Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
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A CONTIGENCY RELEASE DEVICE THAT USES RIGHT-HAND TORQUE TO ALLOW
MOVEMENT OF A COLLET PROP
Technical Field
[0001] A contingency release device and methods of
use are provided. The device can be used to provide a
sufficient amount of set down stroke to a collet prop necessary
to allow compression of collet fingers on a tool. The device
includes a release nut and a torsion lock sleeve that are
capable of engaging each other via crenellated ends. According
to certain embodiments, the release nut and torsion lock sleeve
are disengaged via movement of a piston. According to other
embodiments, after disengagement, the release nut is displaced
by applying a right-hand torque to an inner release mandrel.
Summary
[0002] According to an embodiment, a device
comprises: a torsion lock sleeve, wherein the torsion lock
sleeve comprises a crenellated second end, wherein the torsion
lock sleeve is tubular in shape, and wherein at least a portion
of the inner circumference of the torsion lock sleeve engages at
least one ridge; and a release nut, wherein the release nut
comprises a crenellated first end, and wherein the first end of
the release nut is capable of engaging the second end of the
torsion lock sleeve.
[0003] According to another embodiment, a method of
displacing a release nut comprises: positioning a device in a
portion of a subterranean formation, wherein the device
comprises: a torsion lock sleeve, wherein the torsion lock
sleeve comprises a crenellated second end, wherein the torsion
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lock sleeve is tubular in shape, and wherein at least a portion
of the inner circumference of the torsion lock sleeve engages at
least one ridge; and a release nut, wherein the release nut
comprises a crenellated first end, and wherein the first end of
the release nut is engaged with the second end of the torsion
lock sleeve; moving the torsion lock sleeve, wherein the step of
moving the torsion lock sleeve comprises disengaging the first
end of the release nut with the second end of the torsion lock
sleeve; and moving the release nut.
Brief Description of the Figures
[0004] The features and advantages of certain
embodiments will be more readily appreciated when considered in
conjunction with the accompanying figures. The figures are not
to be construed as limiting any of the preferred embodiments.
[0005] Fig. LA is a diagram of the device, wherein
a release nut is connected to an outer cylinder, shown prior to
movement of the release nut and outer cylinder.
[0006] Fig. 1B is a diagram of the device from Fig.
1A, shown after movement of the release nut and outer cylinder.
[0007] Fig. 2A is a three-dimensional perspective
of the release nut and a torsion lock sleeve engaged with each
other.
[0008] Fig. 2B is a three-dimensional perspective
of the release nut and the torsion lock sleeve disengaged from
each other.
[0009] Fig. 3A depicts another embodiment of the
device, wherein the release nut is attached to an inner tool
mandrel, shown prior to movement of the release nut and the
inner tool mandrel.
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[0010] Fig. 3B is a diagram of the device from Fig.
3A, shown after movement of the release nut and the inner tool
mandrel.
Detailed Description
[0011] As used herein, the words "comprise,"
"have," "include," and all grammatical variations thereof are
each intended to have an open, non-limiting meaning that does
not exclude additional elements or steps.
[0012] It should be understood that, as used
herein, "first," "second," "third," etc., are arbitrarily
assigned and are merely intended to differentiate between two or
more ends, ports, etc., as the case may be, and does not
indicate any sequence. Furthermore, it is to be understood that
the mere use of the term "first" does not require that there be
any "second," and the mere use of the term "second" does not
require that there be any "third," etc.
[0013] Oil and gas hydrocarbons are naturally
occurring in some subterranean formations. A subterranean
formation containing oil or gas is sometimes referred to as a
reservoir. A reservoir may be located under land or off shore.
Reservoirs are typically located in the range of a few hundred
feet (shallow reservoirs) to a few tens of thousands of feet
(ultra-deep reservoirs).
[0014] In order to produce oil or gas, a wellbore
is drilled into a reservoir or adjacent to a reservoir. A
portion of a wellbore may be an open hole or cased hole. In a
cased-hole wellbore portion, a casing is placed into the
wellbore, which can also contain a tubing string. A well can
include, without limitation, an oil, gas, or water production
well, or an injection well. As used herein, a "well" includes
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at least one wellbore. A wellbore can include vertical,
inclined, and horizontal portions, and it can be straight,
curved, or branched. As used herein, the term "wellbore"
includes any cased, and any uncased, open-hole portion of the
wellbore. A near-wellbore region is the subterranean material
and rock of the subterranean formation surrounding the wellbore.
As used herein, a "well" also includes the near-wellbore region.
The near-wellbore region is generally considered to be the
region within about 100 feet of the wellbore. As used herein,
"into a well" means and includes into any portion of the well,
including into the wellbore or into the near-wellbore region via
the wellbore.
[0015] After a wellbore has been drilled, the
wellbore is then completed. During completion of an open-hole
wellbore portion, a tubing string may be placed into the
wellbore. The tubing string allows fluids to be introduced
into, or flowed from, a remote portion of the wellbore. A
tubing is a section of tubular pipe, usually 30 feet in length.
Examples of pipes can include a blank pipe, a sand screen, or a
washpipe. A tubing string refers to multiple sections of pipe
connected to each other. A tubing string is created by joining
multiple sections of pipe together via male right-handed threads
at the bottom of a first section of pipe and corresponding
female threads at the top of a second section of pipe. The two
sections of pipe are connected to each other by applying a
right-hand torque to the first section of pipe while the second
section of pipe remains relatively stationary. The joined
sections of pipe are then lowered into the wellbore. The
process continues in this fashion until the desired length of
tubing string has been placed in the wellbore.
[0016] There are several tools that are used in oil
and gas operations that include a collet and a collet prop. A
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collet is generally fitted around the outside of a mandrel. The
collet commonly includes at least one concentric ring and collet
fingers that extend from the ring. The collet fingers can
include a lug. A retrieving tool is one example of a tool that
can include a collet. A retrieving tool can be used to retrieve
an object, such as a downhole tool or tubular, from a wellbore
and return the object to the surface. The object to be
retrieved generally includes recesses that correspond to lugs on
the collet fingers. The lugs on the collet fingers are designed
to fit inside the recesses on the object. The collets are prone
to contract around the outer diameter of the mandrel. In order
to prevent the collet fingers from contracting, and thus, not
engage with the recesses on the object, a collet prop can be
positioned between the collet and the outside of the mandrel.
Another example of a tool that can include a collet is an
expansion tool. Prior to expansion, a tubing string, such as a
liner, can be suspended from the collet via collet finger lugs
that engage recesses in the tubing string. The collet fingers
are rigid and can support the weight of the tubing string only
when the collet prop is located under the collet.
[0017] These tools often include an outer cylinder
and an inner mandrel. Typically, the outer cylinder and inner
mandrel are prevented from moving relative to the tubing string,
via a shouldered connection. Once the desired tool operation is
completed, such as expansion of the tubing string, the
shouldered connection is separated and there is free movement of
the outer cylinder or inner mandrel with respect to the tubing
string. Upon separation of the shouldered connection, the
collet prop can be moved, also called dropped. Typically, this
is accomplished by moving either the inner mandrel or the outer
cylinder downward with respect to the tubing string. The
movement of the outer cylinder or inner mandrel causes the
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collet prop to move out from underneath the collet. The collet
prop must be dropped to a point below the collet in order for
the fingers to flex inward towards the mandrel. When the collet
fingers can be easily flexed inward, the tool can be released
from the tubing string. The amount of movement of the collet
prop required to release the tool can vary based on the tool
design, but is generally in the range of about 4 inches (in.) to
about 8 in.
[0018] However, in some situations, it may be
necessary to release a tool prior to the completion of the
desired tool operation. By way of example, for an expansion
tool, if the tubing string becomes stuck in the wellbore before
it reaches the desired depth, then the running tool must be
released from the tubing string. As mentioned above, the collet
prop can be dropped upon completion of the desired tool
operation because the shoulder connection is separated.
However, prior to the completion of the tool operation, the
shouldered connection will not be separated and the ability to
move the collet prop out from underneath the collet to release
the tool is not possible. Therefore, contingency release
devices have been developed that provide the required distance
for the collet prop to drop to allow retraction of the collets
and subsequent release of the tool. Typically, these
contingency release mechanisms require additional steps or a
specific sequence of additional steps to be performed in order
to drop the collet prop. The steps or sequence of steps can be
designed such that the risk of unintentionally activating the
contingency release mechanism at the incorrect time is reduced.
[0019] Contingency release devices commonly include
shear pins or a J-slot. A shear pin contingency release
mechanism is a sliding connection that would allow the required
movement of the collet prop once the shear pins are broken
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through a set down force. A minimum amount of weight is required
to break the shear pins, which then allows the sliding
connection to move downward and allows the collet prop to move
out from underneath the collet. However, a disadvantage to
using shear pins is that if the force required to break the pins
is designed to be too low, then there is a risk of accidentally
shearing the pins while pushing the tubing string into the
wellbore. Moreover, if the force required to break the pins is
designed to be too high, then there is a risk of exceeding the
available force that can be applied to the mechanism, in which
case the mechanism would not operate and the shear pins would
never break. A J-slot contingency release mechanism requires a
left-hand torque to be applied to the device followed by a set
down weight in order to drop the collet prop. This device
functions by moving some lugs in a "LT" shaped slot via left-hand
torque and set down weight. The J-slot groove is designed to
prevent the risk of accidental operation of the contingency
release mechanism while pushing the tubing string into the
wellbore. However, because a tubing string is assembled by
connecting multiple sections of pipe together via right-hand
torque, field operators are hesitant to apply a left-hand torque
for fear of unthreading sections of the tubing string.
[0020] Thus, it is desirable to provide an
apparatus that provides the required distance for moving a
collet prop out from underneath a collet prior to completion of
the desired operation of the tool. It is desirable that the
apparatus does not have force restrictions and does not require
left-hand torque for movement.
[0021] A novel apparatus and method of use for
moving a release nut are provided. The release nut can be
engaged to a torsion lock sleeve via crenellated ends of the nut
and sleeve. The torsion lock sleeve can be prevented from
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rotating about an inner mandrel via one or more ridges. In the
event it becomes necessary to drop a collet prop, the release
nut can be moved, which will allow movement of the collet prop.
The release nut can be moved by disengaging the torsion lock
sleeve from the release nut. The release nut can now be moved
by applying a right-hand torque to the nut.
[0022] According to an embodiment, a device
comprises: a torsion lock sleeve, wherein the torsion lock
sleeve comprises a crenellated second end, wherein the torsion
lock sleeve is tubular in shape, and wherein at least a portion
of the inner circumference of the torsion lock sleeve engages at
least one ridge; and a release nut, wherein the release nut
comprises a crenellated first end, and wherein the first end of
the release nut is capable of engaging the second end of the
torsion lock sleeve.
[0023] According to another embodiment, a method of
displacing a release nut comprises: positioning a device in a
portion of a subterranean formation, wherein the device
comprises: a torsion lock sleeve, wherein the torsion lock
sleeve comprises a crenellated second end, wherein the torsion
lock sleeve is tubular in shape, and wherein at least a portion
of the inner circumference of the torsion lock sleeve engages at
least one ridge; and a release nut, wherein the release nut
comprises a crenellated first end, and wherein the first end of
the release nut is engaged with the second end of the torsion
lock sleeve; moving the torsion lock sleeve, wherein the step of
moving the torsion lock sleeve comprises disengaging the first
end of the release nut with the second end of the torsion lock
sleeve; and moving the release nut.
[0024] Any discussion of a particular component of
the device (e.g., a ridge 40) is meant to include the singular
form of the component and also the plural form of the component,
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without the need to continually refer to the component in both
the singular and plural form throughout. For example, if a
discussion involves "the ridge 40," it is to be understood that
the discussion pertains to one ridge (singular) and two or more
ridges (plural). It is also to be understood that any
discussion of a particular component or particular embodiment
regarding a component is meant to apply to the apparatus
embodiments and the method embodiments, without the need to re-
state all of the particulars for both the apparatus and method
embodiments.
[0025] Turning to the Figures, the device comprises
a piston assembly 100. The piston assembly 100 can include a
piston 101, a piston housing 103, and a piston adjustment sleeve
104. The piston assembly 100 can also include at least one
shear pin 102, or more than one shear pin 102. As can be seen
in the Figures, the piston 101 can be located adjacent to an
inner release mandrel 10. At least a portion of the piston 101
can be attached to and/or located within the piston housing 103.
The piston housing 103 can be operatively connected to the
piston adjustment sleeve 104. The shear pin 102 can be located
adjacent to the piston 101. In this manner, if a sufficient
force is applied to the piston 101 then the shear pin 102 will
shear, or break.
[0026] The device also includes a torsion lock
sleeve 20. The torsion lock sleeve 20 is operatively connected
to the piston assembly 100. The torsion lock sleeve 20 can be
directly or operatively connected to the piston adjustment
sleeve 104. By way of example, the torsion lock sleeve 20 can
be operatively connected to the piston adjustment sleeve 104 via
a torsion lock sleeve engagement ring 22. In this manner, the
torsion lock sleeve 20 can be directly attached to the torsion
lock sleeve engagement ring 22 and the torsion lock sleeve
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engagement ring 22 can then be directly connected to the piston
adjustment sleeve 104. The torsion lock sleeve 20 comprises a
crenellated second end. The second end is preferably located
downstream of the first end of the torsion lock sleeve 20, and
is also preferably located adjacent to a first end of a release
nut 30. As used herein, the term "downstream" means in the
direction away from the top of the device, wherein the top of
the device is defined as being the area of the device that is
closest to the wellhead. For example, the inner release mandrel
may be located closer to the wellhead compared to the inner tool
mandrel. As such, downstream would be in a direction away from
the inner release mandrel towards the inner tool mandrel.
Moreover, a portion of a particular component, such as the inner
release mandrel, will be closer to the wellhead compared to
another portion of the same component. In this example,
downstream would be in a direction away from the portion closest
to the wellhead towards the portion farther away from the
wellhead. As used herein, the term "upstream" means in the
direction towards the top of the device.
[0027] The device can further include a torsion
lock sleeve crap 21. The torsion lock sleeve engagement ring 22
can be located within the torsion lock sleeve gap 21. The
torsion lock sleeve gap 21 can be used to allow some movement of
the piston assembly 100 without causing movement of the torsion
lock sleeve 20. For example, the torsion lock sleeve crap 21 can
be designed such that all of the force is channeled to cause
movement of the piston 101, which causes the shear pin 102 to
break, instead of some of the force also moving the torsion lock
sleeve 20. The torsion lock sleeve crap 21 can be a variety of
lengths. In an embodiment, the length of the torsion lock
sleeve gap 21 is at least sufficient to allow the shear pin 102
to break without causing movement of the torsion lock sleeve 20.
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In this manner, as the piston 101, piston housing 103, and
piston adjustment sleeve 104 are moved by force in an upstream
direction, the shear pin 102 will break. During this movement,
the piston adjustment sleeve 104 moves the torsion lock sleeve
engagement ring 22 in the torsion lock sleeve gap 21. The
torsion lock sleeve engagement ring 22 will continue to travel
upstream in the torsion lock sleeve gap 21 without causing
movement to the torsion lock sleeve 20 until the torsion lock
sleeve engagement ring 22 has traveled the entire length of the
torsion lock sleeve gap 21. Then, only after the shear pins 102
have sheared and the torsion lock sleeve engagement ring 22 has
traveled the entire length of the torsion lock sleeve gap 21,
will the torsion lock sleeve engagement ring 22 cause an
upstream movement of the torsion lock sleeve 20.
[0028] As can be seen in Figs. 1A - 3B, the device
can also include an inner release mandrel 10, an outer cylinder
50, and a lock nut 300. The lock nut 300 can be connected to
the inner release mandrel 10 via right-hand threads and can be
used to halt movement of the release nut 30. By way of example,
and as can be seen in Fig. 1B, after movement of the release nut
30, the release nut can tighten up against the lock nut 300,
which prevents additional movement of the release nut. The
device can further include a shoulder for the lock nut 300 (not
shown). The shoulder can be located downstream of the lock nut
300. The shoulder can be part of an intermediary mandrel (not
shown).
[0029] Figs. 1A and 1B depict the device according
to an embodiment and Figs. 3A and 3B depict the device according
to another embodiment. According to the embodiment depicted in
Figs. 1A and 1B, the device can include a collet prop connected
to an inner tool mandrel (not shown in Figs. 1A - 2B). The
release nut 30 can be connected to the outer cylinder 50 and can
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also be connected to the inner release mandrel 10 via left-hand
threads. The inner release mandrel 10 can be shouldered against
the lock nut 300. As can be seen in Figs. 1A and 1B, as the
release nut 30 is moved, the outer cylinder 50 moves with the
release nut and the inner release mandrel 10 remains stationary.
The release nut 30 and the outer cylinder 50 can travel
downstream until stopped by the lock nut 300. The collet prop
(not shown) can be connected to an inner tool mandrel (also not
shown). According to this embodiment, the inner tool mandrel is
operatively connected to the outer cylinder 50, such that after
movement of the release nut 30 (and the outer cylinder 50), the
collet prop can be dropped the desired distance.
[0030] Turning to the other embodiment depicted in
Figs. 3A and 3B, the inner release mandrel 10 can be connected
to the lock nut 300. The outer cylinder 50 can be shouldered to
the inner tool mandrel 11, and the inner tool mandrel 11 can be
connected to the release nut 30. The release nut 30 can be
connected to the inner release mandrel 10 via left-hand threads.
The collet prop (not shown) can be connected to the inner tool
mandrel 11. As can be seen, as the release nut 30 moves, the
inner tool mandrel 11 also moves, while the outer cylinder 50
remains stationary. The release nut 30 and the inner tool
mandrel 11 travel downstream until stopped by the lock nut 300.
After movement of the release nut 30 (and the inner tool mandrel
11), the collet prop can be dropped the desired distance.
[0031] The torsion lock sleeve 20 is tubular is
shape and at least a portion of the inner circumference of the
torsion lock sleeve 20 engages at least one ridge 40. According
to an embodiment, the device includes more than one, and
preferably a plurality of, ridges 40. As can be seen in Fig.
2B, at least a portion of the inner release mandrel 10 includes
the ridge 40. The ridge 40 can extend outwardly from the inner
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release mandrel 10. If the device includes more than one ridge
40, then the ridges 40 can be spatially arranged around the
outer circumference of the inner release mandrel 10. According
to an embodiment, the ridges 40 are equally spaced around the
outer circumference of the inner release mandrel 10. The
torsion lock sleeve 20 can include one or more recesses (not
shown). The recesses can be the same depth as the height of the
ridge 40, and the width of the recesses can be the same width,
or preferably slightly larger than, the width of the ridge 40.
In this manner, the ridge 40 can fit inside the recess.
Preferably, the recesses of the torsion lock sleeve 20 are
spatially arranged in the same pattern around the inner
circumference of the torsion lock sleeve 20 as the ridges 40 of
the inner release mandrel 10. According to an embodiment, the
torsion lock sleeve 20 is inhibited, and preferably prohibited,
from rotating about an axis of the inner release mandrel 10.
The recess and the ridge 40 can be used to inhibit or prohibit
rotational movement of the torsion lock sleeve 20.
[0032] The device includes the release nut 30. As
can be seen in Figs. 2A and 2B, the release nut 30 includes a
crenellated first end, wherein the first end of the release nut
30 is capable of engaging the crenellated second end of the
torsion lock sleeve 20. Fig. 2A shows the first end of the
release nut 30 engaged with the second end of the torsion lock
sleeve 20. Fig. 2B shows the release nut 30 disengaged from the
torsion lock sleeve 20. As used herein, the word "crenellated"
and all grammatical variations thereof, means having repeated
indentations. Examples of crenellated items include battlements
on a tower of a castle and crenellated molding. Each
indentation forms an indented portion and a raised portion on
the end of the torsion lock sleeve 20 and release nut 30. The
indentions (and therefore, the raised portions) can be a variety
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of shapes, including but not limited to, square, rectangle, and
rounded. Preferably the shape of the indentions is the same for
both crenellated ends of the torsion lock sleeve 20 and the
release nut 30. There can be only two indentations or more than
two indentations. Preferably, the number of indentations on the
end of the torsion lock sleeve 20 and the end of the release nut
30 is at least sufficient to allow the torsion lock sleeve 20 to
engage, and preferably lock, with the release nut 30. The
spacing of the indentations is also preferably the same width
such that the torsion lock sleeve 20 can engage with the release
nut 30.
[0033] In order to engage, the shape and dimensions
of the indentations can be selected such that the raised
portions on the first end of the release nut 30 can slide into
the recessed portions of the second end of the torsion lock
sleeve 20. In an embodiment, and as shown in Fig. 2A, the
crenellated ends of the release nut 30 and the torsion lock
sleeve 20 fit tightly together. Preferably, the crenellated
ends of the release nut 30 and the torsion lock sleeve 20 fit
together in a manner such that the release nut 30 and torsion
lock sleeve 20 are engaged with each other. As used herein,
reference to the release nut 30 and the torsion lock sleeve 20
being "engaged," and all grammatical variations thereof, means
that if either component (i.e., the release nut 30 or the
torsion lock sleeve 20) is incapable of, or prevented from,
moving in a rotational direction about an axis, then the other
component would also be incapable of rotational movement. By
way of example, if the torsion lock sleeve 20 is prevented from
rotational movement about an axis of the inner release mandrel
via the ridge 40, and the release nut 30 and the torsion lock
sleeve 20 are engaged, then the release nut 30 is prevented from
rotational movement because the torsion lock sleeve 20 is
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prevented from rotational movement. However, if the release nut
30 is disengaged from the torsion lock sleeve 20 (as shown in
Fig. 2B), then rotational movement of either component is not
dictated by the other component. For example, once disengaged,
even if the torsion lock sleeve 20 is prevented from rotating
due to the ridge 40, the release nut 30 may be capable of
rotation. Of course, in this example, the release nut 30 may be
prevented from rotation due to another reason, but it will not
be due to engagement with the torsion lock sleeve 20.
[0034] The device can include at least one piston
pressure port 105. According to an embodiment, the piston 101
is capable of being moved. The piston 101 can be moved in an
upstream direction. According to an embodiment, when the piston
101 moves, the piston housing 103 and the piston adjustment
sleeve 104 move as well. The piston pressure port 105 can be
included when the piston 101 is to be moved by pressure. If the
device includes the piston pressure port 105, then the piston
pressure port 105 can be positioned in a variety of locations,
for example, at a location such that the piston 101 is capable
of being moved via pressure from the piston pressure port 105.
[0035] The device can also include a bypass sleeve
200. If the device does not include a bypass sleeve 200, then
preferably a pressure is maintained on the piston assembly 100
such that the torsion lock sleeve 20 is held up from the release
nut 30 in a disengaged position. Preferably, the pressure is
maintained for at least a sufficient time to allow the complete
movement of the release nut 30, for example, via applying a
right-hand torque to the release nut 30. The bypass sleeve 200
can be located upstream of the piston 101, and in the direction
of movement of the piston 101. The bypass sleeve 200 can be
used to help stop upstream movement of the piston 101 and can be
used to remove pressure from the system after movement of the
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piston 101. As can be seen in Figs. IA and 1B, the piston 101
can be moved (e.g., by pressure) such that the piston 101
travels along the inner release mandrel 10 in a direction toward
the bypass sleeve 200. The piston 101 can shear the shear pin
102 during movement. If the piston 101 has traveled a
sufficient distance, then the piston 101 can come in contact
with the bypass sleeve 200. If pressure is maintained in the
system, then the piston 101 can cause the bypass sleeve 200 to
move in an upstream direction. There can be a shear pin (not
shown) positioned adjacent the bypass sleeve 200, such that as
the bypass sleeve 200 moves in an upstream direction, the bypass
sleeve shear pin can break. After movement of the bypass sleeve
200, the pressure bypass port 60 can be opened. Now, the
pressure in the system can exit into the wellbore via the opened
pressure bypass port 60.
[0036] Once the pressure exits the system, the
piston assembly 100 and the torsion lock sleeve 20 will tend to
move in a downstream direction under the force of gravity and
due to a lack of pressure holding the components up. The device
can further include a retaining ring 70 and a retaining ring
groove 71. The retaining ring 70 and the retaining ring groove
71 can be used to inhibit or prevent movement of the piston 101
in a downstream direction. The retaining ring 70 is preferably
connected to the piston 101. The retaining ring groove 71 is
preferably located a desired distance in an upstream direction
from the retaining ring 70. The desired distance of the
retaining ring groove 71 can be a distance no greater than the
distance that the piston 101 is capable of traveling. In this
manner, as the piston 101 moves in an upstream direction, the
retaining ring 70 moves along with the piston 101. The
retaining ring groove 71 is located the desired distance from
the retaining ring 70 such that when the retaining ring 70 has
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traveled the desired distance, the retaining ring 70 will engage
with the retaining ring groove 71. The retaining ring 70 can be
designed such that it fits around the inner release mandrel 10.
The retaining ring 70 can have a tension prior to engagement
with the retaining ring groove 71. For example, the retaining
ring 70 can be a C-clamp. In this manner, when the retaining
ring 70 engages the retaining ring groove 71, then the retaining
ring 70 can snap into a position within the retaining ring
groove 71. The retaining ring 70 can now help prevent the
piston 101 from moving and can also help prevent the torsion
lock sleeve 20 from moving in a downstream direction and re-
engaging with the release nut 30. The bypass sleeve 200 can
also include a retaining ring and retaining ring groove (not
shown) to help prevent the bypass sleeve from moving back in a
downstream direction and also help maintain the bypass pressure
port 60 in an open position.
[0037] The methods include the step of positioning
the device in a portion of a subterranean formation. The
subterranean formation can be penetrated by a well. According
to an embodiment, the step of positioning includes positioning
the device in a portion of the well. The step of positioning
can be inserting the device into the well.
[0038] The methods include the step of moving the
torsion lock sleeve 20, wherein the step of moving the torsion
lock sleeve 20 comprises disengaging the first end of the
release nut 30 with the second end of the torsion lock sleeve
20. The methods can further include the step of moving the
piston 101. The step of moving the piston 101 can be performed
before, or simultaneously with, the step of moving the torsion
lock sleeve 20. According to an embodiment, the step of moving
the piston 101 causes movement of the torsion lock sleeve 20.
According to an embodiment, the torsion lock sleeve 20 is moved
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WO 2013/066311 PCT/US2011/058694
via movement of the torsion lock sleeve engagement ring 22. As
the torsion lock sleeve engagement ring 22, and optionally the
piston adjustment sleeve 104, travel in a direction away from
the torsion lock sleeve 20, the torsion lock sleeve engagement
ring 22 can travel the entire distance of the torsion lock
sleeve gap 21. The torsion lock sleeve engagement ring 22 can
then cause movement of the torsion lock sleeve 20. According to
this embodiment, movement of the piston 101 causes movement of
the torsion lock sleeve engagement ring 22, which in turn causes
movement of the torsion lock sleeve 20. There can be a delay
between movement of the piston 101 and movement of the torsion
lock sleeve engagement ring 22, and there can also be a delay
between movement of the torsion lock sleeve engagement ring 22
and movement of the torsion lock sleeve 20. The piston 101 can
be moved by a variety of means, including but not limited to,
hydraulic or mechanical force. Examples of mechanisms used to
apply hydraulic force to the piston 101 include, but are not
limited to, the use of: a ball or other sealing object on a
sealing surface, an ambient chamber, a rupture disk, a flapper,
a valve, or an explosive charge. Mechanical means to apply
force to the piston can include, but are not limited to, the use
of rotation, pushing, or pulling directly or indirectly on the
piston 101 to cause movement of the piston. According to an
embodiment, the torsion lock sleeve 20 is inhibited, or
prevented, from rotational movement about an axis of the inner
release mandrel 10, via, for example, the ridge 40.
[0039] According to an embodiment, the torsion lock
sleeve 20 is moved at least a sufficient distance such that the
second end of the torsion lock sleeve 20 becomes disengaged from
the first end of the release nut 30. As discussed above, the
second end of the torsion lock sleeve 20 and the first end of
the release nut 30 are crenellated. In order to disengage, the
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WO 2013/066311 PCT/US2011/058694
raised portions of the crenellated ends are preferably not in
contact with one another.
[0040] The methods also include the step of moving
the release nut 30. The step of moving the release nut 30 is
preferably performed after the step of moving the torsion lock
sleeve 20. The step of moving the release nut 30 comprises
moving the release nut 30 in an axial direction relative to the
inner release mandrel 10. According to an embodiment, the
release nut 30 is axially-moved in a downstream direction via
rotational movement of the release nut 30. As discussed above,
the release nut 30 can be connected to the inner release mandrel
via left-hand threads. The step of moving the release nut 30
can comprise applying a right-hand torque to at least the inner
release mandrel 10. For example, after the release nut 30 is
disengaged from the torsion lock sleeve 20, then the release nut
30 can be axially moved by applying a right-hand torque to the
inner release mandrel 10. Preferably, the release nut 30 is
axially moved in a downstream direction at least a sufficient
distance. The sufficient distance can be the distance required
for a collet prop to be dropped . The amount of downstream
movement can be controlled with the use of the lock nut 300.
The lock nut 300 can be positioned on the inner release mandrel
10 at a location downstream of release nut 30. Upon contact
with the lock nut 300, the release nut 30 can be prevented from
further downstream movement.
[0041] As can be seen in Figs. 1A and 1B, the step
of moving the release nut 30 can also include moving the outer
cylinder 50. As can be seen in Figs. 3A and 3B, the step of
moving the release nut 30 can also include moving the inner tool
mandrel 11.
[0042] The methods can further include the step of
removing a tool from a wellbore (not shown) after the step of
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ACCELERATED
EXAM - PPH
moving the release nut 30. The tool can be a variety of
tools. According to an embodiment, the tool includes at
least one collet and at least one collet prop. Examples
of the tool include, without limitation, a drop-off tool,
an expansion tool, a retrieval tool, and a conventional
setting tool.
[0043]
Therefore, the present invention is well
adapted to attain the ends and advantages mentioned as
well as those that are inherent therein. The particular
embodiments disclosed above are illustrative only, as the
present invention may be modified and practiced in
different but equivalent manners apparent to those
skilled in the art having the benefit of the teachings
herein. Furthermore, no limitations are intended to the
details of construction or design herein shown, other
than as described in the claims below. While compositions
and methods are described in terms of "comprising,"
"containing," or "including" various components or steps,
the compositions and methods also can "consist
essentially of" or "consist of" the various components
and steps. Whenever a numerical range with a lower limit
and an upper limit is disclosed, any number and any
included range falling within the range is specifically
disclosed. In particular, every range of values (of the
form, "from about a to about b," or, equivalently, "from
approximately a to b," or, equivalently, "from
approximately a to b") disclosed herein is to be
understood to set forth every number and range
encompassed within the broader range of values. Also, the
terms in the claims have their plain, ordinary meaning
unless otherwise explicitly and clearly defined by the
CA 02844709 2014-04-29
patentee. Moreover, the indefinite articles "a" or "an",
as used in the claims, are defined herein to mean one or
more than one of the element that it introduces. If there
is any conflict in the usages of a word or term in this
specification and one or more patent(s) or other
documents that may be referred herein, the definitions
that are consistent with this specification should be
adopted.
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