U.S. patent application number 11/070014 was filed with the patent office on 2006-09-07 for liner setting tool.
Invention is credited to Jody R. McGlothen, William S. Renshaw, Hendrik M. Stoltz.
Application Number | 20060196656 11/070014 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 36943026 |
Filed Date | 2006-09-07 |
United States Patent
Application |
20060196656 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
McGlothen; Jody R. ; et
al. |
September 7, 2006 |
Liner setting tool
Abstract
A liner setting tool. A system for conveying a liner string into
a subterranean well includes a liner setting tool which selectively
connects and disconnects a work string and a liner string. The
liner setting tool is configured to transmit compressive force,
tensile force and torque between the work string and the liner
string. In another system, the liner setting tool is operable to
disconnect the work string from the liner string in response to a
predetermined pressure differential applied to the liner setting
tool. In yet another system, the liner setting tool is operable to
disconnect the work string from the liner string in response to
displacement of a release member of the liner setting tool followed
by displacement of the work string relative to the liner
string.
Inventors: |
McGlothen; Jody R.;
(Waxahachie, TX) ; Renshaw; William S.; (Edmonton,
CA) ; Stoltz; Hendrik M.; (Edmonton, CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
SMITH IP SERVICES, P.C.
660 NORTH CENTRAL EXPRESSWAY
SUITE 230
PLANO
TX
75074
US
|
Family ID: |
36943026 |
Appl. No.: |
11/070014 |
Filed: |
March 2, 2005 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
166/208 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E21B 43/10 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
166/208 |
International
Class: |
E21B 23/02 20060101
E21B023/02 |
Claims
1. A system for conveying a liner string into a subterranean well,
the system comprising: a liner setting tool which selectively
connects and disconnects a work string and the liner string, the
liner setting tool being configured to transmit each of a
compressive force, a tensile force and a torque between the work
string and the liner string.
2. The system of claim 1, wherein the liner setting tool
disconnects the work string from the liner string in response to
displacement of a release member of the liner setting tool.
3. The system of claim 2, wherein the liner setting tool
disconnects the work string from the liner string further in
response to displacing the work string toward the liner string
after displacement of the release member.
4. The system of claim 2, wherein the release member displaces in
response to application of a predetermined pressure differential to
the liner setting tool.
5. The system of claim 4, wherein the liner setting tool includes a
flow passage, installation of a plug in the flow passage permitting
the pressure differential to be applied to the liner setting
tool.
6. The system of claim 4, wherein the pressure differential is
relieved upon displacement of the release member.
7. The system of claim 2, wherein the liner setting tool continues
to transmit the tensile force and torque between the work string
and the liner string after displacement of the release member.
8. A system for conveying a liner string into a subterranean well,
the system comprising: a liner setting tool which selectively
connects and disconnects a work string and the liner string, the
liner setting tool being operable to disconnect the work string
from the liner string in response to a predetermined pressure
differential applied to the liner setting tool.
9. The system of claim 8, wherein the liner setting tool is further
operable to disconnect the work string from the liner string in
response to application of a predetermined force to the liner
setting tool.
10. The system of claim 8, wherein the liner setting tool is
configured to transmit each of a compressive force, a tensile force
and a torque between the work string and the liner string.
11. The system of claim 8, wherein a release member of the liner
setting tool displaces in response to application of the
predetermined pressure differential to the liner setting tool.
12. The system of claim 11, wherein the liner setting tool
disconnects the work string from the liner string further in
response to displacing the work string toward the liner string
after displacement of the release member.
13. The system of claim 11, wherein the pressure differential is
relieved upon displacement of the release member.
14. The system of claim 11, wherein the liner setting tool
continues to transmit tensile force and torque between the work
string and the liner string after displacement of the release
member.
15. A system for conveying a liner string into a subterranean well,
the system comprising: a liner setting tool which selectively
connects and disconnects a work string and the liner string, the
liner setting tool being operable to disconnect the work string
from the liner string in response to displacement of a release
member of the liner setting tool followed by displacement of the
work string toward the liner string.
16. The system of claim 15, wherein the liner setting tool is
configured to transmit each of a compressive force, a tensile force
and a torque between the work string and the liner string.
17. The system of claim 16, wherein the liner setting tool
continues to transmit the tensile force and torque between the work
string and the liner string after displacement of the release
member.
18. The system of claim 15, wherein the release member displaces in
response to application of a predetermined pressure differential to
the liner setting tool.
19. The system of claim 18, wherein the pressure differential is
relieved upon displacement of the release member.
20. The system of claim 15, wherein the release member displaces in
response to application of a predetermined force to the liner
setting tool.
Description
BACKGROUND
[0001] The present invention relates generally to equipment
utilized and operations performed in conjunction with subterranean
wells and, in an embodiment described herein, more particularly
provides a liner setting system.
[0002] Difficulties are sometimes encountered in conveying liner
strings into wells. For example, a wellbore into which a liner
string is conveyed may have a restriction (such as, due to a
partial cave-in of the wellbore) which makes it difficult to convey
the liner string through the wellbore. These problems are
especially significant in highly deviated or horizontal wellbores
where the liner string rubs against a lower side of the wellbore
with the weight of the liner string pressing against the side of
the wellbore, and where the weight of a work string used to convey
the liner string into the wellbore may not be sufficient to push
the liner string through the wellbore.
[0003] It would be helpful to be able to manipulate the liner
string in various ways using the work string when such difficulties
are encountered. Unfortunately, typical liner setting tools are not
able to apply tensile force, compressive force and torque from a
work string to a liner string. Thus, typical liner setting tools
are hampered by this inability to adequately manipulate a liner
string.
[0004] Therefore, it may be seen that improvements are needed in
the art of liner setting tools. It will also be appreciated by
those skilled in the art that improved liner setting tools should
provide convenient and reliable release of a work string from a
liner string.
SUMMARY
[0005] In carrying out the principles of the present invention, a
liner setting system is provided which solves at least one problem
in the art. An example is described below in which a liner setting
tool is releasably connected to a liner setting sleeve in a manner
which permits enhanced manipulation of a liner string by a work
string, but which also permits multiple convenient and reliable
methods of releasing the liner string from the work string.
[0006] In one aspect of the invention, a system for conveying a
liner string into a subterranean well is provided. The system
includes a liner setting tool which selectively connects and
disconnects a work string and the liner string. The liner setting
tool is configured to transmit compressive force, tensile force and
torque between the work string and the liner string.
[0007] In another aspect of the invention, a system for conveying a
liner string into a subterranean well includes a liner setting tool
which is operable to disconnect the work string from the liner
string in response to a predetermined pressure differential applied
to the liner setting tool. The liner setting tool may also be
operable to disconnect the work string from the liner string in
response to a predetermined force applied to a release member of
the liner setting tool.
[0008] In yet another aspect of the invention, a system for
conveying a liner string into a subterranean well includes a liner
setting tool which is operable to disconnect the work string from
the liner string in response to displacement of a release member of
the liner setting tool followed by displacement of the work string
relative to the liner string. The relative displacement may be
displacement of the work string toward the liner string. These and
other features, advantages, benefits and objects of the present
invention will become apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art
upon careful consideration of the detailed description of a
representative embodiment of the invention hereinbelow and the
accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0009] FIG. 1 is a schematic partially cross-sectional view of a
liner setting system embodying principles of the present
invention;
[0010] FIGS. 2A-C are cross-sectional views of successive axial
sections of a liner setting tool which may be used in the system of
FIG. 1, the tool embodying principles of the present invention;
[0011] FIG. 3 is an enlarged detail of the tool of FIGS. 2A-C;
and
[0012] FIG. 4 is another enlarged detail of the tool of FIGS.
2A-C.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0013] Representatively illustrated in FIG. 1 is a system 10 which
embodies principles of the present invention. In the following
description of the system 10 and other apparatus and methods
described herein, directional terms, such as "above", "below",
"upper", "lower", etc., are used for convenience in referring to
the accompanying drawings. In the context of operations and
equipment in a wellbore, the upper direction is representatively
toward the earth's surface along the wellbore. Additionally, it is
to be understood that the various embodiments of the present
invention described herein may be utilized in various orientations,
such as inclined, inverted, horizontal, vertical, etc., and in
various configurations, without departing from the principles of
the present invention. The embodiments are described merely as
examples of useful applications of the principles of the invention,
which is not limited to any specific details of these
embodiments.
[0014] As depicted in FIG. 1, a work string 12 (such as a string of
drill pipe, coiled tubing, etc.) is used to convey a liner string
14 into a wellbore 16. The wellbore 16 is highly deviated from
vertical, and so it is more likely that difficulties will be
encountered in conveying the liner string 14 through the wellbore
than would be the case if the wellbore were more vertically
oriented.
[0015] It should be clearly understood that it is not necessary in
keeping with the principles of the invention for a liner string to
be conveyed into a horizontal or highly deviated wellbore. This is
merely one example of a situation in which the principles of the
invention may be applied with beneficial effect.
[0016] As used herein, the term "liner string" is used to indicate
any type of tubular string which functions to line a wellbore. A
liner string may be comprised of continuous and/or segmented
tubular members, metal and/or non-metal materials, and/or any other
type of tubular string.
[0017] Referring additionally now to FIGS. 2A-C, an enlarged
cross-sectional view is representatively illustrated of the work
string 12 and liner string 14 apart from the remainder of the
system 10. In this view a liner setting tool 20 may be seen which
releasably connects the work string 12 and liner string 14. The
tool 20 is connected (for example, by threading) to a lower end of
the work string 12. The tool 20 secures the work string 12 to the
liner string 14 in a unique manner described more fully below,
while also allowing the work string to be conveniently and reliably
disconnected from the liner string when desired (such as, when the
liner string has been appropriately positioned in the wellbore
16).
[0018] The tool 20 includes an outer liner setting sleeve 22 which
is attached at an upper end of the liner string 14. The sleeve 22
may also be considered as a part of the liner string 14, since it
remains attached at the upper end of the liner string when the
remainder of the tool 20 is retrieved with the work string 12 at
the end of the liner setting operation. The sleeve 22 provides
convenient access for tools, tubing strings, etc., into the liner
string 14 by virtue of a muleshoe shaped upper end 24. Note that it
is not necessary for the upper end 24 to have the muleshoe
shape.
[0019] The remainder of the tool 20 is engaged with the sleeve 22
(and, thereby, with the liner string 14) by means of internal
recesses or profiles 26, 28 and a splined connection 30. These
forms of engagement permit tensile force, compressive force and
torque to be transmitted via the tool 20 between the work string 12
and the liner string 14, so that the liner string may be
manipulated as needed to convey the liner string through the
wellbore 16.
[0020] A tensile force between the work string 12 and the liner
string 14 may be considered as a "pull" which tends to separate the
work string from the liner string (such as, the weight of the liner
string suspended by the work string, or a tensile force resulting
from upward displacement of the liner string by the work string,
etc.). A compressive force between the work string 12 and the liner
string 14 may be considered as a "push" which tends to bias the
work string and liner string toward each other (such as, a weight
of the work string applied to the liner string, etc.).
[0021] Referring additionally now to FIG. 3, an enlarged detail of
the tool 20 is illustrated. In this view it may be seen that a
C-shaped ring 32 carried on the tool 20 is engaged with the profile
28 in the sleeve 22. The ring 32 is biased outwardly into
engagement with the profile 28 by means of multiple
circumferentially distributed balls 34 maintained in an outwardly
displaced position by a radially enlarged portion 36 formed on a
release member 38. Note that the balls 34 could instead be pins,
lugs, keys, or another type of engagement device.
[0022] If the release member 38 is displaced downward, the balls 34
will be permitted to displace inwardly, thereby permitting the ring
32 to displace inwardly out of engagement with the profile 28. Note
that, as long as the release member 38 is in the position depicted
in FIG. 3, the engagement between the ring 32 and the profile 28
permits compressive force to be transmitted between the tool 20 and
the liner string 14. However, when the release member 38 is
displaced downward, so that the balls 34 are no longer outwardly
supported by the portion 36, then the ring 32 retracts (preferably
due to its own elasticity) out of engagement with the profile 28,
and compressive force may no longer be transmitted, due to such
disengagement between the ring and the profile.
[0023] Referring additionally now to FIG. 4, another enlarged
detail of the tool 20 is depicted. In this view it may be seen that
another C-shaped ring 40 is carried on the tool 20 and is engaged
with the profile 26. The ring 40 is outwardly supported in
engagement with the profile 26 by a housing assembly 42 of the tool
20.
[0024] Note that a shoulder 44 formed on the housing assembly 42
permits a tensile force to be transmitted between the work string
12 and the liner string 14 due to the engagement between the ring
40 and the profile 26. However, there is no corresponding shoulder
to permit a compressive force to be transmitted. Therefore,
engagement between the ring 32 and profile 28 transmits compressive
force as described above, and the engagement between the ring 40
and profile 26 transmits tensile force. The benefits of this
arrangement will be more fully appreciated after considering the
further description of the tool 20 below.
[0025] A radially reduced portion 46 is formed on the housing
assembly 42 above the ring 40. Downward displacement of the housing
assembly 42 relative to the sleeve 22 will eventually result in the
radially reduced portion 46 being positioned beneath the ring 40,
at which point the housing assembly will no longer outwardly
support the ring in engagement with the profile 26. The ring 40
will consequently retract (preferably due to its own elasticity)
out of engagement with the profile 26.
[0026] The splined connection 30 transmits torque between the
housing assembly 42 and the sleeve 22, and thus between the work
string 12 and the liner string 14. The splined connection 30 also
permits relative axial displacement between the housing assembly 42
and the sleeve 22. This relative axial displacement is used to
advantage in the tool 20 when it is desired to disconnect the work
string 12 from the liner string 14.
[0027] The release member 38 is provided in the form of a sleeve
which is retained in position relative to the housing assembly 42
by shear pins 48. A flow passage 50 extends longitudinally through
the member 38 and the remainder of the tool 20. The flow passage 50
permits fluid to be circulated through the work string 12 and liner
string 14 while the liner string is conveyed through the wellbore
16.
[0028] The member 38 may be displaced downward to retract the ring
32 out of engagement with the profile 28 when it is desired to
disconnect the work string 12 from the liner string 14. A
predetermined downwardly directed mechanical force may be applied
to the member 38 to shear the shear pins 48 and displace the member
downwardly. For example, a conventional slickline or wireline
conveyed jar could be used for this purpose.
[0029] Alternatively, a plug 52 (such as a ball or dart, etc.) may
be dropped and/or pumped through the work string 12 into the
passage 50 to engage a seat 54 or other sealing surface on the
member 38. Sealing engagement between the plug 52 and the seat 54
closes off the passage 50 so that pressure applied to the work
string 12 will result in a pressure differential being applied to
the tool 20. When the pressure differential reaches a predetermined
level across the plug 52 and member 38, the shear pins 48 will
shear and the pressure differential will bias the member to
displace downwardly.
[0030] When the member 38 has displaced downwardly a sufficient
distance, openings 56 formed through a sidewall of the member,
which were formerly sealed off by seals 58, will no longer be
sealed off and will permit flow through the passage 50, thereby
relieving (or at least significantly reducing) the pressure
differential across the member. This reduction in the pressure
differential can be conveniently detected at the surface as a
reduction in pressure on the work string 12, or as circulating flow
to the annulus. Thus, proper actuation of the tool 20 can be easily
verified.
[0031] In operation, the tool 20 is connected between the work
string 12 and the liner string 14 as depicted in FIGS. 1 and 2A-C.
If difficulty is encountered in conveying the liner string 14 into
or through the wellbore 16, fluid may be circulated through the
work string 12 and liner string via the passage 50, and the work
string may be used to raise, lower and rotate the liner string, to
thereby aid in overcoming such difficulty.
[0032] When it is desired to disconnect the work string 12 from the
liner string 14, a pressure differential may be applied from the
interior to the exterior of the tool 20 (e.g., by applying
increased pressure to the interior passage 50 as a cementing plug
lands in a float collar connected at a lower end of the liner
string 14). This pressure differential will act across a
differential piston area on the release member 38 (i.e., the
annular area between the seals shown in FIG. 4 and the seals 58
shown in FIG. 2C) to apply a downwardly directed force to the
release member. When the pressure differential reaches a
predetermined level, the shear pins 48 will shear and thereby
permit the release member 38 to displace downwardly.
[0033] If the application of the pressure differential between the
interior and exterior of the tool 20 is unsuccessful, then the plug
52 may be dropped and/or circulated into the passage 50 and engaged
with the seat 54. Pressure is then applied to the work string 12 to
cause a predetermined pressure differential to shear the shear pins
48 and downwardly displace the member 38. Such downward
displacement of the member 38 will be readily detected at the
surface, due to flow being restored through the passage 50.
[0034] Note that, due to the somewhat restricted flow area of the
passage 50 in the release member 38, a pressure differential in the
passage across the release member could be created by flowing fluid
through the passage, without installing the plug 52 in the passage.
Thus, fluid flow through the passage 50 could be increased until
the predetermined pressure differential across the release member
38 is produced, at which point the shear pins 48 would shear and
the member would be downwardly displaced by the pressure
differential.
[0035] If this pressure actuation of the tool 20 is unsuccessful,
then a mechanical force may be applied to the member 38 to shear
the shear pins 48 and downwardly displace the member. Again,
downward displacement of the member 38 will be detected at the
surface. Note that it is not necessary for mechanical actuation to
follow an unsuccessful pressure actuation of the tool 20. For
example, the tool 20 could be initially mechanically actuated, if
desired.
[0036] Note that an upwardly directed mechanical force could be
applied to the member 38 to shear the shear pins 48 and upwardly
displace the member, if desired.
[0037] Displacement of the member 38 results in disengagement of
the ring 32 from the profile 28, thereby permitting relative
displacement of the work string 12 toward the liner string 14,
since the resulting disengagement between the ring and profile no
longer permits transmission of compressive force between the work
string and the liner string. However, engagement between the other
ring 40 and profile 26 still permits transmission of tensile force
between the work string 12 and the liner string 14, and the splined
connection 30 still permits transmission of torque between the work
string and the liner string.
[0038] The work string 12 is then displaced toward the liner string
14 (for example, by lowering the work string). This results in
downward displacement of the housing assembly 42 relative to the
sleeve 22. When the housing assembly 42 displaces downward
sufficiently far, the ring 40 will disengage from the profile 26.
At this point, neither tensile nor compressive force will be
transmitted between the work string 12 and liner string 14,
although the splined connection 30 will still transmit torque
between the work string and liner string.
[0039] The work string 12 is then retrieved from the well with the
tool 20 (with the exception of the sleeve 22 which remains attached
to the liner string 14). The splined connection 30 is disengaged as
the housing assembly 42 is withdrawn from within the sleeve 22.
[0040] It may now be fully appreciated that the tool 20 permits the
liner string 14 to be disconnected from the work string 12 by
conveniently pressure actuating the tool (which may be readily
verified), displacing the work string toward the liner string, and
then retrieving the work string. The tool 20 can be mechanically
actuated if desired, whether or not an attempt is also made to
pressure actuate the tool.
[0041] Of course, a person skilled in the art would, upon a careful
consideration of the above description of a representative
embodiment of the invention, readily appreciate that many
modifications, additions, substitutions, deletions, and other
changes may be made to the described embodiment, and such changes
are within the scope of the principles of the present invention.
For example, the rings 32, 40 and profiles 26, 28 could be replaced
by pins, lugs, dogs, keys, recesses, shoulders, projections, or any
other type of engagement mechanisms. Accordingly, the foregoing
detailed description is to be clearly understood as being given by
way of illustration and example only, the spirit and scope of the
present invention being limited solely by the appended claims and
their equivalents.
* * * * *