

[0040] Figure 2 shows a cross section of the pipe 1 of figure 1 at the location of a flow control device 3. From this figure 2 it is clear that a plurality, in particular five, of flow control devices 3 are arranged in respective openings 2, 6 in the wall of the pipe 1, wherein the wall of the pipe 1 is formed by the pipe 1 itself and the cylindrical sleeve 5 and thus has the first thickness 15. The flow control devices 3 are equally distributed over the periphery of the pipe 1, at angles of approximately 72°. This arrangement of the plurality of flow control devices 3 is repeated over the length of the pipe 1. Preferably, a fixed distance is present between each arrangement of plurality of flow control devices 3. Instead of five flow control devices 3, each arrangement may comprise a chosen number of flow control devices 3, for example in the range of between 1 - 10 flow control devices 3.

[0041] The invention is not limited to the shown embodiment, but also extends to other variants falling within the scope of the appended claims.

[0042] For example the angle of the tapering end zones of the cylindrical sleeves 5, 10 may be any chosen angle, preferably lying in the range of between 15 - 30°. It is clear for the skilled person that a smaller angle of the tapering end zones results in an improved runnig of the pipe into the reservoir but increases the length of the cylindrical sleeves 5, 10. As such the angle of the tapering end zones is chosen as a compromise between running in and length of the cylindrical sleeves 5, 10.

[0043] The length of the cylindrical sleeve 5 may be any chosen length, as long as the sleeve 5 fully surrounds the flow control device 3, wherein said length preferably lies in the range of between 0.05 and 0.5 m, preferably between 0.2 and 0.3 m.

[0044] The thickness of the first area 15 may be chosen in accordance with the required strength of the pipe 1 and/or the height of the flow control device 3, and preferably lies in the range of 10 - 30 mm.

Claims

1. Pipe (1) for extracting reservoir fluids present in an underground reservoir, said pipe (1) extending into said reservoir and comprising at least one flow control device (3) for controlling the inflow of said reservoir fluids, which flow control device (3) is arranged in an opening (2) in the wall of the pipe, wherein the pipe has a first thickness (15) in a first area of the pipe comprising said flow control valve, and a second thickness (16) in a second area of the pipe, which first thickness is greater than the second thickness for compensating for the loss of strength due to the presence of the opening, wherein said first area extends around the periphery of the pipe over a first length of the pipe, characterised in that the pipe comprises a cylindrical sleeve (5) that is provided around the outer periphery of said pipe over said first length, which cylindrical sleeve comprises a second opening (6) that is in register with the opening in the wall of the pipe, and wherein the first thickness is defined by the combined thickness of the pipe and the cylindrical sleeve (5).

2. Pipe according to claim 1, wherein said cylindrical sleeve (5) is made of a material chosen from the group comprising metal, such as high tensile or stainless steel, and fibre reinforced plastics, said fibres being optionally carbon fibres.

3. Pipe according to claim 1 or 2, wherein said sleeve (5) is arranged in abutting relation with said pipe, such that no gap is present between the pipe and the cylindrical sleeve.

4. Pipe according to any of claims 1 - 3, wherein said cylindrical sleeve (5) is mounted to said pipe by means of shrinking, pressing, welding, or mounting means.

5. Pipe according to any of the preceding claims 1 - 4, wherein said first length is in the range of between 0.05 and 0.5 m, preferably between 0.2 and 0.3 m.

6. Pipe according to any of the preceding claims 1 - 5, wherein the first thickness (15) is equal to the height of the flow control valve.

7. Pipe according to any of the preceding claims 1 - 6, comprising an outer cylindrical sleeve (10_) that is mounted to said cylindrical sleeve (5) in such a manner that an annular space is defined between the outer cylindrical sleeve and said cylindrical sleeve.

8. Pipe according to claim 7, wherein said cylindrical sleeve (5) is provided with an outer threading and said outer cylindrical sleeve is provided with an inner threading, and wherein said outer cylindrical sleeve is mounted to said cylindrical sleeve by tightening said outer cylindrical sleeve to said cylindrical sleeve.

9. Pipe according to claim 7, wherein said outer cylindrical sleeve is mounted to said cylindrical sleeve by means of shrinking, pressing, welding, or mounting means.

10. Pipe according to any of the preceding claims 1 - 9, wherein said cylindrical sleeve and/or the outer cylindrical sleeve comprise(s) a tapering end zone (14) that tapers in the direction of the wall of the pipe.

11. Method of locally increasing the thickness of a pipe (1) for extracting reservoir fluids present in an underground reservoir, said method comprising the steps, to be performed in suitable sequence, of:

a) providing a piece (5) of a determined material, an inner surface of said piece being adapted in form and size to a part of the outer periphery of said pipe;

b) providing an opening (6) in said piece, which opening is adapted in form and size to an opening (2) in a wall of said pipe for accommodating a flow control device (3); and

c) mounting said piece to said pipe such that the opening in said piece is in register with the opening in the wall of said pipe and such that the thickness of the pipe is locally increased in a first area of the pipe comprising said opening for compensating for the loss of strength due to the presence of the opening, wherein said piece is a cylindrical sleeve (5) that is mounted around the outer periphery of said pipe over a first length of said pipe.

12. Method according to claim 11, wherein step (c) is performed by welding said piece or said cylindrical sleeve (5) to said pipe, by mounting said piece or said cylindrical sleeve to said pipe by means of mounting means, or by shrinking or pressing said cylindrical sleeve to said pipe.

13. Method according to any of the preceding claims 11 - 12, wherein step (c) is performed such that said cylindrical sleeve is arranged in abutting relation with said pipe, such that no gap is present between the pipe and said piece or said cylindrical sleeve.

14. Method according to any of the preceding claims 11 - 13, wherein said determined material is chosen from the group comprising metal, such as high tensile or stainless steel, and fibre reinforced plastics, said fibres being optionally carbon fibres.

Ansprüche

1. Rohr (1) zur Extraktion von Lagerstättenfluiden, die in einer unterirdischen Lagerstätte vorhanden sind, wobei das Rohr (1) sich in die Lagerstätte erstreckt und wenigstens eine Durchflusssteuervorrichtung (3) zum Steuern der Zuströmung der Lagerstättenfluide aufweist, wobei die Durchflusssteuervorrichtung (3) in einer Öffnung (2) in der Wand des Rohrs angeordnet ist, wobei das Rohr eine erste Dicke (15) in einem ersten Bereich des Rohrs, der das Durchflusssteuerventil aufweist, und eine zweite Dicke (16) in einem zweiten Bereich des Rohrs hat, wobei die erste Dicke größer als die zweite Dicke ist, um den Verlust an Festigkeit aufgrund des Vorhandenseins der Öffnung zu kompensieren, wobei der erste Bereich sich über eine erste Länge des Rohrs um den Umfang des Rohrs herum erstreckt,
dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass das Rohr eine zylindrische Hülse (5) aufweist, die über die erste Länge um den Außenumfang des Rohrs herum bereitgestellt ist, wobei die zylindrische Hülse eine zweite Öffnung (6) aufweist, die mit der Öffnung in der Wand des Rohrs ausgerichtet ist, und wobei die erste Dicke durch die kombinierte Dicke des Rohrs und der zylindrischen Hülse (5) definiert wird.

2. Rohr nach Anspruch 1, wobei die zylindrische Hülse (5) aus einem Material hergestellt ist, das aus der Gruppe gewählt ist, die Metall, wie etwa hochzugfesten nichtrostenden Stahl und faserverstärkten Kunststoff aufweist, wobei die Fasern wahlweise Karbonfasern sind.

3. Rohr nach Anspruch 1 oder 2, wobei die Hülse (5) in einer anliegenden Beziehung mit dem Rohr ist, so dass keine Lücke zwischen dem Rohr und der zylindrischen Hülse vorhanden ist.

4. Rohr nach einem der Ansprüche 1-3, wobei die zylindrische Hülse (5) mittels Schrumpfen, Pressen, Schweißen oder einer Montageeinrichtung an dem Rohr montiert ist.

5. Rohr nach einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche 1-4, wobei die erste Länge in dem Bereich zwischen 0,05 und 0,5 m, vorzugsweise zwischen 0,2 und 0,3 m liegt.

6. Rohr nach einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche 1-5, wobei die erste Dicke (15) gleich der Höhe des Durchflusssteuerventils ist.

7. Rohr nach einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche 1-6, das eine äußere zylindrische Hülse (10) aufweist, die an der genannten zylindrischen Hülse (5) in einer derartigen Weise montiert ist, dass zwischen der äußeren zylindrischen Hülse und der genannten zylindrischen Hülse ein ringförmiger Zwischenraum definiert wird.

8. Rohr nach Anspruch 7, wobei die genannte zylindrische Hülse (5) mit einem Außengewinde versehen ist und die äußere zylindrische Hülse mit einem Innengewinde versehen ist, und wobei die äußere zylindrische Hülse durch Festziehen der äußeren zylindrischen Hülse an der genannten zylindrischen Hülse an die genannte zylindrische Hülse montiert ist.

9. Rohr nach Anspruch 7, wobei die äußere zylindrische Hülse mittels Schrumpfen, Pressen, Schweißen oder einer Montageeinrichtung an der genannten zylindrischen Hülse montiert ist.

10. Rohr nach einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche 1-9, wobei die genannte zylindrische Hülse und/oder die äußere zylindrische Hülse eine angeschrägte Endzone (14) aufweist/en, die in der Richtung der Wand des Rohrs angeschrägt ist.

11. Verfahren zur lokalen Vergrößerung der Dicke eines Rohrs (1) zum Extrahieren von Lagerstättenfluiden, die in einer unterirdischen Lagerstätte vorhanden sind, wobei das Verfahren die folgenden Schritte aufweist, die in geeigneter Reihenfolge durchgeführt werden sollen:

a) Bereitstellen eines Stücks (5) aus einem bestimmten Material, wobei eine innere Oberfläche dieses Stücks in Form und Größe an einen Teil des Außenumfangs des Rohrs angepasst ist;

b) Bereitstellen einer Öffnung (6) in dem Stück, wobei die Öffnung in Form und Größe an eine Öffnung (2) in einer Wand des Rohrs angepasst ist, um eine Durchflusssteuervorrichtung (3) aufzunehmen; und

c) Montieren des genannten Stücks an das Rohr, so dass die Öffnung in dem Stück mit der Öffnung in der Wand des Rohrs ausgerichtet ist und so dass die Dicke des Rohrs in einem ersten Bereich des Rohrs, der die Öffnung aufweist, lokal vergrößert ist, um den Festigkeitsverlust aufgrund des Vorhandenseins der Öffnung zu kompensieren, wobei das genannte Stück eine zylindrische Hülse (5) ist, die über eine erste Länge des Rohrs um den Außenumfang des Rohrs herum montiert wird.

12. Verfahren nach Anspruch 11, wobei der Schritt c) durch Schweißen des Stücks oder der zylindrischen Hülse (5) an das Rohr, durch Montieren des Stücks oder der zylindrischen Hülse an das Rohr mittels einer Montageeinrichtung, oder durch Schrumpfen oder Pressen der zylindrischen Hülse an das Rohr durchgeführt wird.

13. Verfahren nach einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche 11 - 12, wobei der Schritt c) derart durchgeführt wird, dass die zylindrische Hülse in einer anliegenden Beziehung mit dem Rohr angeordnet wird, so dass keine Lücke zwischen dem Rohr und dem Stück oder der zylindrischen Hülse vorhanden ist.

14. Verfahren nach einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche 11 - 13, wobei das bestimmte Material aus der Gruppe gewählt wird, die Metall, wie etwa hochzugfesten nichtrostenden Stahl und faserverstärkten Kunststoff aufweist, wobei die Fasern wahlweise Karbonfasern sind.

Revendications

1. Tuyau (1) pour extraire des fluides de réservoir présents dans un réservoir souterrain, ledit tuyau (1) s'étendant dans ledit réservoir et comprenant au moins un dispositif de régulation de débit (3) pour réguler l'arrivée desdits fluides de réservoir, lequel dispositif de régulation de débit (3) est agencé dans une ouverture (2) dans la paroi du tuyau, dans lequel le tuyau a une première épaisseur (15) dans une première zone du tuyau comprenant ladite vanne de régulation de débit, et une seconde épaisseur (16) dans une seconde zone du tuyau, laquelle première épaisseur est supérieure à la seconde épaisseur pour compenser la perte de solidité due à la présence de l'ouverture, dans lequel ladite première zone s'étend autour de la périphérie du tuyau sur une première longueur du tuyau,
caractérisé en ce que le tuyau comprend un manchon cylindrique (5) qui est prévu autour de la périphérie extérieure dudit tuyau sur ladite première longueur, lequel manchon cylindrique comprend une seconde ouverture (6) qui est alignée sur l'ouverture dans la paroi du tuyau, et dans lequel la première épaisseur est définie par l'épaisseur combinée du tuyau et du manchon cylindrique (5).

2. Tuyau selon la revendication 1, dans lequel ledit manchon cylindrique (5) est réalisé en un matériau choisi parmi le groupe comprenant le métal, tel que de l'acier haute résistance ou inoxydable, et du plastique renforcé de fibres, lesdites fibres étant facultativement des fibres de carbone.

3. Tuyau selon la revendication 1 ou 2, dans lequel ledit manchon (5) est agencé en relation de butée avec ledit tuyau, de telle sorte qu'aucun espace n'est présent entre le tuyau et le manchon cylindrique.

4. Tuyau selon l'une quelconque des revendications 1 à 3, dans lequel ledit manchon cylindrique (5) est monté sur ledit tuyau à l'aide de moyens de retrait, de pression, de soudage ou de montage.

5. Tuyau selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes 1 à 4, dans lequel ladite première longueur est dans la plage comprise entre 0,05 et 0,5 m, de préférence entre 0,2 et 0,3 m.

6. Tuyau selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes 1 à 5,
dans lequel la première (15) est égale à la hauteur de la vanne de régulation de débit.

7. Tuyau selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes 1 à 6, comprenant un manchon cylindrique extérieur (10) qui est monté sur ledit manchon cylindrique (5) de telle manière qu'un espace annulaire est défini entre le manchon cylindrique extérieur et ledit manchon cylindrique.

8. Tuyau selon la revendication 7, dans lequel ledit manchon cylindrique (5) est muni d'un filetage extérieur et ledit manchon cylindrique extérieur est muni d'un filetage intérieur, et dans lequel ledit manchon cylindrique extérieur est monté sur ledit manchon cylindrique en resserrant ledit manchon cylindrique extérieur sur ledit manchon cylindrique.

9. Tuyau selon la revendication 7, dans lequel ledit manchon cylindrique extérieur est monté sur ledit manchon cylindrique à l'aide de moyens de retrait, de pression, de soudage ou de montage.

10. Tuyau selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes 1 à 9, dans lequel ledit manchon cylindrique et/ou le manchon cylindrique extérieur comprend/comprennent une zone d'extrémité effilée (14) qui diminue progressivement dans la direction de la paroi du tuyau.

11. Procédé d'augmentation locale de l'épaisseur d'un tuyau (1) pour extraire des fluides de réservoir présents dans un réservoir souterrain, ledit procédé comprenant les étapes, devant être réalisées dans un ordre approprié, de :

a) prévision d'un morceau (5) d'un matériau déterminé, une surface intérieure dudit morceau étant adaptée sur le plan de sa forme et de sa taille à une partie de la périphérie extérieure dudit tuyau ;

b) prévision d'une ouverture (6) dans ledit morceau, laquelle ouverture est adaptée sur le plan de sa forme et de sa taille à une ouverture (2) dans une paroi dudit tuyau pour loger un dispositif de régulation de débit (3) ; et

c) montage dudit morceau sur ledit tuyau de telle sorte que l'ouverture dans ledit morceau est alignée sur l'ouverture dans la paroi dudit tuyau et de telle sorte que l'épaisseur du tuyau est augmentée localement dans une première zone du tuyau comprenant ladite ouverture pour compenser la perte de solidité due à la présence de l'ouverture, dans lequel ledit morceau est un manchon cylindrique (5) qui est monté autour de la périphérie extérieure dudit tuyau sur une première longueur dudit tuyau.

12. Procédé selon la revendication 11, dans lequel l'étape (c) est réalisée par soudage dudit morceau ou dudit manchon cylindrique (5) sur ledit tuyau, par montage dudit morceau ou dudit manchon cylindrique sur ledit tuyau à l'aide de moyens de montage, ou par retrait ou pression dudit manchon cylindrique sur ledit tuyau.

13. Procédé selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes 11 à 12, dans lequel l'étape (c) est réalisée de telle sorte que ledit manchon cylindrique est agencé en relation de butée avec ledit tuyau, de telle sorte qu'aucun espace n'est présent entre le tuyau et ledit morceau ou ledit manchon cylindrique.

14. Procédé selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes 11 à 13, dans lequel ledit matériau déterminé est choisi parmi le groupe comprenant le métal, tel que de l'acier haute résistance ou inoxydable, et du plastique renforcé de fibres, lesdites fibres étant facultativement des fibres de carbone.

Drawing