| Abstract: | Self-assembling segmented coiled tubing is a concept that allows the
strength of thick-wall rigid pipe, and the flexibility of thin-wall
tubing, to be realized in a single design. The primary use is for a
drillstring tubular, but it has potential for other applications
requiring transmission of mechanical loads (forces and torques) through
an initially coiled tubular. The concept uses a spring-loaded spherical
`ball-and-socket` type joint to interconnect two or more short, rigid
segments of pipe. Use of an optional snap ring allows the joint to be
permanently made, in a `self-assembling` manner. |