Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
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RUNNING AND RETRIEVAL TOOL
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The invention is directed to a novel tool used in the oil and gas industry,
and more particularly it is
directed to a novel running-retrieval tool.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
It is common practice to run, land, set and retrieve downhole tools within the
borehole of a well to
perform various functions including sealing the bore of the well or for
carrying a measuring device for
monitoring parameters such as pressure or temperature within the well.
Typically, the borehole of a well
is cased using drillpipe, casing or tubing string which is designed in such as
way as to provide predetermined
locations for landing and setting such downholc tools.
Running and retrieval tools are commonly used in the industry have a J-Slot
profile used broadly
in the industry. However the J-slot profile is not very user friendly in that
there is typically a process where
you encounter the entry profile of the J Slot by setting down and turning the
tool rotationally until the Pin
that engages the J-Slot, drops down then you continue to move downwards until
the tool stops and then you
turn again to engage the J profile to retrieve the tools
Other rotating control devices (RCDs) use mechanisms that require sheer pins
to be utilized and
are sheared as part of the function of installation and retrieval of tools.
Again, this also is not user-friendly
and requires the operator to continually perform maintenance in replacing the
sheer pins. There are other
designs that use air or hydraulics which actuate the tool from surface via
hoses and a control console.
However, this adds time to the process, risk in hoses getting pinched, and
unnecessary cost in equipment
and NPT.
A running tool is used to land and set other downhole tools in a well. Once
the downhole tool is
set in place, it may be left there for a period of time ranging from hours to
several days. In the meantime,
the running tool is brought back to the surface.
Running tools and downhole tools have been designed to be lowered, manipulated
and retrieved
using a 'wire line' or a single strand non-electric cable known as
`slickline'. However, all of the currently
used running-retrieval tools use the same type of connection. These
connections allow the running tool to
securely carry the tool or assembly to a predetermined location and
subsequently release the tool and be
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brought back to the surface while the tool or assemble remains in place inside
the wellbore. Once it is time
to retrieve the tool or assembly, the running tool is run back downholc and
attempts to 're-connnece with
the tool at the connection point. Given the type of connection used, it
requires some extremely precise
navigating of the running tool to engage the connection and thus be able to
remove the tool or assembly
from its set position and bring it up to the surface of the wellbore.
In light of the current state of the art with respect to the connections for
running-retrieval tools,
there still exists a need to provide for a more durable, user-friendly
connection. The present invention aims
at overcoming at least some of the drawbacks currently encountered.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention overcomes some of the prior art drawbacks by providing a
running-retrieval
tool which is user-friendly in that it the j-pins self-locate with
complementary mating profiles by simple up
and down movements of the tubular.
According to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided a running-
retrieval tool for use
in oilfield operations, said tool comprising:
- a first section comprising a bonnet and a split retainer, said first
section comprising a cavity
having an inner diameter adapted to allow the insertion therethrough of a
second section and
wherein said first section is adapted to be secured to a tool (such as a
bearing assembly); and
- said second section having an elongated body having an external
diameter smaller than the
internal diameter of said first section, said second section comprising:
- a track adapted to secure a retaining means extending from said split
retainer
thereinto;
- an entry channel adapted to receive said retaining means positioned on said
first
section;
- a release channel adapted to allow said retaining means to be released from
said
track;
wherein said second section being adapted to be mounted onto a drillstring or
the like and being releasably
insertable inside said cavity of said first section through the insertion of
said retaining means inside said
track.
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According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the retaining
means comprise a
plurality of J-pins extending radially inwardly from said first section and
adapted to fit within said track
located on said second section.
According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, said track
comprises an upper lifting
shoulder and a lower shoulder portion and a channel located therebetween,
wherein said upper lifting
shoulder and lower shoulder portion can be separated from one another upon
exertion of pressure onto the
lower shoulder portion by said retaining means.
According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, said lower
shoulder portion of the
track comprises a plurality of channel entry points adapted to direct a
corresponding plurality of retaining
means into the track. Preferably, the plurality of channels are funnel-like
entry points.
According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the upper
lifting section of the track
comprises:
- a plurality of angled wall sections, each angled wall section comprising a
lower end and an upper
end and;
- a nesting gap located at said upper end of each one of said plurality of
angled wall sections,
wherein said nesting gap adapted to secure said retaining means during
operation when said tool is travelling
in a downward direction inside a wellbore.
According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, during
operation, upon exertion of
a sufficient pressure on the lower shoulder portion of said track, the lower
shoulder portion will separate
by moving longitudinally away from said upper lifting shoulder thereby
creating a plurality of release
channels (exit points) associated with corresponding retaining means to
release said second section from
said first section and leave the first section at a pre-determined location
within the wellbore.
According to another preferred embodiment of the present invention, said lower
shoulder portion
and said upper lifting portion comprise, at their meeting edge, a
complimentary nesting profile adapted to
maintain said lower should portion and upper lifting portion in place during
rotational movement of a
drillstring. Preferably, said complimentary nesting profile comprises a
crenellated pattern.
According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, said lower
shoulder portion has a
plurality of projections which combine with a plurality of complimentary
projections located on a lower
portion of the lifting shoulder of the track to form said plurality of funnel-
like entry points.
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Preferably, said entry channel comprises a first side member located on a
first side of said channel
and a second side member located on a second side of said channel, wherein
each of member being angled
towards a track entry point. Preferably, said first side member being
stationary and wherein said second
side member being comprised of: an upper part which is stationary and a lower
part which is movable.
According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, said upper part
of said second side
member being located on said upper lifting shoulder of said track and said
lower part of said second side
member being located on said lower shoulder portion of said track.
According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, said nesting gap
is a semi-circular
opening adapted to secure in place the bearing assembly to the running-
retrieval tool. Preferably, said
retaining means nesting gap is offset from said entry channel
According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, said nesting gap
comprises, on a
first adjacent side, an angled wall to allow the upward movement of said
retaining means to be directed the
channel towards said nesting gap. Preferably, said nesting gap comprises, on a
second adjacent side a wall
parallel to a longitudinal axis of said drillstring.
According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a
running-retrieval tool for
use in oilfield operations, said tool comprising:
- a first section comprising a bonnet and a split retainer, said first
section comprising a cavity
having an inner diameter adapted to allow the insertion therethrough of a
second section and
wherein said first section is adapted to be secured to a tool (such as a
bearing assembly); and
- said second section having an elongated body having an external
diameter smaller than the
internal diameter of said first section,
wherein said first and said second section are releasably secured together in
operation by a plurality of
concentrically directed 1-pins located on said first section engaging with a
track located on said second
section.
According to a preferred description of the present invention, there is
provided a running and
retrieval tool used to deploy and retrieve a bearing assembly (BA) to/from a
RCD housing in offshore
applications. Preferably, there are dual redundant safety feature which the
other tools do not offer in that
when the RRT is racked back in the derrick it is impossible for it to release
itself and fall down to the rig
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floor due to the profile geometries of the tracks in addition to the split
ring which requires a force of +/-
MOM) lbs to disengage the tool.
According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, there is
provided a J-track running
and retrieval tool which is compact, simple, and user-friendly while offering
features which enhance its
safety during operations.
According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, there is
provided a running-retrieval
tool which does not require to the rotation of the drill string in either
clockwise or counter clockwise rotation
for any reason (connecting or releasing a tool), only an axial movement up and
down can achieve all the
desired functions. With the conventional J-Slot configuration in a pressure
control situation you may need
to manipulate the annular pressure lower to allow for rotation of the drill
string to align the j-slot and tool
which could result in leakage between the drill pipe and annular. As it is
well known, the annular was
designed for mainly stripping applications in pressure control situations if
required. With the ability of only
requiring axial movement, there no longer exists a need to manipulate the
annular pressure to operate the
tool which results in an added safety feature.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The invention may be more completely understood in consideration of the
following description of
various embodiments of the invention in connection with the accompanying
figures, in which:
FIG. 1 is a side view of a prior art running-retrieval tool link;
FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional side view of a running-retrieval tool link
according to a preferred
embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 3 is a close-up of the cross-sectional side view of a running-retrieval
tool link of Figure 2
according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the bonnet and split retainer mounted on a
bearing assembly
according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 5 is a close up perspective view of the bonnet and split retainer mounted
on a bearing
assembly according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the mandrel comprising the J-track according
to a preferred
embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 7 is a close up perspective view of the mandrel comprising the J-track
according to a preferred
embodiment of the present invention;
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FIG. 8 is a side view of the mandrel comprising the J-track according to a
preferred embodiment
of the present invention mounted on a tubular;
FIG. 9 is a side view of the bonnet and split retainer having a bearing
assembly mounted thereon
and inserted onto the mandrel comprising the J-track according to a preferred
embodiment of the
present invention;
FIG. 102 to FIG. 10d are side views of the bonnet and J-track at different
points of insertion of the
J-pin within the J-track according to a preferred embodiment of the present
invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
According to a preferred description of the present invention, there is
provided a running and
retrieval tool used to deploy and retrieve a bearing assembly (BA) to/from a
RCD housing in offshore
applications. Preferably, it is compatible with 5-1/2 through to 6-5/8 drill
strings together with 7-3/4" or
9" through bore bearing assemblies. According to a preferred embodiment, other
than for the mandrel,
bonnet and centralizer, all components are common throughout these size
ranges.
Preferably, when in operation the tool stabs through the bearing assembly,
leaving the mandrel's
box end above the bearing assembly and the mandrel's pin end residing below
the bearing assembly's lower
scaling element. Both ends of the mandrel are threaded, as per customer
requirements, to make-up directly
to the drill string (100). Being the primary tensile load bearing component of
the tool, the mandrel is
designed and manufactured to meet or exceed the tensile strength of the drill
string.
During deployment, the tool (50) supports the weight of the bearing assembly
(60) by means of the
lock ring. The lock ring latches into a groove formed between the bonnet (3)
and split retainer (4). To
assemble, the tool (50) is stabbed through the bearing assembly (60) until the
Split J-Profile's lower
shoulder contacts the bonnet's no-go. With the tool in this position, the
Split Retainer (4) engages with the
top of the bonnet (3), thus retaining the lock ring (7) in its latched
position.
As illustrated in Figures 8 and 9, the drill string (100) comprises the
running tool (50) (see Figure
8) and the RCD (60) mounted on the bonnet (3) and split retainer (4) inside
which the running tool is secured
(see Figure 9).
As illustrated in Figures 4 and 5, the bonnet (3) comprises a split retainer
(4), a plurality of evenly
spaced apart and circumferentially positioned J-pins (8) which will create the
link between the bonnet and
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the split retainer (4). Also found on the bonnet (3) are a plurality of cup
point set screws (14) as well as
steel hoist rings (22) and threaded rods (11) and nuts (12) to secure the
split retainer (3) to the bonnet (3).
As illustrated in Figures 6 and 7, the running tool (50) comprises a split J-
profile (10) made up of
two sections (10a) and (10b) which, in operation, are interlocked with one
another with a complementary
crenellated profile. Also found on the running tool are a lock ring (7), a J-
profile split cap (6), a split
centralizer (1), a split shear ring (9), brass button heads (13) and a
plurality of various screws (15, 16, 17,
18, 20, 21).
In operation, the running tool (50) is deployed by lowering the drill string
(100) until the bearing
assembly (60) seats inside the RCD Housing. Once the bearing assembly (60) is
secured within the RCD
housing, the drill string (100) is lifted such that the lock ring (7)
disengages from the bearing assembly (60),
requiring 10,000 lbf overpull. Lifting continues until the J-Pins (8), which
protrude radially inward through
the bonnet (3), contact the Split J-Profile's lifting surfaces (40). At this
time, the bearing assembly's (60)
securement can be verified by conducting an overpull. Next, the drill string
(100) is again lowered until
the Split J-Profile's lower shoulder (80) contacts the bonnet's no-go. At this
point, the J-Pins (8) have
advanced to the J-Profile's release path. Finally, the drill string (100) is
lifted, withdrawing the J-Track
Running Tool (50) from the now deployed bearing assembly (60). Continued
lifting returns the running
tool (50) to the rig floor where it can be detached from the drill string
(100) and set aside for later retrieval
of the bearing assembly (60).
To retrieve the bearing assembly (60), the J-Track running tool (50) is again
attached to the drill
string (100) and then lowered. Prior to the J-Track running tool's split J-
profile (10) enters the bonnet (3),
the mandrel's (5) centralizer (I) ensures adequate concentricity. Further
lowering of the splut J-profile (10)
leads the J-Pins (8) to contact the guide surfaces (1030 and 1032) of the
split J-profile (10). Upon contact
of the J-pins (8) onto the guide surfaces (1030 and 1032) the forces exerted
therconto forces the rotation of
the split J-profile (10) into a favorable alignment with the J-Pins (8).
According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the point of
insertion of the J-pin
into the j-track is defined as a channel adapted to direct the J-pin from a
first lower position located outside
the J-track to a second higher position located within the J-track.
Preferably, the channel provides for two
members (one on each side of the channel) each of which being angled towards
the point of insertion
similarly to a funnel. According to yet another preferred embodiment, the
channel comprises a first and a
second side members, wherein said first side member is stationary and wherein
said second member is
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movable. According to the embodiment illustrated in the Figures 2 to 10, the
second member is partially
located on the split J-profile lower shoulder and separates from the other
portion of the second member
when sufficient pressure is exerted on the split J-profile lower shoulder.
Upon entry through the point of
insertion, the J-pin is directed to a nesting point where the J-pin reside in
a semi-circular opening adapted
to secure in place the bearing assembly to the running-retrieval tool. The J-
pin nesting point is preferably
offset from the channel so as to prevent the tool from slipping and losing the
bearing assembly during a
retrieval operation. Preferably, the J-pin is directed to the nesting point by
an angled wall which angles the
movement of the J-pin into the nesting point. Preferably, on the other side of
the nesting point, the wall is
parallel to the length of the tube.
According to the preferred embodiment illustrated, the second member is
substantially aligned with
the nesting point and is angled downwards to direct the J-pin, in a release
operation, towards a point of
contact defined as a point where the lower portion of the second member of the
channel abuts with the first
member of the adjoining channel. During a release operation, the pressure
exerted by the J-pin on the point
of contact will force downward movement of the split retainer and preferably,
a forced partial rotation of
the split retainer, resulting in the release of the J-pin from the running-
retrieval tool and therefore release
of the bearing assembly from the running-retrieval tool.
According to the preferred embodiment illustrated the second member of a
channel abuts to the
first member of the adjoining channel which directs the immediately adjoining
J-pin into the adjoining
channel.
According to the preferred embodiment of the present invention and as
illustrated in Figures 10a-
10d), the point of insertion of the J-pin into the j-track (1020) is defined
as a channel (1010) adapted to
direct the J-pin (8) from a first lower position (illustrated in Figure 10a)
located outside the J-track to a
second higher position (illustrated in Figure 10b) located within the J-track
(1020). Preferably, the channel
(1010) provides for two members (one on each side of the channel)(1030 and
1032) each of which being
angled towards the point of insertion similarly to a funnel. According to yet
another preferred embodiment,
the channel (1010) comprises a first and a second side members, wherein said
first side member (1030) is
stationary and wherein said second member is comprised of two parts, an upper
part (1034) which is
stationary and a lower part (1036) which is movable. According to the
embodiment illustrated in the
Figures 2 to 10, the second member (1032) is comprised of two parts (1034 and
1036). The lower part
(1036) of the second side member (1032) is located on the split J-profile
lower shoulder and separates from
the other portion (1034) of the second member (1032) when sufficient pressure
is exerted on the split J-
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profile lower shoulder. Upon entry through the point of insertion (channel
(1010), the J-pin (8) is directed
to a nesting point (or nesting gap) (1040) where the J-pin (8) resides in a
semi-circular opening adapted to
secure in place the bearing assembly to the running-retrieval tool. The J-pin
(8) nesting gap (1040) is
preferably offset from the channel (1010) so as to prevent the tool from
slipping and losing the bearing
assembly during a retrieval operation. Preferably, the J-pin (8) is directed
to the nesting gap (1040) by an
angled wall (1050) which angles the movement of the J-pin (8) as it crosses
the channel upwards towards
the nesting gap (1040). Preferably, on the other side of the nesting gap
(1040), the wall (1060) is parallel
to the length of the drill string or tubing.
According to the preferred embodiment illustrated, the second member (1032) is
substantially
aligned with the nesting gap (1040) and is angled downwards to direct the J-
pin (8), in a release operation
(see Figures 10e and 10d), towards a point of contact (1070) defined as a
point where the lower portion
(1036) of the second member (1032) of the channel (1010) abuts with the first
member (1030) of an
adjoining channel. During a release operation, the pressure exerted by the J-
pin (8) on the point of contact
(1070) will force a downward movement of the split retainer (4) and
preferably, a forced partial rotation of
the split retainer (4) which in turns creates a release channel (1080)
resulting in the release of the J-pin (8)
from the running-retrieval tool and, therefore, the release of the bearing
assembly from the running-retrieval
tool (50).
Continued lowering brings the lock ring (7) into latching engagement with the
split retainer (4) and,
finally, the split J-Profile's lower shoulder (10b) contacts the bonnet's no-
go (###) lifted. According to a
preferred embodiment of the present invention and under normal circumstances,
the force required to
withdraw the bearing assembly (60) from the RCD Housing will not exceed 10,000
lbf, which is the lock
ring's (7) release force, and will therefore be conveyed to surface with the
Lock Ring supporting the BA's
weight. Should the bearing assembly (60) withdrawal force exceed 10,000 lbf,
the lock ring (7) will
disengage from the split retainer (4) and the J-Pins (8) will subsequently
contact the Split J-Profile's lifting
surfaces (40). In this position, the required withdrawal force is transmitted
from the Split J-Profile's lifting
surfaces (40) to the J-Pins (8). As long as the required withdrawal force does
not exceed the pre-configured
shear capacity of the split shear ring (9), the bearing assembly (60) will be
withdrawn from the RCD
Housing and conveyed back to the rig floor. If the withdrawal force exceeds
the shear capacity of the split
shear ring (9), the split shear ring (9) will shear downward and rotate clear
of the J-Pins (8) permitting
conveyance of the J-Track running tool (50) back to the rig floor. Once back
on the rig floor, operators can
re-secure the split shear ring (9) with an increased shear capacity (more
and/or stronger shear elements),
and then can proceed to conduct another retrieval attempt.
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According to a preferred embodiment as shown in Figures 2 to 10, the Split J-
Profile's (10) upper
portion (10a) lifting surfaces (40) comprise an aperture shaped in a half
circle adapted to receive the J-pins
(8) and temporarily lock them in place during a lifting operation as pressure
is applied upwards by the J-
pins into their respective apertures. This nesting shape arrangement
substantially reduces the risk of the J-
pins slipping out of position and rotation and subsequent loss of the bearing
assembly (60) while it is being
pulled out of the hole.
According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, this tool you
does not require the
drill string to be rotated in either clockwise or counter clockwise rotation
for any reason strictly axial
movement up and down for all functions.
With the conventional J-Slot configuration in a pressure control situation, it
may be necessary to
manipulate the annular pressure lower to allow for rotation of the drill
string to align the j -slot and tool
which could result in leakage between the drill pipe and annular. As it is
well known in the field, the annular
was designed for mainly stripping applications in pressure control situations
if required. According to a
preferred embodiment of the present invention, by only needing axial movement
it is not necessary to
manipulate the annular pressure to operate the tool which results in an added
safety mindset.
Technical Description
According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the J-Track
Running Tool consists
of the following major components: a bonnet; a split retainer;
According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the bonnet has,
for function, to
attach to the top of bearing assembly and provide interface for deployment and
retrieval of BA. Typically
a bonnet is made from alloy steel, with a nitride finish. In the embodiment
described above it weighs
approximately 230 lbs.
According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the split
retainer has, for function,
to attach to the top of bonnet where it forms an internal groove into which
lock ring latches and unlatches
during deployment and retrieval operations. Typically, and according to this
embodiment the split retainer
is made of alloy steel with a nitride finish.
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According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the J-Pin has,
for function, to
transfer axial load between Bonnet and Split J-Profile. Typically, and
according to this embodiment the J-
pin is made of alloy steel with a nitride finish.
According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the Mandrel has,
for function, to
provide means of connecting running tool to drill string. Typically, and
according to this embodiment the
mandrel is made of alloy steel with a Rilcoat finish (middle body region
only).
According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the Split
Centralizer has, for
function, to improve the concentricity/alignment preceding tool stab-in.
Typically, and according to this
embodiment the split centralizer is made of aluminum.
According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the J-Profile
Split Cap has, for
function, to captivate the Lock Ring. Typically, and according to this
embodiment the J-Profile split cap is
made of alloy steel with a nitride finish.
According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the Lock Ring
has, for function,
during deployment, to prevent cycling ofJ-Profile until the bearing assembly
is seated. Reduces J-Pin wear
and bearing damage during retrieval operations. Typically, and according to
this embodiment the lock ring
is made of alloy steel with a Rilcoat 4 finish.
According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the Split J-
Profile has, for function,
to provide bearing surfaces to lift the bearing assembly via J-Pins.
Typically, and according to this
embodiment the split J-profile retainer is made of alloy steel with a nitride
finish.
According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the split shear
ring to provide an
emergency means of withdrawing tool from the bearing assembly. Preferably, it
has total of 10 available
locations, permitting installation of 2, 4, 6, 8 or 10 shear screws.
Typically, and according to this
embodiment the split shear ring is made of alloy steel with a nitride finish.
According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the button head
screws, 5/8"-11,
0.75" long has, for function, to act as a shear element. Typically, and
according to this embodiment the
split retainer is made of brass or alloy steel.
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While the foregoing invention has been described in some detail for purposes
of clarity and
understanding, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the relevant arts,
once they have been made familiar
with this disclosure that various changes in form and detail can be made
without departing from the true
scope of the invention in the appended claims.
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