U.S. patent application number 12/740196 was filed with the patent office on 2011-01-13 for tool storage assembly.
Invention is credited to Andrew Meff.
Application Number | 20110005777 12/740196 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 38834577 |
Filed Date | 2011-01-13 |
United States Patent
Application |
20110005777 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Meff; Andrew |
January 13, 2011 |
TOOL STORAGE ASSEMBLY
Abstract
A tool storage assembly (12) comprises a housing (28) defining a
chamber adapted to be in fluid communication with a wellbore
through a tool passage (30) formed in the housing (28). A tool
storage member (32) is mounted within the chamber of the housing
(28) and defines a tool compartment (34) adapted to releasably
secure a downhole tool (22) therein. The tool storage member (32)
is moveable between a storage position and a deployment position,
wherein the tool (22) may be deployed into the wellbore when the
tool storage member (32) is in the deployment position.
Inventors: |
Meff; Andrew;
(Aberdeenshire, GB) |
Correspondence
Address: |
TAROLLI, SUNDHEIM, COVELL & TUMMINO L.L.P.
1300 EAST NINTH STREET, SUITE 1700
CLEVELAND
OH
44114
US
|
Family ID: |
38834577 |
Appl. No.: |
12/740196 |
Filed: |
October 29, 2008 |
PCT Filed: |
October 29, 2008 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/GB08/03680 |
371 Date: |
September 20, 2010 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
166/382 ;
166/77.1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E21B 23/00 20130101;
E21B 33/076 20130101; E21B 19/143 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
166/382 ;
166/77.1 |
International
Class: |
E21B 23/00 20060101
E21B023/00; E21B 19/22 20060101 E21B019/22 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Oct 31, 2007 |
GB |
0721349.9 |
Claims
1. A tool storage assembly adapted to store tools to be deployed
downhole, said tool storage assembly comprising: a housing defining
a chamber adapted to be in fluid communication with a wellbore
through a tool passage formed in the housing; and a tool storage
member mounted within the chamber of the housing and defining a
tool compartment adapted to releasably secure a downhole tool
therein, wherein the tool storage member is moveable between a
storage position and a deployment position.
2. The tool storage assembly according to claim 1, wherein, in use,
the tool storage member is adapted to be misaligned with a wellbore
passage when positioned within the storage position, and is adapted
to be aligned with a wellbore passage when positioned within the
deployment position.
3. The tool storage assembly according to claim 1, wherein the tool
compartment of the tool storage member is adapted to contain at
least a portion of a tool.
4. The tool storage assembly according to claim 1, wherein the tool
compartment is adapted to contain an entire tool.
5. The tool storage assembly according to claim 1, adapted for use
in combination with a spoolable medium for deploying tools to and
from the housing.
6. The tool storage assembly according to claim 1, wherein the tool
storage member is generally tubular in form and defines an internal
bore, wherein said internal bore defines the tool compartment.
7. The tool storage assembly according to claim 1, wherein the tool
storage member is open at a first end to permit a tool to be
deployed from and retrieved into the tool compartment of the tool
storage member, and open at an opposite second end to provide
access for a spoolable medium to be connected to a stored tool.
8. The tool storage assembly according to claim 1, wherein the tool
storage member comprises a tool engagement assembly adapted to
releasably secure a tool within the tool compartment.
9. The tool storage assembly according to claim 8, wherein the tool
engagement assembly comprises a gripping mechanism adapted to grip
an outer surface of a tool.
10. The tool storage assembly according to claim 8, wherein the
tool engagement assembly comprises an interlocking arrangement.
11. The tool storage assembly according to claim 8, wherein at
least one of the outer surface of a stored tool and an inner
surface of the tool compartment comprises a recessed profile, and
the other of the outer surface of a stored tool and the inner
surface of the tool compartment comprises an extendable member
adapted to selectively extend to engage the recessed profile and
thus selectively secure the tool within the tool compartment.
12. The tool storage assembly according to claim 8, wherein the
tool engagement assembly comprises a support member defining a cam
surface upon which cam surface an extendable member arranged to
engage a tool is mounted, wherein movement of the support member
permits the extendable member to be selectively extended by
interaction with the cam surface.
13. The tool storage assembly according to claim 12, wherein
support member and extendable member are formed and arranged to
permit the support member to positively displace the extendable
member in reverse directions.
14. The tool storage assembly according to claim 12, wherein the
tool engagement assembly further comprises an activating mechanism
adapted to positively move the support member to effect one or both
of retraction and extension of the extendable member.
15. The tool storage assembly according to claim 14, wherein the
activating mechanism comprises a plunger adapted to engage the
support member.
16. The tool storage assembly according to claim 14, wherein the
activating mechanism comprises a plate defining an actuation
surface adapted to receive a force to move the support member.
17. The tool storage assembly according to claim 16, wherein the
plate defines an aperture extending therethrough.
18. The tool storage assembly according to claim 17, wherein the
aperture is adapted to permit the passage of a spoolable medium
therethrough.
19. The tool storage assembly according to claim 12, wherein the
support member is biased in a preferred direction.
20. The tool storage assembly according to claim 8, wherein the
tool engagement assembly is coupled to a tubular member, wherein
said tool engagement assembly and said tubular member collectively
define the tool storage member.
21. The tool storage assembly according to claim 1, further
comprise a displacement assembly adapted to move the tool storage
member between the storage and deployment positions.
22. The tool storage assembly according to claim 21, wherein the
displacement assembly comprises a piston arrangement, which piston
arrangement is secured relative to the housing.
23. The tool storage assembly according to claim 21, wherein the
displacement assembly is adapted to lock the tool storage member in
either or both of the storage and deployment positions.
24. The tool storage assembly according to claim 21, wherein the
displacement assembly comprises first and second piston
arrangements, axially distributed along the housing.
25. The tool storage assembly according to claim 1, comprising a
plurality of tool storage members each adapted to store one or more
tools therein.
26. The tool storage assembly according to claim 1, adapted for
subsea use.
27. A tool deployment system for use in deploying tools into a
wellbore, said system comprising a tool storage assembly
comprising: a housing defining a chamber adapted to be in fluid
communication with a wellbore through a tool passage formed in the
housing; and a tool storage member mounted within the chamber of
the housing and defining a tool compartment adapted to releasably
secure a downhole tool therein, wherein the tool storage member is
moveable between a storage position and a deployment position.
28. A method of deploying a tool into a wellbore, said method
comprising the steps of: providing a tool storage assembly
comprising: a housing defining a chamber adapted to be in fluid
communication with a wellbore through a tool passage formed in the
housing; a tool storage member mounted within the chamber of the
housing and defining a tool compartment adapted to releasably
secure a downhole tool therein, wherein the tool storage member is
moveable between a storage position and a deployment position;
locating a tool within the tool compartment of the tool storage
member; coupling the tool storage assembly to a wellbore; moving
the tool storage member towards the deployment position; and
deploying the tool into the wellbore.
29. The method according to claim 28, further comprising the step
of coupling the tool to a spoolable medium prior to being
deployed.
30. The method according to claim 28, further comprising the step
of retrieving the tool from the wellbore back into the tool
compartment of the tool storage member.
31. The method according to claim 28, further comprising moving the
tool storage member towards the storage position.
32. A tool storage assembly comprising: a housing; a tool storage
member mounted within the housing and defining a tool compartment
adapted to be aligned with a wellbore access to permit a tool to be
displaced between a wellbore and the tool compartment; a tool
engagement assembly adapted to releasably secure a downhole tool
within the tool compartment, wherein the tool engagement assembly
comprises: an extendable member adapted to extend into the tool
compartment to engage a tool; a support member comprising a cam
surface adapted to engage the extendable member; and an activating
mechanism adapted to positively move the support member to permit
the extendable member to be selectively extended by interaction
with the cam surface.
33. A tool storage assembly comprising: a tool compartment; a tool
engagement assembly adapted to releasably secure a downhole tool
within the tool compartment, wherein the tool engagement assembly
comprises: an extendable member adapted to extend into the tool
compartment to engage a tool; a support member comprising a cam
surface adapted to engage the extendable member; and an activating
mechanism adapted to positively move the support member to permit
the extendable member to be selectively extended by interaction
with the cam surface.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates to a tool storage assembly,
and in particular to a tool storage assembly for storing downhole
tools to be deployed into a wellbore.
[0002] The present invention also relates to a tool deployment
system and method incorporating a tool storage assembly.
BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION
[0003] In the oil and gas industry, most wells, particularly ageing
wells, will require some form of remediation or maintenance
operations to be performed to ensure that maximum production rates
may be achieved. Such operations, generally known as workover
operations, in most cases involve the deployment of specialised
intervention tools into a wellbore on wireline, coiled tubing or
the like to perform the necessary in-well procedures, such as
re-perforation, formation stimulation, well testing or the like.
Conventional workover operations on subsea wells require the use of
workover risers which extend between the wellhead/Christmas tree
and an appropriate BOP and lubricator or stuffing box located on a
specialised intervention surface vessel. Where any riser is
utilised it is critical that the integrity of the riser is
maintained, especially in rough sea conditions where both lateral
and vertical deviation of the surface vessel from the wellhead
location may be significant. In extreme conditions the riser is
conventionally disconnected from the wellhead to ensure the
structural integrity of the riser is maintained. However, complex
attachment mechanisms are required to ensure that the riser may be
disconnected without loss of wellbore fluids into the sea. Of
course, disconnecting the riser will delay the workover programme
and will ultimately further delay hydrocarbon production.
[0004] Furthermore, the number of surface vessels which are
suitably adapted for workover operations are extremely limited and
as such the availability of these may cause significant delays to a
required workover programme. Also, the rental costs of these
vessels are very high and account for a significant proportion of
the total workover operation costs.
[0005] Most workover programmes require the use of a significant
number of different tools which must be deployed into the wellbore
and subsequently retrieved to surface. When a tool change-over is
required an existing tool must be retrieved to surface level and
pulled through the BOP and lubricator and ultimately removed from
the entire wellbore assembly, detached from the wireline or coiled
tubing, and substituted for a new tool which must then be inserted
into the wellbore assembly through the BOP and lubricator. This is
a time consuming exercise and involves risks both to personnel and
the environment in that the tools must extend through the wellbore
barriers.
[0006] It has been proposed in the art to address such problems by
providing subsea intervention systems which may be directly mounted
at the location of the wellhead, for example on a Christmas tree.
WO 2004/065757, assigned to the present applicant, discloses such a
system and comprises a tool storage chamber which contains a number
of downhole tools, and a winch assembly which includes a winch drum
carrying a spool of wireline. In use, a tool may be selected from
the tool storage chamber and moved from a storage position to a
deployment position where the tool may be coupled to the wireline
to then be run into the wellbore to perform a required in-well
intervention operation. The tool may then be retrieved back to the
wellhead location and returned to a storage position within the
tool storage chamber. A further tool may then be selected, if
required, to be run into the wellbore.
[0007] As the prior art system is located at a subsea location it
is important that the various components operate as reliably as
possible to prevent or minimise the need for remedial action from
surface level. For example, the mechanism or apparatus used to
handle and move the tools between stored and deployment positions
must be reliable and permit proper alignment of the tool in either
position to prevent jamming or snagging of the tool within the
storage chamber. Additionally, the mechanism must reliably secure
or support the tools and only allow release of the tools when
required.
[0008] The present applicant has proposed in WO 2006/003362 a
system for handling tools within a tool storage chamber of a subsea
intervention system. The system includes a number of piston
assemblies each including a piston which is releasably secured to
an upper portion of a respective tool within the chamber, wherein
the piston strokes radially to displace the tool between stored and
deployed positions. In the deployed position the tool is centrally
positioned within the tool storage chamber, and is aligned with
upper and lower apertures, wherein the upper aperture provides
wireline access, and the lower aperture provides access into the
wellbore. A clamping mechanism is provided at the free end of the
piston and is adapted to directly engage a profiled region of a
respective tool. However, when a tool has been coupled to wireline
and the clamp is disengaged from the tool, the tool is then freely
suspended within the storage chamber and it is possible that the
tool may become misaligned with the lower aperture. If any attempt
is made to run the tool into the wellbore when misaligned, the tool
may hang-up on the edge of the lower aperture or on the base of the
storage chamber. Additionally, if the clamping mechanism on one of
the piston assemblies should inadvertently release a tool, the tool
will be dropped and possibly block the lower aperture preventing
access into the wellbore.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0009] According to a first aspect of the present invention, there
is provided a tool storage assembly adapted to store tools to be
deployed downhole, said tool storage assembly comprising:
[0010] a housing defining a chamber adapted to be in fluid
communication with a wellbore through a tool passage formed in the
housing;
[0011] a tool storage member mounted within the chamber of the
housing and defining a tool compartment adapted to releasably
secure a downhole tool therein, wherein the tool storage member is
moveable between a storage position and a deployment position.
[0012] In use, the tool storage member may be adapted to be
misaligned with a wellbore passage when positioned within the
storage position. Additionally, the tool storage member may be
adapted to be aligned with a wellbore passage when positioned
within the deployment position.
[0013] Accordingly, in use, a tool may be provided and secured
within the tool compartment of the tool storage member which may be
positioned within the storage position when the tool is not in use,
or is not required for use, and subsequently moved towards the
deployment position when the tool is to be deployed into a wellbore
through the tool passage.
[0014] Advantageously, the tool storage member may shroud or encase
a tool contained therein such that said tool is prevented from
directly engaging other tools or objects contained within or
passing through the housing of the tool storage assembly, thus
providing protection for a tool when stored or when being deployed
and retrieved. Additionally, the tool storage member may provide
guidance for a tool during initial deployment into a wellbore and
during the final stages of being retrieved back into the tool
storage assembly.
[0015] The tool storage member may be adapted to be radially moved
relative to the housing between the storage and deployment
positions. In one embodiment the tool storage member may be located
adjacent an inner wall surface of the housing when in the stored
position, and moved radially inwardly from the wall of the housing
towards the deployment position. The tool storage member may be
positioned coaxially with, the housing when said tool storage
member is located in the deployment position.
[0016] The tool compartment of the tool storage member may be
adapted to contain at least a portion of a tool. The tool
compartment may be adapted to contain an entire tool.
[0017] In one embodiment the tool storage assembly may be adapted
for use in combination with a spoolable medium for deploying tools
to and from the housing of the tool storage package. In this
arrangement the spoolable medium may be adapted to be releasably
coupled to a tool which is required to be deployed into a wellbore.
The tool storage member may be adapted to be moved to the
deployment position to permit or accommodate connection of a stored
tool to a spoolable medium. Alternatively, the tool storage member
may be adapted to be maintained within the storage position to
permit or accommodate connection of a stored tool to a spoolable
medium.
[0018] The spoolable medium may comprise wireline, coiled tubing or
the like. The tool storage assembly may comprise a spool of
spoolable medium contained within the housing. In an alternative
embodiment, the housing may define a spoolable medium passage
adapted to permit a spoolable medium to extend therethrough and
into the housing from an external location. In this arrangement the
spoolable medium may be provided within a winch assembly which may
be mounted remotely from, adjacent to or on the tool storage
assembly. The spoolable medium passage may be positioned axially
opposite the tool passage. When the tool storage assembly is
oriented for normal use, the spoolable medium passage may be
positioned directly above the tool passage.
[0019] The tool storage member may be generally tubular in form and
thus define an internal bore, wherein said internal bore defines
the tool compartment. In this arrangement the tool storage member
may be open at a first end to permit a tool to be deployed from and
retrieved into the tool compartment of the tool storage member. In
one embodiment the tool storage member may be open at an opposite
second end to provide access for a spoolable medium to be connected
to a stored tool. In this arrangement, the second opening in the
tool storage member will permit a tool to be secured to a spoolable
medium, following which the tool may be released and subsequently
deployed into a wellbore through the first opening in the tool
storage member, wherein the spoolable medium extends through the
tool compartment of said tool storage member.
[0020] The tool storage member may comprise a tool engagement
assembly adapted to releasably secure a tool within the tool
compartment. The tool engagement assembly may comprise a gripping
mechanism adapted to grip an outer surface of a tool.
Alternatively, or additionally, the tool engagement assembly may
comprise an interlocking arrangement. At least one of the outer
surface of a stored tool and an inner surface of the tool
compartment may comprise a recessed profile, and the other of the
outer surface of a stored tool and the inner surface of the tool
compartment may comprise an extendable member adapted to
selectively extend to engage the recessed profile and thus
selectively secure the tool within the tool compartment. In one
embodiment the extendable member may be adapted to extend radially
to engage the recessed profile. In a preferred embodiment, the
recessed profile may be provided within the outer surface of a tool
to be stored and the extendable member may be provided to extend
from an inner surface of the tool compartment.
[0021] The extendable member may be hydraulically actuated,
pneumatically actuated, mechanically actuated or the like, or any
suitable combination thereof. In one embodiment the extendable
member may be selectively extended by a hydraulic actuator, such as
a piston assembly.
[0022] Alternatively, the extendable member may be adapted to be
selectively extended by a cam arrangement.
[0023] The tool engagement assembly may further comprise a support
member defining a cam surface upon which cam surface the extendable
member is mounted, wherein movement of the support member permits
the extendable member to be selectively extended by interaction
with the cam surface. The cam surface may comprise an axial cam
surface, wherein axial movement of the support member permits
selective extension of the extendable member. Alternatively, or
additionally, the cam surface may comprise a circumferential cam
surface, wherein rotational movement of the support member permits
selective extension of the extendible member.
[0024] In one embodiment the tool engagement assembly may comprise
an inner sleeve defining a throughbore adapted to receive at least
a portion of a tool, and an aperture extending through a wall
portion of the inner sleeve adapted to permit the extendable member
to extend therethrough. In this embodiment the support member may
comprise an outer sleeve slidably mounted about the inner sleeve
wherein the cam surface is defining on the outer sleeve such that
relative movement of the inner and outer sleeves permits selective
extension of the extendable member through the aperture in the
inner sleeve to thus selectively engage a tool positioned within
the inner sleeve.
[0025] In one embodiment the cam surface of the support member may
comprise a circumferential cam surface. In an alternative
embodiment the cam surface may comprise an axial cam surface.
[0026] In one embodiment the support member and extendable member
may be formed and arranged to permit the support member to
positively displace the extendable member in reverse directions,
such that manipulation of the support member in the required manner
may positively displace the extendable member to be extended and
retracted. For example, the extendable member may be secured
relative to the cam surface of the support member such that
movement of the support member in reverse directions effects
corresponding movement of the extendable member also in reverse
directions. The extendable member may be secured relative to the
cam surface via an inter-engaging profiled arrangement, such as a
dovetail profiled arrangement. Alternatively, the cam surface may
define a slot extending in the direction of intended movement of
the support member, wherein the extending member comprises a
securing arrangement secured within the slot. The securing
arrangement may define a clamping assembly and may comprise a pin
extending through the slot between the extendable member located on
one side of the cam surface and a securing plate located on an
opposite side of the cam surface, such that the cam surface may be
slidably clamped between the extendable member and the securing
plate.
[0027] In an alternative embodiment, the support member and
extendable member may be formed and arranged to permit the support
member to positively displace the extendable member in a single
direction. For example, manipulation of the support member in the
required manner may positively displace the extendable member to be
one of extended and retracted. For example, the extendable member
may slidably engage the cam surface without any further connection
therebetween. In this arrangement the extendable member may be
biased against the force applied thereon by the cam surface of the
support member, such that the extendable member may be returned
towards a datum position when the force of the cam surface is
removed. The extendable member may be biased by a spring member,
such as a coiled spring, elastic body or the like. Alternatively,
or additionally, the extendable member may be biased by fluid
pressure within the tool storage member.
[0028] The tool engagement assembly may further comprise an
activating mechanism adapted to positively move the support member
to effect one or both of retraction and extension of the extendable
member. In one embodiment the activating mechanism may be adapted
to positively move the support member to effect only extension of
the extendable member. The activating mechanism may comprise a
plunger adapted to engage the support member. The plunger may be
adapted to engage an axial end face of the support member. The
plunger and support member may be integrally formed. Alternatively,
the plunger and support member may be separately formed. In this
arrangement the plunger and support member may be secured together,
for example by screwing, bolting, welding or the like, or
alternatively may remain unfastened and in relative surface
engagement.
[0029] The activating mechanism may comprise a plate defining an
actuation surface adapted to receive a force to move the support
member. The force may comprise a fluid force. For example the plate
may form part of a piston assembly in which the actuation surface
defines a piston face adapted to be exposed to fluid pressure.
Alternatively, or additionally, the force may comprise a mechanical
force. For example, the plate may be adapted to be engaged by an
activating piston or the like.
[0030] The plate may define an aperture extending therethrough and
may be annular in form. The aperture may be adapted to permit the
passage of a spoolable medium therethrough.
[0031] The support member may be biased in a preferred direction.
In one embodiment the support member may be biased in a direction
to cause retraction of the extendable member. The support member
may be biased by a spring which may act against an axial end face
of the support member. The spring may comprise a coiled spring,
elastic body, gas spring or the like.
[0032] In embodiments of the invention a plurality of extendable
members may be provided. The extendable members may be axially
distributed relative to the tool storage member. Alternatively, or
additionally, the extendable members may be circumferentially
distributed relative to the tool storage member.
[0033] In one embodiment the tool storage member may comprise a
single tool engagement assembly, which may be adapted to
selectively engage any suitable portion of a tool. For example, the
tool engagement assembly may be adapted to engage an upper region
of a tool. It should be understood that the upper region of a tool
is a trailing region of the tool when being deployed into a
wellbore.
[0034] In an alternative embodiment the tool storage member may
comprise a plurality of tool engagement assemblies distributed
along the length of the tool storage member such that a tool may be
selectively engaged at a plurality of regions. In this arrangement
each tool engagement assembly may comprise respective support
members and inner sleeves. Alternatively, a single support member
or a single inner sleeve may extend between two or more tool
engagement assemblies.
[0035] The tool engagement assembly may be coupled to a tubular
member, wherein said tool engagement assembly and said tubular
member collectively define the tool storage member. The tool
engagement assembly may be threadably coupled together.
[0036] The tool storage assembly may further comprise a
displacement assembly adapted to move the tool storage member
between the storage and deployment positions. The displacement
assembly may be adapted to move the tool storage member
hydraulically, pneumatically, mechanically or the like, or any
suitable combination thereof. The displacement assembly may
comprise a piston arrangement, which piston arrangement may be
secured relative to the housing. The piston arrangement may
comprise a cylinder secured relative to the housing and a piston
member mounted within the cylinder and defining a free end adapted
to be coupled to the tool storage member. The cylinder may be
mounted externally of the housing with the piston member extending
through a wall portion of the housing. Alternatively, the cylinder
may be mounted internally of the housing.
[0037] The free end of the piston member may be secured to the tool
storage member via a pinned connection. For example, one of the
piston member and the tool storage member may comprise a pin, and
the other of the piston member and tool storage member may comprise
a pin-receiving portion adapted to receive and engage the pin. The
pin-receiving portion may comprise a bore, lug, slot, hook or the
like. In a preferred embodiment the piston member comprises a pin
and the tool storage member comprises a pin-receiving portion.
[0038] The displacement assembly may be adapted to lock the tool
storage member in either or both of the storage and deployment
positions.
[0039] The displacement assembly may comprise first and second
piston arrangements, which may be axially distributed along the
housing. The first piston arrangement may engage an upper portion
of the tool storage member, and the second piston arrangement may
engage a lower portion of the tool storage member. In one
embodiment the first and second piston arrangements may be adapted
to stroke simultaneously to move the tool storage member between
the storage and deployment positions. Alternatively, the first and
second piston arrangements may be adapted to stroke consecutively
such that one piston arrangement strokes before the other.
[0040] The tool storage assembly may comprise a plurality of tool
storage members each adapted to store one or more tools therein.
Accordingly, a large number of tools may be reliable secured within
the tool storage system and selected for deployment as
required.
[0041] In one embodiment the tool storage members, when in the
storage position, may be circumferentially distributed around the
inner wall surface of the housing.
[0042] The housing may be adapted to be secured to a wellhead. The
housing may be directly secured to a wellhead. Alternatively the
housing may be indirectly secured to a wellhead via, for example, a
Christmas tree, well control assembly or the like.
[0043] The tool storage assembly may be adapted for use within a
tool deployment system for deploying tools into and retrieving
tools from a wellbore, for example to perform a workover operation.
The tool storage assembly may be adapted to be coupled to a winch
assembly, which winch assembly comprises a spoolable medium for use
in deploying and retrieving tools contained within the tool storage
assembly.
[0044] The tool storage assembly may be adapted for subsea use.
[0045] According to a second aspect of the present invention, there
is provided a tool deployment system for use in deploying tools
into a wellbore, said system comprising a tool storage assembly
according to the first aspect.
[0046] According to a third aspect of the present invention, there
is provided a method of deploying a tool into a wellbore, said
method comprising the steps of:
[0047] providing a tool storage assembly according to the first
aspect;
[0048] locating a tool within the tool compartment of the tool
storage member;
[0049] coupling the tool storage assembly to a wellbore;
[0050] moving the tool storage member towards the deployment
position; and
[0051] deploying the tool into the wellbore.
[0052] The method may further comprise the step of coupling the
tool to a spoolable medium prior to being deployed.
[0053] The method may further comprise the step of retrieving the
tool from the wellbore back into the tool compartment of the tool
storage member. Further, the method may comprise the subsequent
step of moving the tool storage member towards the storage
position.
[0054] According to a fourth aspect of the present invention there
is provided a tool storage assembly comprising:
[0055] a housing;
[0056] a tool storage member mounted within the housing and
defining a tool compartment adapted to be aligned with a wellbore
access to permit a tool to be displaced between a wellbore and the
tool compartment;
[0057] a tool engagement assembly adapted to releasably secure a
downhole tool within the tool compartment, wherein the tool
engagement assembly comprises: [0058] an extendable member adapted
to extend into the tool compartment to engage a tool; [0059] a
support member comprising a cam surface adapted to engage the
extendable member; and [0060] an activating mechanism adapted to
positively move the support member to permit the extendable member
to be selectively extended by interaction with the cam surface.
[0061] Accordingly, in use, a tool may be secured within the tool
compartment and then aligned with a wellbore access, following
which the sleeve may be moved by the activating mechanism to permit
the extendable member to be retracted to release the tool. The tool
may then be displaced in to the wellbore.
[0062] Additionally, in use, a tool located within a wellbore may
be displaced into the tool storage member when aligned with the
wellbore access, wherein the sleeve may be moved to permit the
extendable member to extend to engage the tool to thus become
secured within the tool compartment of the tool storage member.
[0063] The tool storage assembly may be adapted for use in
combination with a spoolable medium, such as coiled tubing,
wireline or the like, which spoolable medium may displace the tool
between the tool storage compartment and a wellbore. The tool
storage member may comprise an orifice providing access for a
spoolable medium into the tool compartment. The orifice may be
positioned at one end portion, and preferably an upper end portion
of the tool storage member.
[0064] The extendable member may be adapted to engage a tool by
gripping an outer surface of said tool. Alternatively, or
additionally, the extendable member may be adapted to engage a tool
by an interlocking arrangement. For example, the extendable member
may be adapted to extend into a recessed profile provided in an
outer surface of a tool.
[0065] The extendable member may be adapted to extend radially into
the tool compartment.
[0066] The cam surface may comprise an axial cam surface, wherein
axial movement of the support member permits selective extension of
the extendable member. Alternatively, or additionally, the cam
surface may comprise a circumferential cam surface, wherein
rotational movement of the support member permits selective
extension of the extendible member.
[0067] In one embodiment the tool engagement assembly may comprise
an inner sleeve defining a throughbore adapted to receive at least
a portion of a tool, and an aperture extending through a wall
portion of the inner sleeve adapted to permit the extendable member
to extend therethrough. The support member may comprise an outer
sleeve slidably mounted about the inner sleeve, wherein, in use,
relative movement of the inner and outer sleeves permits selective
extension of the extendable member through the aperture in the
inner sleeve to thus selectively engage a tool positioned within
the inner sleeve.
[0068] In one embodiment the support member and extendable member
may be formed and arranged to permit the support member to
positively displace the extendable member in reverse directions,
such that manipulation of the support member in the required manner
may positively displace the extendable member to be extended and
retracted. For example, the extendable member may be secured
relative to the cam surface of the support member such that
movement of the support member in reverse directions effects
corresponding movement of the extendable member also in reverse
directions. The extendable member may be secured relative to the
cam surface via an inter-engaging profiled arrangement, such as a
dovetail profiled arrangement. Alternatively, the cam surface may
define a slot extending in the direction of intended movement of
the support member, wherein the extending member comprises a
securing arrangement secured within the slot. The securing
arrangement may define a clamping assembly and may comprise a pin
extending through the slot between the extendable member located on
one side of the cam surface and a securing plate located on an
opposite side of the cam surface, such that the cam surface may be
slidably clamped between the extendable member and the securing
plate.
[0069] In an alternative embodiment, the support member and
extendable member may be formed and arranged to permit the support
member to positively displace the extendable member in a single
direction. For example, manipulation of the support member in the
required manner may positively displace the extendable member to be
one of extended and retracted. For example, the extendable member
may slidably engage the cam surface without any further connection
therebetween. In this arrangement the extendable member may be
biased against the force applied thereon by the cam surface, such
that the extendable member may be returned towards a datum position
when the force of the cam surface is removed. The extendable member
may be biased by a spring member, such as a coiled spring, elastic
body or the like. Alternatively, or additionally, the extendable
member may be biased by fluid pressure within the tool storage
member.
[0070] In one embodiment the activating mechanism may be adapted to
positively move the support member to effect only extension of the
extendable member. The activating mechanism may comprise a plunger
adapted to engage the support member. The plunger may be adapted to
engage an axial end face of the support member. The plunger and
support member may be integrally formed. Alternatively, the plunger
and support member may be separately formed. In this arrangement
the plunger and support member may be secured together, for example
by screwing, bolting, welding or the like, or alternatively may
remain unfastened and in relative surface engagement.
[0071] The activating mechanism may comprise a plate defining an
actuation surface adapted to receive a force to move the support
member. The force may comprise a fluid force. For example the plate
may form part of a piston assembly in which the actuation surface
defines a piston face adapted to be exposed to fluid pressure.
Alternatively, or additionally, the force may comprise a mechanical
force. For example, the plate may be adapted to be engaged by an
activating piston or the like.
[0072] The plate may define an aperture extending therethrough and
may be annular in form. The aperture may be adapted to permit the
passage of a spoolable medium therethrough.
[0073] The support member may be biased in a preferred direction.
In one embodiment the support member may be biased in a direction
to cause retraction of the extendable member. The support member
may be biased by a spring which may act against an axial end face
of the support member. The spring may comprise a coiled spring,
elastic body, gas spring or the like.
[0074] In embodiments of the invention a plurality of extendable
members may be provided. The extendable members may be axially
distributed relative to the tool storage member. Alternatively, or
additionally, the extendable members may be circumferentially
distributed relative to the tool storage member.
[0075] In one embodiment the tool storage member may comprise a
single tool engagement assembly, which may be adapted to
selectively engage any suitable portion of a tool. For example, the
tool engagement assembly may be adapted to engage an upper region
of a tool. It should be understood that the upper region of a tool
is a trailing region of the tool when being deployed into a
wellbore.
[0076] In an alternative embodiment the tool storage member may
comprise a plurality of tool engagement assemblies distributed
along the length of the tool storage member such that a tool may be
selectively engaged at a plurality of regions. In this arrangement
each tool engagement assembly may comprise respective support
members. Alternatively, a single support member may extend between
two or more tool engagement assemblies.
[0077] The tool engagement assembly may be coupled to a tubular
member, wherein said tool engagement assembly and said tubular
member collectively define the tool storage member. The tool
engagement assembly may be threadably coupled together.
[0078] The tool storage assembly may further comprise a
displacement assembly adapted to move the tool storage member into
and out of alignment with the wellbore access. The displacement
assembly may be adapted to move the tool storage member
hydraulically, pneumatically, mechanically or the like, or any
suitable combination thereof.
[0079] According to a fifth aspect of the present invention there
is provided a tool storage assembly comprising:
[0080] a tool compartment;
[0081] a tool engagement assembly adapted to releasably secure a
downhole tool within the tool compartment, wherein the tool
engagement assembly comprises: [0082] an extendable member adapted
to extend into the tool compartment to engage a tool; [0083] a
support member comprising a cam surface adapted to engage the
extendable member; and [0084] an activating mechanism adapted to
positively move the support member to permit the extendable member
to be selectively extended by interaction with the cam surface.
[0085] Various features identified above according to the fourth
aspect may apply to the tool storage assembly of this fifth
aspect.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0086] These and other aspects of the present invention will now be
described, by way of example only, with reference to the
accompanying drawings, in which:
[0087] FIG. 1 is a diagrammatic representation of a tool storage
assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention shown
incorporated within a subsea tool deployment system;
[0088] FIG. 2 is a front elevation view of the tool storage
assembly of FIG. 1;
[0089] FIG. 3 is a top elevation view of the tool storage assembly
of FIG. 1;
[0090] FIG. 4 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the tool
storage assembly of FIG. 1;
[0091] FIGS. 5 and 6 are longitudinal cross sectional views of a
tool engagement assembly of the tool storage assembly of FIG. 1,
shown in alternative configurations; and
[0092] FIG. 7 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a lower
portion of a tool storage member of the tool storage assembly of
FIG. 1.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0093] Reference is first made to FIG. 1 of the drawings in which
there is shown a diagrammatic representation of a subsea tool
deployment system, generally identified by reference numeral 10,
which incorporates a tool storage assembly, generally identified by
reference numeral 12, in accordance with an embodiment of the
present invention. The tool deployment system 10 is mounted on a
subsea wellhead 14 and Christmas tree 16, and further comprises a
well control package 18 positioned below the tool storage assembly
12, and a winch assembly 20 positioned above the tool storage
assembly 12. As will be described in further detail below, the tool
storage assembly 12 contains a number of downhole tools 22 which
may be individually selected and run into a wellbore 24 on wireline
26 which extends from a winch drum 21 mounted within the winch
assembly 20. FIG. 1 demonstrates a downhole tool 22a being deployed
into the wellbore 24.
[0094] The tool storage assembly includes a housing 28 which is in
fluid communication with the wellbore 24 through a lower aperture
30 which defines a tool passage. A number of tool storage members
32 are mounted within the housing 28, wherein each member 32
defines a tool compartment 34 within which is releasably mounted a
respective tool 22. Each tool storage member 32 is mounted relative
to the housing 28 via upper and lower piston arrangements 36,38
which are mounted on an external surface of the housing 28 and
extend through a wall surface thereof to engage respective upper
and lower portions of the tool storage member 32. In use, the upper
and lower piston arrangements 36,38 move a respective tool storage
member 32 between a storage position in which the tool storage
member 32 is positioned adjacent the inner wall surface of the
housing 28, and a deployment position in which the tool storage
member 32 is positioned coaxially within said housing 28 to align
the tool compartment 34 with the axis of the wellbore 24.
[0095] Each tool storage member 32 comprises a tool engagement
assembly 40 adapted to releasably secure the tool within the tool
compartment 34. A detailed description of the tool engagement
assembly 40 will be provided hereinafter.
[0096] Advantageously, each tool storage member 32 shrouds or
encases a respective tool 22 such that said tool 22 is prevented
from directly engaging other tools or objects contained within or
passing through the housing 28 of the tool storage assembly 12,
thus providing protection for each tool 22 when stored, or when
being deployed and retrieved. Furthermore, each tool storage member
32 may provide guidance for a respective tool 22 during initial
deployment into the wellbore 24 and during the final stages of
being retrieved back into the tool storage assembly 12.
[0097] Reference is now made to FIGS. 2 and 3 of the drawings in
which front and top elevational views, respectively, of the tool
storage assembly 12 are shown. As described above, the tool storage
assembly 12 comprises a housing 28 within which are located a
number of tool storage members 32 which may be moved by respective
upper and lower piston arrangements 36,38 between storage and
deployment positions. Referring in particular to FIG. 3, the
present embodiment incorporates eight individual tool storage
members 32 which, when in the storage position, are
circumferentially distributed around the inner surface of the
housing 28. When a particular tool 22a is required to be deployed
into the wellbore 24 (FIG. 1), the appropriate tool storage member
32a is moved from the storage position to the deployment position
to thus coaxially align the tool 22a within the housing 28. The
tool 22a may then be coupled to the wireline 26 (FIG. 1), released
from the tool storage member 32a and subsequently deployed into the
wellbore 34. Once the required in-well operation has been
completed, the tool 22a may then be retrieved back into the tool
storage member 32a, secured in place therein, and subsequently
returned back to the storage position. Following which, a further
tool may be selected and deployed in the same manner.
[0098] Reference is now made to FIG. 4 of the drawings in which
there is shown a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the tool
storage assembly 12. The tool storage members 32 are generally
tubular in form and are each defined by a tool engagement assembly
40 coupled to a respective lower tubular member 41, wherein the
tool storage compartment 34 of each storage member 32 is
collectively defined by the tool engagement assembly 40 and the
associated lower tubular member 41.
[0099] It should be noted that each of the upper and lower piston
arrangements 36,38 are of the same form, and each comprise a
cylinder 42 which is secured to the outer surface of the housing 28
via bolts 44. A piston member 46 is slidably mounted within the
cylinder and extends through a port 48 formed through the wall of
the housing 28 to engage an associated tool storage member 32. In
use, the piston member 46 is caused to stroke by application of
hydraulic pressure to therefore move the tool storage member 32
between the storage and deployment positions. Although not shown in
FIG. 4, each piston arrangement 36,38 incorporates locking means
which permit the piston member 46 to be locked at least in a
position to maintain an associated tool storage member 32 in the
deployment position.
[0100] The tool engagement assembly 40 of each tool storage member
32 will now be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 5 and 6,
in which the tool engagement assembly 40 is shown in secured and
released configurations, respectively. The tool engagement assembly
40 comprises an inner sleeve 50 which defines a throughbore 52
within which an upper portion of a tool (not shown in FIGS. 5 and
6) may be positioned. The inner sleeve 50, in the embodiment shown,
defines a number of slots 54 which extend through a wall portion
thereof and in use receive respective extendable members or dogs
56. As will be described in further detail below, the dogs 56 are
caused to extend radially inward through the skits 54 to engage the
upper portion of a tool contained within the through bore 52, and
specifically to engage a profiled portion of a tool, and to be
moved radially outwardly to disengage and thus release the
tool.
[0101] The tool engagement assembly 40 further comprises an outer
sleeve 58 mounted about the inner sleeve 50, wherein the outer
sleeve 58 incorporates a frusto-conical portion 60 which defines a
cam surface, wherein the cam surface engages the back surfaces of
the dogs 56. In use, movement of the outer sleeve 58 in an upward
direction causes the dogs 56 to be extended radially inwardly by
interaction with the cam surface, as shown in FIG. 5, and movement
of the outer sleeve 58 in a downward direction causes the dogs 56
to be retracted radially outwardly, as shown in FIG. 6.
[0102] It should be noted that each dog 56 is secured to the
frusto-conical portion 60 of the outer sleeve via a pinned
connection. That is, each dog 56 comprises a pair of pins 62 which
extend through respective slots formed in the frusto-conical
portion 60 of the inner sleeve and engage a plate 64, such as a
washer or the like, to therefore clamp each dog 56 against the cam
surface of the frusto-conical portion 60. Accordingly, by virtue of
this physical connection between the dogs 56 and the outer sleeve
58, the dogs 56 may be positively extended and retracted by
movement of the outer sleeve 58 in reverse directions.
[0103] The outer sleeve 58 is biased in an upward direction by a
coiled spring 66 which acts against an axial end face 68 of the
outer sleeve 58. Accordingly, the spring 66 will function to bias
the dogs 56 towards the extended position.
[0104] The tool engagement assembly 40 further comprises an
activating mechanism in the form of a plunger 70 which functions to
press against the outer sleeve 58 and thus move said sleeve in a
downward direction against the bias of spring 66. The plunger 70
comprises a plate 72 and a plurality of elongate pins 74 which
extend between the plate 72 and an upper axial end face 76 of the
outer sleeve 58. In use, the plunger 70 may be depressed by
applying a force, such as a hydraulic force, mechanical force or
the like on plate 72 to therefore cause the outer sleeve 58 to be
moved in a downward direction and thus retract the dogs 56 to
therefore release a tool.
[0105] The plate 72 is generally annular in form and defines a
central aperture 78 which permits passage of the wireline 26 (FIG.
1) which coupled to a tool being deployed/retrieved.
[0106] A lug 80 defining an aperture 82 is mounted on an upper
region of the tool engagement assembly 40, wherein the aperture 82
is adapted to receive a pin which is secured to the free end of the
piston member 46 (FIG. 4) of an upper piston arrangement 36.
[0107] Reference is now additionally made to FIG. 7 of the drawings
in which there is shown a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the
lower tubular member 41 of the tool storage member 32. It should be
noted that the tool engagement assembly 40 and the lower tubular
member 41 are threadably secured together, specifically via a male
threaded portion 84 provided on the tool engagement assembly 40 and
a female threaded portion 86 provided on the lower tubular member
41.
[0108] Secured to a lower end region of the lower tubular member 41
is a lug member 88 which defines a slot 90 which is opened at a
lower end and in use receives a pin which is mounted on the free
end of the piston member 46 of a lower piston arrangement 38.
Accordingly, both the upper and lower regions of each tool storage
member are secured to respective upper and lower piston
arrangements 36,38 via pinned connections. Advantageously, the
provision of the lug member 88 with the open ended slot 90 from
therein permits the upper and lower piston arrangements 36,38 to be
able to stroke independently of each other, without resulting in
the tool storage member inadvertently becoming jammed or otherwise
stuck between the storage and deployment positions due to
misalignment with the longitudinal axis of the tool storage
assembly 12. In a preferred embodiment, the upper and lower piston
arrangements 36,38 are adapted to be stroked sequentially, with the
upper piston arrangement 36 being stroked before the lower piston
arrangement 38. This arrangement therefore permits the control
system associated with stroking the piston arrangements 36, 38 to
be simplified.
[0109] It should be understood that the embodiment described above
is merely exemplary and that various modifications may be made
thereto without departing from the scope of the present invention.
For example, the overall tool deployment system shown in FIG. 1 may
incorporate any number or type of individual components or
assemblies. For example, the winch assembly identified as being
secured above the tool deployment assembly may instead be mounted
remotely of the remainder of the tool deployment system.
Additionally, any number of tool storage members may be provided,
and the tool storage members may be moved between the storage and
deployment position by an alternative mechanism or arrangement,
other than the piston arrangements disclosed.
* * * * *