U.S. patent application number 12/477308 was filed with the patent office on 2009-12-10 for downhole valve actuation methods and apparatus.
This patent application is currently assigned to BJ SERVICES COMPANY. Invention is credited to Francisco Pineda, Daniel James Turick, Dewayne McCoy Turner, David Joseph Walker.
Application Number | 20090301732 12/477308 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 41399235 |
Filed Date | 2009-12-10 |
United States Patent
Application |
20090301732 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Turner; Dewayne McCoy ; et
al. |
December 10, 2009 |
Downhole Valve Actuation Methods and Apparatus
Abstract
In some embodiments a method of shifting a downhole-located
device between positions with an actuator includes inserting the
actuator into the well, engaging the actuator with the shiftable
device and actuating the actuator to shift the shiftable device
between positions.
Inventors: |
Turner; Dewayne McCoy;
(Tomball, TX) ; Turick; Daniel James; (Houston,
TX) ; Walker; David Joseph; (Lafayette, LA) ;
Pineda; Francisco; (Houston, TX) |
Correspondence
Address: |
JONES & SMITH , LLP
2777 ALLEN PARKWAY, SUITE 800
HOUSTON
TX
77019
US
|
Assignee: |
BJ SERVICES COMPANY
Houston
TX
|
Family ID: |
41399235 |
Appl. No.: |
12/477308 |
Filed: |
June 3, 2009 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61058908 |
Jun 4, 2008 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
166/374 ;
166/373; 166/377; 166/381; 166/383; 166/72 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E21B 41/00 20130101;
E21B 23/04 20130101; E21B 23/00 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
166/374 ;
166/381; 166/383; 166/373; 166/377; 166/72 |
International
Class: |
E21B 34/06 20060101
E21B034/06; E21B 23/08 20060101 E21B023/08; E21B 23/00 20060101
E21B023/00; E21B 34/14 20060101 E21B034/14; E21B 23/04 20060101
E21B023/04; E21B 34/10 20060101 E21B034/10; E21B 34/16 20060101
E21B034/16 |
Claims
1. A method of shifting a shiftable device between at least first
and second positions with a removable actuator, the actuator being
driven by at least one among hydraulic pressure, pneumatic pressure
and electric power, the shiftable device being anchored within a
subterranean well, the method comprising: inserting the actuator
into the well; releasably engaging the actuator with the shiftable
device; when the shiftable device is in a first position, actuating
the actuator by providing at least one among hydraulic pressure,
pneumatic pressure and electric power to the actuator to shift the
shiftable device into a second position without requiring the use
of either a rig or a slick line; and disengaging the actuator from
the shiftable device.
2. The method of claim 1 further including, before disengaging the
actuator from the shiftable device, actuating the actuator to shift
the shiftable device out of the second position.
3. The method of claim 2 wherein the shiftable device is a fluid
flow control valve having at least one open-flow position and at
least one closed-flow position, wherein the first position of the
shiftable device is a closed-flow position and the second position
of the shiftable device is an open-flow position.
4. The method of claim 3 further including, before disengaging the
actuator from the shiftable device, actuating the actuator to shift
the shiftable device back to the first position.
5. The method of claim 1 further including, after disengaging the
actuator from the shiftable device, removing the actuator from the
well without disturbing the location of the shiftable device within
the well.
6. The method of claim 5 further including coupling the actuator to
a production tubing, wherein the actuator is insertable into and
removable from the well by moving the production tubing into and
out of the well.
7. The method of claim 6 further including anchoring the shiftable
device in the well as part of a set of lower completion components
insertable into the well in a first trip, wherein the actuator is
lowered into the well and releasably slideably engaged with the
shiftable device in a second trip.
8. The method of claim 6 wherein the well is a low bottom-hole
pressure well, further including coupling at least one submersible
pump to the production tubing, and after removing the production
tubing from the well, removing at least one submersible pump from
the production tubing, coupling at least one other submersible pump
to the production tubing and inserting the production tubing back
into the well.
9. The method of claim 1 wherein the actuator is slideable into and
out of the shiftable device.
10. The method of claim 9 wherein the actuator includes a piston
and an engagement arm, the piston and engagement arm being
concurrently moveable between at least first and second positions,
further including providing at least one among air, hydraulic fluid
and electricity to the piston from the surface to selectively move
the piston and engagement arm between their respective first and
second positions.
11. The method of claim 10 wherein the engagement arm includes at
least one among at least one profile and at least one collect and
the shiftable device includes at least one among at least one
profile and at least one collect, further including selectively
moving the engagement arm to cause at least one profile or collect
thereon to engage at least one profile or collet of the shiftable
device and move the shiftable device between its respective first
and second positions.
12. The method of claim 1 wherein the shiftable device includes at
least one among a shiftable sleeve, flapper valve, ball valve,
sliding sleeve and gravel pack closing sleeve.
13. A method of shifting a shiftable device between at least first
and second positions with an actuator, the actuator being driven by
at least one among hydraulic pressure, pneumatic pressure and
electric power, the shiftable device being anchored within a
subterranean well, the method comprising: coupling the actuator to
a production tubing; after the shiftable member is anchored in the
well, inserting the production tubing into the well; slideably
engaging the actuator with the shiftable device; when desired and
as many times as desired, actuating the actuator by providing at
least one among hydraulic pressure, pneumatic pressure and electric
power to the actuator to shift the shiftable device between its
respective at least first and second positions without requiring
the use of either a rig or a slick line.
14. The method of claim 13 further including when desired and as
many time as desired slideably disengaging the actuator from the
shiftable device, removing the production tubing and actuator from
the well without disturbing the location of the shiftable device
within the well, reinserting the production tubing, reengaging the
actuator with the shiftable device, and actuating the actuator by
providing at least one among hydraulic pressure, pneumatic pressure
and electric power to the actuator to shift the shiftable device
between its respective at least first and second positions without
requiring the use of either a rig or a slick line.
15. The method of claim 13 wherein the shiftable device is a fluid
flow control valve having at least one open flow position and at
least one closed flow position, wherein the first position of the
shiftable device is a closed flow position and the second position
of the shiftable device is an open flow position, wherein the
shiftable device is in its first position when the actuator is
engaged with and disengaged from the shiftable device, whereby the
well may be sealed or isolated when the actuator is disengaged from
the shiftable device.
16. The method of claim 15 wherein the well is a low bottom-hole
pressure well, further including coupling at least one submersible
pump to the production tubing, and after removing the production
tubing from the well, removing at least one submersible pump from
the production tubing, coupling at least one other submersible pump
to the production tubing and inserting the product tubing back into
the well.
17. The method of claim 15 wherein the shiftable device includes at
least one among a shiftable sleeve, flapper valve, ball valve,
sliding sleeve and gravel pack closing sleeve that is shiftable
between open and closed positions, further wherein the actuator
includes a balanced hydraulic piston and an engagement arm
extending therefrom, further including actuating the hydraulic
piston to move the engagement arm up and down, wherein downward
movement of the engagement arm causes the shiftable device to move
from a closed position to an open position and upward movement of
the engagement arm causes the shiftable device to move from an open
position to a closed position.
18. A method of remotely shifting a valve between open and closed
positions with a hydraulic valve actuator, the valve being disposed
in a subterranean well, the method comprising: inserting the valve
actuator into the well; engaging the valve actuator with the valve,
the valve being in a closed position; and repeatedly, as desired,
when the valve is in a closed position, actuating the valve
actuator by providing hydraulic pressure to the valve actuator to
shift the valve into an open position without requiring the
connection of hydraulic control lines directly to the valve, and
when the valve is in an open position, actuating the valve actuator
by providing hydraulic pressure to the valve actuator to shift the
valve into a closed position without requiring the connection of
hydraulic control lines directly to the valve.
19. The method of claim 18, further including, when the valve is in
a closed position, repeatedly as desired, disengaging the valve
actuator from the valve without disturbing the location of the
valve within the well, removing the valve actuator from the well,
reinserting the valve actuator into the well, and reengaging the
valve actuator with the valve.
20. Apparatus useful for shifting a shiftable device between at
least first and second positions, the shiftable device being
anchored in a subterranean well, the apparatus comprising: a
housing insertable into and out of the well without disturbing the
location of the shiftable device within the well; a
hydraulically-driven piston disposed within said housing; at least
two hydraulic control lines fluidly coupled to said housing and
capable of providing hydraulic pressure from the surface to said
housing to cause said piston to move between at least a piston up
and a piston down position within said housing; and an engagement
arm extending from and being concurrently moveable with said piston
and releasably engageable with the shiftable device, said
engagement arm capable of mechanically shifting the shiftable
device between at least first and second positions without
requiring the use of either a rig or a slick line, wherein said
piston and said engagement arm may be hydraulically actuated to
selectively remotely shift the shiftable member between at least
first and second positions.
21. The apparatus of claim 20 wherein the shiftable device includes
at least one profile and said engagement arm includes at least one
collect, wherein said at least one collet of said engagement arm is
releasably engageable with at least one profile of the shiftable
device to cause the shiftable device to move between at least first
and second positions.
22. The apparatus of claim 20 wherein the shiftable device includes
at least one collet and said engagement arm includes at least one
profile, wherein said at least one profile of said engagement arm
is releasably engageable with at least one collet of the shiftable
device to cause shiftable device to move between at least first and
second positions.
23. The apparatus of claim 20 wherein the shiftable device includes
at least one among a shiftable sleeve, flapper valve, ball valve,
sliding sleeve and gravel pack closing sleeve.
Description
[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. provisional patent
application Ser. No. 61/058,908 filed Jun. 4, 2008, entitled
"Remote Hydraulic Shifting Apparatus, Systems and Methods", which
is hereby incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present disclosure relates generally to downhole valves
and other devices that are movable between positions and, more
particularly, to selectively remotely shifting such valves or other
devices.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] In hydrocarbon recovery operations in subterranean wells, it
is often desirable to selectively shift a valve or other device
between positions. For example, there are instances when it is
necessary or desirable to selectively close a downhole device to
isolate the well, such as to remove, repair or replace equipment.
Likewise, there are occasions when it is necessary to shift open
the downhole device, such as to allow the recovery of produced
fluids.
[0004] In many applications, it may be particularly useful to be
able to selectively remotely shift a valve or other device between
positions on multiple occasions. For example, in hydrocarbon
producing wells having a generally low bottom-hole pressure, an
electric submersible pump is often inserted into the well to assist
in drawing produced fluids up into the production tubing. However,
these pumps typically have a limited useful life-span as compared
to the producing life of the well, so operations must be
interrupted to replace the pump. In such instances, it is often
desirable to isolate the well below the pump by closing one or more
valves during removal and replacement of the pump, and thereafter
to re-open the valve(s) and continue production.
[0005] Some present techniques for selectively shifting downhole
devices require the insertion into the well of a shifting tool
carried on pipe, coiled tubing or the like to mechanically shift
the valve between positions. This process, which often requires the
use of a rig or other equipment, may be time consuming and
costly.
[0006] It should be understood that the above-described discussion
is provided for illustrative purposes only and is not intended to
limit the scope or subject matter of the appended claims or those
of any related patent application or patent. Thus, none of the
appended claims or claims of any related patent application or
patent should be limited by the above discussion or required to
address, include or exclude all or any of the above-cited examples,
features and/or disadvantages merely because of their mention
above.
[0007] Accordingly, there exists a need for improved systems,
apparatus and methods capable of shifting a valve or other device
disposed in a subterranean well and having one or more of the
attributes, capabilities or features described below or in the
subsequent sections of this disclosure, or shown in the appended
drawings: may be remotely actuated from the surface with hydraulic
pressure; may be remotely actuated from the surface with pneumatic
pressure; may be remotely actuated from the surface by electric
power; may be capable of both opening and closing the shiftable
device multiple times as desired; may be capable of selectively
repeatedly shifting the shiftable device between at least two
positions; may be connected to a production tubing and releasably
engageable with the shiftable device; is not part of the lower
completion assembly or components; may be disengaged from the
shiftable device, removed from the well, reinserted into the well
and re-engaged with the device multiple times; may be capable of
shifting the shiftable device without requiring the insertion or
manipulation of pipe or coiled tubing in the well, or the use of a
rig, wet connect or slick line; allows well zone isolation for
quickly replacing, adding, removing or servicing equipment or other
operations; does not require the engagement of control lines to the
shiftable device; may be useful to quickly open and close off the
well at will and repeatedly; is easily engageable and disengageable
with the shiftable device; is slideably engageable with the
shiftable device; allows the well to be sealed before starting
operations; or a combination thereof.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE
[0008] In some embodiments, the present disclosure involves methods
of shifting a shiftable device between at least first and second
positions with a removable actuator. The shiftable device is
anchored within a subterranean well. The actuator is inserted into
the well and releasably engaged with the shiftable device. When the
shiftable device is in a first position, the actuator may be
actuated by providing at least one among hydraulic pressure,
pneumatic pressure and electric power thereto to shift the
shiftable device into a second position without requiring the use
of either a rig or a slick line. The actuator may be disengaged
from the shiftable device.
[0009] In various embodiments, the present disclosure involves
methods of shifting a shiftable device between at least first and
second positions with an actuator. The shiftable device is anchored
within a subterranean well. These embodiments include coupling the
actuator to a production tubing. After the shiftable member is
anchored in the well, the production tubing is inserted into the
well and the actuator is slideably engaged with the shiftable
device. Whenever and as many times as desired, the actuator may be
actuated by providing at least one among hydraulic pressure,
pneumatic pressure and electric power to the actuator to shift the
shiftable device between positions without requiring the use of
either a rig or a slick line.
[0010] There are embodiments of the present disclosure that involve
a method of remotely shifting a downhole valve between open and
closed positions with a hydraulic valve actuator. These embodiments
include inserting the valve actuator into the well and engaging the
valve actuator with the valve (in a closed position). Thereafter
and whenever the valve is in a closed position, the valve actuator
may be hydraulically actuated to shift the valve into an open
position. Likewise, when the valve is in an open position, the
valve actuator may be hydraulically actuated to shift the valve
into a closed position.
[0011] In accordance with the present disclosure, some embodiments
involve an apparatus useful for shifting a shiftable device between
at least first and second positions. The shiftable device is
anchored in a subterranean well. The apparatus includes a housing
insertable into and out of the well without disturbing the location
of the shiftable device within the well. A hydraulically-driven
piston is disposed within the housing. At least two hydraulic
control lines are fluidly coupled to the housing and capable of
providing hydraulic pressure from the surface to the housing to
cause the piston to move up and down within the housing. An
engagement arm extends from the piston and is releasably engageable
with the shiftable device. The engagement arm moves up and down
with the piston and is capable of mechanically shifting the
shiftable device between at least first and second positions
without requiring the use of either a rig or a slick line. The
piston and engagement arm may thus be hydraulically-actuated to
selectively remotely shift the shiftable member between
positions.
[0012] Accordingly, the present disclosure includes features and
advantages which are believed to enable it to advance downhole
device shifting technology. Characteristics and potential
advantages of the present disclosure described above and additional
potential features and benefits will be readily apparent to those
skilled in the art upon consideration of the following detailed
description of various embodiments and referring to the
accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0013] The following figures are part of the present specification,
included to demonstrate certain aspects of various embodiments of
this disclosure and referenced in the detailed description
herein:
[0014] FIG. 1 is a partial schematic and partial cross-sectional
view of an embodiment of a valve actuator useful for shifting an
example valve disposed in a subterranean well in accordance with an
embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0015] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of an example
shifter of an embodiment of a valve actuator in accordance with the
present disclosure;
[0016] FIG. 3A is a partial cross-sectional view of a portion of
the valve actuator of FIG. 1 shown with the example valve in a
closed position;
[0017] FIG. 3B is a partial cross-sectional view of a portion of
the valve actuator of FIG. 1 shown with the example valve in an
open position;
[0018] FIG. 3C is a partial cross-sectional view of a portion of
the valve actuator of FIG. 1 shown with the example valve in a
closed position;
[0019] FIG. 3D is a partial cross-sectional view of a portion of
the valve actuator of FIG. 1 shown releasing from the exemplary
valve in a closed position;
[0020] FIG. 4A is a partial schematic and partial cross-sectional
view of another embodiment of a valve actuator useful for shifting
an example sleeve disposed in a subterranean well in accordance
with an embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0021] FIG. 4B a partial schematic and partial cross-sectional view
of the exemplary valve actuator of FIG. 4A shown shifting the
illustrated sleeve into a closed position;
[0022] FIG. 5A is a partial perspective and partial cross-sectional
view of a portion of another embodiment of a valve actuator having
an exemplary engagement arm shifting an example sliding sleeve into
an open position in accordance with the present invention;
[0023] FIG. 5B shows the exemplary valve actuator of FIG. 5A after
having shifted the illustrated sliding sleeve into an open
position.
[0024] FIG. 5C shows the exemplary engagement arm of FIG. 5A
shifting the illustrated sliding sleeve into a closed position;
and
[0025] FIG. 5D shows the exemplary valve actuator of FIG. 5A after
having shifted the illustrated sliding sleeve into a closed
position.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0026] Characteristics and advantages of the present disclosure and
additional features and benefits will be readily apparent to those
skilled in the art upon consideration of the following detailed
description of exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure and
referring to the accompanying figures. It should be understood that
the description herein and appended drawings, being of example
embodiments, are not intended to limit the appended claims or
claims of any patent or patent application claiming priority
hereto. On the contrary, the intention is to cover all
modifications, equivalents and alternatives falling within the
spirit and scope of the claims. Many changes may be made to the
particular embodiments and details disclosed herein without
departing from such spirit and scope.
[0027] In showing and describing preferred embodiments, common or
similar elements are referenced in the appended figures with like
or identical reference numerals or are apparent from the figures
and/or the description herein. The figures are not necessarily to
scale and certain features and certain views of the figures may be
shown exaggerated in scale or in schematic in the interest of
clarity and conciseness.
[0028] As used herein and throughout various portions (and
headings) of this patent application, the terms "invention",
"present invention" and variations thereof are not intended to mean
every possible embodiment encompassed by this disclosure or any
particular claim(s). Thus, the subject matter of each such
reference should not be considered as necessary for, or part of,
every embodiment hereof or of any particular claim(s) merely
because of such reference. The terms "coupled", "connected",
"engaged" and the like, and variations thereof, as used herein and
in the appended claims are intended to mean either an indirect or
direct connection or engagement. Thus, if a first device couples to
a second device, that connection may be through a direct
connection, or through an indirect connection via other devices and
connections. Also, the terms "upward" and "downward" as used herein
and in the appended claims may be relative to the top and/or bottom
of a component, assembly or space and are not necessarily limited
to movement in a vertical axis or plane.
[0029] Certain terms are used herein and in the appended claims to
refer to particular components. As one skilled in the art will
appreciate, different persons may refer to a component by different
names. This document does not intend to distinguish between
components that differ in name but not function. Also, the terms
"including" and "comprising" are used herein and in the appended
claims in an open-ended fashion, and thus should be interpreted to
mean "including, but not limited to . . . ." Further, reference
herein and in the appended claims to components and aspects in a
singular tense does not necessarily limit the present disclosure or
appended claims to only one such component or aspect, but should be
interpreted generally to mean one or more, as may be suitable and
desirable in each particular instance.
[0030] Referring initially to FIG. 1, an embodiment of a valve
actuator 10 useful for shifting a valve 14 or other device disposed
in a subterranean well 12 is shown. The illustrated well 12 is
vertically oriented, but could instead be horizontal, deviated or
have any other orientation. In this embodiment, the valve 14 is a
mechanical isolation ball valve 16, which may be shifted between
open and closed positions, as desired, with the valve actuator 10.
The illustrated ball valve 16 is contained within a valve assembly
18, which is connected within a lower completion arrangement 22
coupled to a casing 24, such as with a seal/locator assembly 28 and
packer 30. For example, the lower completion arrangement 22 may be
run into and set in the well 12 in one trip with the valve 14 in a
closed position before the valve actuator 10 is introduced into the
well 12. However, this set of components, configuration and
sequence are provided for illustrative purposes only and are not
required for, or limiting upon, the present disclosure.
[0031] It should be understood that the valve actuator 10 may be
used to move any type or configuration of valve 14 or other device
between any desired positions. Some examples of such valves and
other devices are flapper valves, ball valves, mechanical or
hydraulic sliding sleeves, gravel pack closing sleeves and other
fluid loss or recovery devices. Thus, the present invention is not
limited to use with any particular type of valve or other shiftable
device. As used herein and in the appended claims, unless specified
otherwise, the term "valve" includes any type of device that is
moveable between at least two positions. Further, the present
invention is not limited by the number or nature of positions
between which the valve may be shifted. Additionally, the valve may
be disposed at any desired location in a subterranean well and in
any desired downhole arrangement of components. Accordingly, the
present disclosure is not limited by the type, configuration,
action, purpose or operation of the device(s) that may be shifted
in accordance with this disclosure.
[0032] Still referring to FIG. 1, the valve actuator 10 may have
any desired form, configuration and operation. In this embodiment,
the valve actuator 10 includes a shifter 32 which effectively moves
the valve 14 between positions. In some embodiments, referring to
FIG. 2, the shifter 32 may include at least one balanced piston 34
and at least one engagement arm 38 extending therefrom and moveable
therewith. The exemplary piston 34 is disposed and reciprocable
within a housing 42 by surface-controlled hydraulic (or pneumatic)
pressurization through control lines 46, 48. In other embodiments,
the piston 34 may be electrically-actuated. For example, one or
more electric power line (not shown) may extend from the surface to
an electric motor (not shown) connected with and used for powering
the piston 34.
[0033] Still referring to FIG. 2, the illustrated piston 34 is
shown in a "down" position after hydraulic fluid pressurization in
the housing 42 via the control line 46. If it is desired to move
the exemplary piston 34 (and engagement arm 38) to an "up" position
(not shown), sufficient hydraulic fluid pressurization is provided
via the control line 48. Thus, the piston 34 and engagement arm 38
of this embodiment are selectively, remotely moveable via
hydraulics (or pneumatics) between "up" and "down" positions.
However, the valve actuator 10 of the present disclosure is not
limited to this configuration. For example, a different arrangement
and number of control lines may be used. For other examples, the
piston 34 (and engagement arm 38) may be moveable between more than
two positions or actuated in a different manner (other than
hydraulics or pneumatics; e.g. electrical power). Further, the
piston 34 and engagement arm 38 may be separate components coupled
together, integrally formed or part of or contained within other
components. Also, in many embodiments, the shifter 32 may include
different or additional components. Thus, the present invention is
not limited by the type, configuration and operation of the shifter
32 or other embodiments of the valve actuator 10.
[0034] Referring back to FIG. 1, the valve actuator 10 may be
associated with the valve assembly 18 in any suitable manner and
with any desired components to cause the valve 14 to move between
positions. In this embodiment, for example, the engagement arm 38
is slideable into and out of the upper end of the valve assembly
18. The exemplary arm 38 includes at least one profile, or rib, 52
that is engageable with upper and lower collets, or ribs, 56, 58
disposed on an internal sleeve 60 in the valve assembly 18. As the
engagement arm 38 moves up or down (such as, e.g., by action of the
piston 34 of FIG. 2), the profile 52 engages and pushes one of the
collets 56, 58 to move the valve 16 between positions.
[0035] In FIG. 3A, for example, the engagement arm 38 is engaged
with the valve assembly 18 and the ball valve 16 is in a closed
position. This position of the engagement arm 38 is between "up"
and "down" positions. As the piston (not shown) is actuated to move
from an "up" to a "down" position, it causes the exemplary
engagement arm 38 to move down (left to right in FIGS. 3A-D). The
downward movement of the arm 38 causes the profile 52 to abut the
lower collet 58 and push it and the internal sleeve 60 downwardly.
FIG. 3A thus illustrates the position of the exemplary profile 52
as it engages the lower collet 58 to begin opening the valve
14.
[0036] Continued downward movement of the exemplary arm 38 and
internal sleeve 60 will cause the ball valve 16 to be shifted from
a closed position to an open position, as shown in FIG. 3B. In this
example, with sufficient downward movement to open the valve 16,
the lower collet 58 will seat in a lower undercut 66 in the valve
assembly 18, allowing the profile 52 to move down past the lower
collet 58 (FIG. 3B), such as, for example, to accommodate any
overstroke of the piston (not shown).
[0037] In this embodiment, the reverse movement of the piston (not
shown) and engagement arm 38 with cause the profile 52 to engage
the upper collet 56 and drive the internal sleeve 60 in the upward
direction to move the valve 14 from an open to a closed position.
Referring to FIG. 3B, for example, when the illustrated ball valve
16 is in an open position, the upward movement of the engagement
arm 38 will cause the profile 52 to pass by the lower collet 58 (if
the profile 52 previously bypassed it) and abut the upper collet 56
(FIG. 3C), pushing it and the internal sleeve 60 upwardly. This
movement will shift the ball valve 16 into a closed position. As
shown in FIGS. 3C and 3D, in this example, continued upward
movement of the engagement arm 38 will cause the upper collet 56 to
seat in an upper undercut 64 in the valve assembly 18 and the
illustrated profile 52 to pass over the upper collet 56. The
engagement arm 58 and, thus, the shifter 32 may thereafter be
slideably disengaged from the valve assembly 18, allowing the
exemplary valve actuator 10 (e.g. FIG. 1) to be entirely removable
from the well 12 without disturbing the location of the valve 14
therein. However, the present disclosure is not limited to this
particular operation or arrangement of components.
[0038] If desired, the valve actuator 10 may be removed from the
well 12, replaced back into the well 12 and again used for shifting
the valve 14. This procedure may be repeated as many times as
desired, such as for equipment service or replacement, to isolate
the well for conducting other downhole operations, or any other
desired purpose. Referring back to FIG. 1, for example, the
exemplary valve actuator 10 is coupled to the lower end of a
production tubing 74, which also carries an electric submersible
pump 70. The pump 70 is useful to assist in drawing produced oil
and/or gas up into the production tubing 74, such as in a low
bottom-hole pressure well, as is and becomes further known. In this
arrangement, if it becomes necessary to replace or service the pump
70 (production tubing 74, valve actuator 10, etc.), it may be
desirable to close the valve 14, isolate the well 12 and remove the
tubing 74 and associated components from the well 12. Accordingly,
after the exemplary valve actuator 10 is actuated to shift the
valve 14 to a closed position, the production tubing 74 (with
submersible pump 70 and valve actuator 10) may be retrieved up and
out of the well 12. After the pump 70 (or other equipment) is
serviced or replaced, the tubing 74 and connected components may be
returned into the well 12.
[0039] Still referring to FIG. 1, if desired, one or more re-entry
guide 78 may be associated with the valve actuator 10, tubing 74 or
other component to assist in alignment and reinsertion of the
tubing 74 and valve actuator 10. Also, in the illustrated example,
as shown in FIG. 3D, the valve assembly 18 includes a guide 82 to
assist in aligning the engagement arm 38 within the valve assembly
18. After the arm 38 is slideably engaged with the valve assembly
18, downward movement of the illustrated arm 38 will cause the
exemplary profile 52 to bypass the upper collet 56 and eventually
engage the lower collet 58 to shift the valve 16 from a closed to
an open position, such as described above. The valve actuator 10
may thereafter be used as needed to shift the exemplary valve 16
between open and closed positions, and the entire process may be
repeated as desired.
[0040] In FIG. 4A, another embodiment of the valve actuator 10 is
shown in a multi-flow production configuration. In this example,
the valve actuator 10 is useful to open and close a mechanical
closing sleeve 86. The illustrated valve actuator 10 is disposed at
the end of the production tubing 74 and includes a shifter 32
having a piston (not shown) disposed in a housing 42 and operable
such as described above with respect to FIGS. 1 & 2. In this
example, the piston drives a perforated inner pipe 88 upon which
the engagement arm 38 is disposed. The illustrated engagement arm
38 is a support mandrel for at least one engager 90 that is
engageable with the sleeve 86. The engager 90 may be a collet,
retractable finger or any other suitable component or member.
[0041] Still referring to FIG. 4A, the illustrated closing sleeve
86 opens and closes at least one port 87 formed in the lower
completion arrangement 22, or otherwise provided in the well 12
below a packer 30. The port 87 allows fluid flow from an annulus 92
into the perforated pipe 88 during production, such as shown with
flow arrows 94. The lower completion arrangement 22, shown mounted
in the well 12, includes a check, or standing, valve 96 that is
liftable off a seat 98 by upward fluid pressure to allow fluid flow
through the pipe bore 100 in a lower pipe section 102 of the
arrangement 22. The illustrated lower pipe section 102 is
perforated, so that upwardly flowing fluid may pass both through
the bore 100 (e.g. flow arrows 104) and into the annulus 92 (e.g.
flow arrows 106). Accordingly, FIG. 4A illustrates the "down"
position of the exemplary engagement arm 38 and the open positions
of the closing sleeve 86 and check valve 96 during production.
[0042] If production ceases or it is desirable to isolate or seal
off the well 12 at this interval, such as to replace the
submersible pump 70 or other hardware, or for other operations, the
piston (not shown) of the shifter 32 may be actuated from surface
to move the perforated pipe 88 and engagement arm 38 upwardly.
Referring to FIG. 4B, sufficient upward movement of the illustrated
engagement arm 38 causes the engager(s) 90 to engage and close the
sleeve 86. In this embodiment, continued upward movement of the
engagement arm 38 will allow the engager(s) 90 to collapse or
otherwise bypass or move above the sleeve 86, allowing removal of
the production tubing 74 and all attached equipment (the valve
actuator 10, perforated inner pipe 88, submersible pump 70, etc.)
from the well 12. Later, the production tubing 74 and other
components may be reinserted into the well and the valve actuator
10 used to re-open the sleeve 86 generally similarly as described
above with respect to other embodiments.
[0043] In FIGS. 5A-D, another embodiment of an engagement arm 38 in
accordance with the present disclosure is shown useful for opening
and closing a sliding sleeve 110. The illustrated sliding sleeve
110 includes and at least one passageway 112 alignable with at
least one port 114 formed in a pipe 116 (or other component), such
as to allow fluid flow into or out of a bore 117. The sleeve 110
also includes a B-shifting profile arrangement with upper and lower
profiles 124, 126.
[0044] The illustrated engagement arm 38 includes a multi-action,
collapsible, B-shifting body portion 106 with collets 118, 120. The
upper collet 118 is releasably engageable with the lower profile
126 of the sleeve 110 and the lower collet 120 is releasably
engageable with the upper profile 124. The illustrated arm 38 is
driven by a piston (not shown) as part of a shifter 32 and operates
generally similarly as previously described with respect to other
embodiments.
[0045] In FIG. 5A, the exemplary engagement arm 38 is shown
shifting the sleeve 110 into an open-port position. As the arm 38
is moved downwardly (from left to right in FIGS. 5A-D), the upper
collet 118 engages the lower profile 126 to move the sleeve 110,
aligning the passageway 112 with the port 114, as shown in FIG. 5B.
If desired, continued downward movement of the arm 38 may cause the
body 106 of the arm 38 to collapse, if necessary, to allow the
upper collet 118 to disengage from and bypass the lower profile
126.
[0046] Referring now to FIGS. 5C-D, the exemplary engagement arm 38
is shown shifting the sleeve 110 into a closed-port position. As
the arm 38 is moved upwardly, the lower collet 120 will engage the
upper profile 124 and move the sleeve 110 upwardly until the
passageway 112 and port 114 are misaligned and out of fluid
communication. If desired, continued upward movement of the arm 38
will cause the body 106 to collapse, if necessary, to allow the
lower collet 120 to disengage from and bypass the upper profile 124
and the arm 38 to disengage completely from the sleeve 110 and pipe
116, if desired.
[0047] Preferred embodiments of the present disclosure thus offer
advantages over the prior art and are well adapted to carry out one
or more of the objects of this disclosure. However, the present
invention does not require each of the components and acts
described above and is in no way limited to the above-described
embodiments, methods of operation. Any one or more of the above
components, features and processes may be employed in any suitable
configuration without inclusion of other such components, features
and processes. Moreover, the present invention includes additional
features, capabilities, functions, methods, uses and applications
that have not been specifically addressed herein but are, or will
become, apparent from the description herein, the appended drawings
and claims.
[0048] The methods that are provided in or apparent from the
description above or claimed herein, and any other methods which
may fall within the scope of the appended claims, may be performed
in any desired suitable order and are not necessarily limited to
any sequence described herein or as may be listed in the appended
claims. Further, the methods of the present invention do not
necessarily require use of the particular embodiments shown and
described herein, but are equally applicable with any other
suitable structure, form and configuration of components.
[0049] While exemplary embodiments of the invention have been shown
and described, many variations, modifications and/or changes of the
system, apparatus and methods of the present invention, such as in
the components, details of construction and operation, arrangement
of parts and/or methods of use, are possible, contemplated by the
patent applicant(s), within the scope of the appended claims, and
may be made and used by one of ordinary skill in the art without
departing from the spirit or teachings of the invention and scope
of appended claims. Thus, all matter herein set forth or shown in
the accompanying drawings should be interpreted as illustrative,
and the scope of the disclosure and the appended claims should not
be limited to the embodiments described and shown herein.
* * * * *