U.S. patent application number 13/685753 was filed with the patent office on 2014-07-17 for latching system for well swabbing tools.
The applicant listed for this patent is BRYAN ELENBURG, LANE ELENBURG, Richard Machina, COBY MEYERS. Invention is credited to BRYAN ELENBURG, LANE ELENBURG, Richard Machina, COBY MEYERS.
Application Number | 20140196906 13/685753 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 50828374 |
Filed Date | 2014-07-17 |
United States Patent
Application |
20140196906 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
ELENBURG; LANE ; et
al. |
July 17, 2014 |
LATCHING SYSTEM FOR WELL SWABBING TOOLS
Abstract
A latch system configured to permit one-way automatic passing of
a swabbing tool. The latch system having a housing in communication
with a well bore and a latch assembly housing a latch member with a
latch. The latch is configured to selectively translate through an
aperture in the housing. The latch assembly utilizes a biasing
member to selectively control the location of the latch. The
biasing member is sealingly separated from exposure to discharge
fluids within the housing. While in an extended position, the latch
allows the removal of the swabbing tool from the well bore but
prevents the passing of the swabbing tool from a swab tube.
Inventors: |
ELENBURG; LANE; (Fort Worth,
TX) ; MEYERS; COBY; (Bridgeport, TX) ;
ELENBURG; BRYAN; (Fort Worth, TX) ; Machina;
Richard; (Fort Worth, TX) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
ELENBURG; LANE
MEYERS; COBY
ELENBURG; BRYAN
Machina; Richard |
Fort Worth
Bridgeport
Fort Worth
Fort Worth |
TX
TX
TX
TX |
US
US
US
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
50828374 |
Appl. No.: |
13/685753 |
Filed: |
November 27, 2012 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
166/369 ;
166/75.11 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F04B 47/12 20130101;
E21B 37/10 20130101; E21B 43/00 20130101; E21B 33/072 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
166/369 ;
166/75.11 |
International
Class: |
E21B 43/00 20060101
E21B043/00 |
Claims
1. A latch system for a well head, comprising: a housing configured
to couple to the well head, the housing in communication with a
well bore to permit the passing of discharge fluids, the housing
having an aperture; and a latch assembly having a body coupled to
the housing, the latch assembly comprising: a latch configured to
selectively engage the aperture and extend internally to the
housing; and a biasing member configured to engage the latch and
permit selective translation of the latch within the latch body;
wherein the biasing member is sealingly separated from exposure to
discharge fluids.
2. The latch system of claim 1, wherein the latch of the latch
assembly is manually operated.
3. The latch system of claim 1, wherein the biasing member is a
spring.
4. The latch system of claim 1, wherein the translation of the
latch is controlled by remote operation.
5. The latch system of claim 1, wherein the biasing member is a
hydraulic device.
6. The latch system of claim 1, wherein the biasing member is a
motorized device.
7. The latch system of claim 1, further comprising: a lever in
communication with the latch and being configured to translate the
latch within the body as the lever is alternated between a first
orientation and a second orientation.
8. The latch system of claim 1, further comprising: an optional
adapter to threadedly couple the housing to the well bore.
9. The latch system of claim 1, further comprising: a grease sert
configured to provide lubrication to at least one of the latch and
the biasing member.
10. The latch system of claim 1, wherein the latch is configured to
prevent the passing of a swabbing tool through the well bore after
the swabbing tool has cleared the well head.
11. The latch system of claim 1, further comprising: a swab tee in
communication with the well bore and being configured to receive
the discharge fluid from the well bore.
12. The latch system of claim 1, further comprising: a swab tube
coupled to an upper end of the housing, the swab tube in
communication with a swabbing tool, the swab tube configured to
contain the swabbing tool outside of the well.
13. A method of swabbing a well having a wellhead and a well bore,
comprising: coupling a latch system to the well, the latch system
having a latch body and a housing in communication with the well
bore; locating a swabbing tool within the interior of the well
bore; and operating a latch to extend internally within the
housing, the latch being biased by a biasing member sealingly
separated from discharge fluids within the well bore; wherein the
latch is configured to automatically permit the passing of the
swabbing tool in a single direction while extending internally
within the housing.
14. The method of claim 13, wherein the latch permits the free
motion of the swabbing tool within the well bore while in an
extended position within the interior of the housing.
15. The method of claim 13, wherein the latch is manually
operated.
16. The method of claim 13, wherein the latch is operated from a
remote location.
17. The method of claim 13, further comprising: transferring
control of the latch system between a manual operation and a remote
operation.
18. The method of claim 13, wherein at least one adapter is used to
couple the latch system to the wellhead.
19. The method of claims 13, wherein the housing is integrally
coupled to a swab tee configured to receive the discharge
fluids.
20. The method of claim 13, further comprising: retracting the
latch to permit the lowering of the swabbing tool, such that the
swabbing tool enters the wellhead.
Description
BACKGROUND
[0001] 1. Field of the Invention
[0002] The present application relates generally to swabbing
devices and, more particularly, to equipment for capturing a
swabbing device.
[0003] 2. Description of Related Art
[0004] Gas and oil well pumping or swabbing devices are used to
remove oil and other substances from within an oil and gas well. A
swabbing device is typically lowered within a well bore attached to
a sandline and regulated by an operator. Once a desired depth is
reached, the swabbing device is generally pulled to the surface. In
doing so, the swabbing device typically expands within the well
bore and proceeds to pull and/or remove the oil and other
substances from the well between the swabbing device and the
surface.
[0005] Operators of swabbing devices are responsible for safely
removing the swabbing device from within the well bore. At times,
an operator may get distracted and/or miss cues notifying him of
the location of the swabbing device in relation to the surface. If
such cues are missed, the swabbing device can reach the surface at
too great a speed causing the swabbing device to break free from
the sandline and fall back inside the well bore. At times a well
becomes a "hot well" in which the downhole pressure becomes too
great and pushes the swabbing device to the surface too fast
causing the swabbing device to break free from the sandline after
passing the well head, and therefore falling back into the
well.
[0006] Large amounts of money are required to retrieve items that
have fallen into well bores. The responsibility to retrieve such
swabbing devices is generally dependent upon the location of the
swabbing device when it fell into the well bore. Generally an
operator is responsible for retrieving swabbing devices that have
fallen into the well bore once the swabbing device has passed the
swabbing tee during removal.
[0007] Because the sandline can break as a result of either
operator error or neglect, or due to a "hot well", a tool is needed
that will permit the swabbing device to pass through the well head
without interference and automatically prevent the device from
falling back into the well.
[0008] Although great strides have been made, with respect to
swabbing devices, considerable shortcomings remain.
DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0009] The novel features believed characteristic of the
application are set forth in the appended claims. However, the
application itself, as well as a preferred mode of use, and further
objectives and advantages thereof, will best be understood by
reference to the following detailed description when read in
conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:
[0010] FIG. 1 is an exemplary side view of a well with a latch
system according to the present application;
[0011] FIG. 2 is a view partially in section and partially in
elevation of the latch system as seen in FIG. 1;
[0012] FIG. 3 is a view partially in section and partially in
elevation of the latch system as seen in FIG. 2, having an
alternative embodiment of an actuating member;
[0013] FIG. 4 is a view partially in section and partially in
elevation of the latch system as seen in FIG. 2, a swabbing tool
being raised past a latch in the latch system of FIG. 1;
[0014] FIG. 5 is a view partially in section and partially in
elevation of the latch system as seen in FIG. 4, the swabbing tool
resting on the latch; and
[0015] FIG. 6 is a flow chart showing the method of operating the
latch system of FIG. 1.
[0016] While the system and method of the present application is
susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms,
specific embodiments thereof have been shown by way of example in
the drawings and are herein described in detail. It should be
understood, however, that the description herein of specific
embodiments is not intended to limit the application to the
particular embodiment disclosed, but on the contrary, the intention
is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives
falling within the spirit and scope of the process of the present
application as defined by the appended claims.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
[0017] Illustrative embodiments of the preferred embodiment are
described below. In the interest of clarity, not all features of an
actual implementation are described in this specification. It will
of course be appreciated that in the development of any such actual
embodiment, numerous implementation-specific decisions must be made
to achieve the developer's specific goals, such as compliance with
system-related and business-related constraints, which will vary
from one implementation to another. Moreover, it will be
appreciated that such a development effort might be complex and
time-consuming but would nevertheless be a routine undertaking for
those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of this
disclosure.
[0018] In the specification, reference may be made to the spatial
relationships between various components and to the spatial
orientation of various aspects of components as the devices are
depicted in the attached drawings. However, as will be recognized
by those skilled in the art after a complete reading of the present
application, the devices, members, apparatuses, etc. described
herein may be positioned in any desired orientation. Thus, the use
of terms, such as above and below, to describe a spatial
relationship between various components or to describe the spatial
orientation of aspects of such components should be understood to
describe a relative relationship between the components or a
spatial orientation of aspects of such components, respectively, as
the device described herein may be oriented in any desired
direction.
[0019] Referring now to FIG. 1 in the drawings, a well utilizing a
latch system according to the present application is illustrated.
Well 10 is a combination of pipes and valves that extend into the
earth into a subterranean formation to access natural minerals. A
wellhead 14 is located atop the piping above the surface to
regulate the flow of the well 10. The piping of well 10 defines a
well bore 12 above and below the surface. Discharge fluids 15 are
configured to pass within the interior of wellbore 12 and exit
above or below wellhead 14.
[0020] Swabbing tools 16 are suspended from a sandline 18 and are
lowered into and raised out of the interior of a well bore 12. The
swabbing tool includes a mandrel body (not shown) and a number of
swab cups (not shown) attached to the lower end of the mandrel. As
the swabbing tool 16 is lowered in the well bore, the swab cups
permit discharge fluid 15 within the well bore 12 to bypass the
mandrel. Swab cups are free to move up and down a limited amount
along the mandrel in a conventional manner. A sealing plate (not
shown) is located below the swab cups adjacent a portion of the
mandrel. When the swabbing tool 16 is raised in the well bore 12,
the weight of discharge fluid 15 on the swab cups forces them down
onto the sealing plate to prevent the passing of fluid 15. As the
swabbing tool is then raised, the discharge fluid 15 above the swab
cups is brought to the surface. The raising of the swabbing tool
also generates a suction force within the well bore 12 below the
swabbing tool. The suction draws discharge fluid 15 from the
underground producing formation penetrated by the well 10 to
enhance further production of discharge fluids 15.
[0021] A latch system 20 of the present application is also shown
in communication with well 10. Latch system 10 is located above a
swab tee 22 and wellhead 14. Latch system 20 is configured to
couple to well 10 in a threaded relationship and to be in
communication with the interior of well bore 12. Latch system 20 is
directly in line with the interior of well bore 12, such that items
may pass through latch system 20 to enter or leave well 10. In
instances where a swabbing tool is used, a swab tube 24 is
threadedly coupled to an upper portion of latch system 20 for
housing and containing swabbing tool 16 when removed from well bore
12.
[0022] The present application will illustrate the uses of latch
system 20 as it pertains to swabbing tool 16. It is understood that
latch system 20 may be used with other systems in communication
with well 10, such as plunger systems for example. Furthermore,
uses of latch system 20 are not limited to use in the oil and gas
industry. Other uses are considered to be within the scope of the
present application. Use of the term discharge fluids 15 refers to
any fluid and/or gas within well 10. Discharge fluids 15 also
include any and all suspended particles intermixed within the
fluids and/or gases of well 10.
[0023] Referring now also to FIGS. 2 and 3 in the drawings, latch
system 20 is illustrated. Latch system 20 includes at least a
housing 28 with a longitudinal bore 32 therethrough and a latch
assembly 30 having a latch member configured to selectively extend
into longitudinal bore 32. System 20 is configured to be a
removeable fixture from well 10. As such, system 20 is configured
to threadedly engage well 10 in a selectively releasable manner.
Latch assembly 30 is configured to selectively permit the "one-way"
passing of swabbing tool 16.
[0024] At an upper end 36a and a lower end 36b of housing 28 are
threads 34 to engage similar threads formed on well 10 for the
purpose of sealing and coupling system 20 to well 10. Although
shown as having external threads, it is understood that housing 28
may rather have internal threads. Furthermore, it is understood
that latch system 20 can optionally include the use of one or more
adapters 26 (as seen in FIG. 1) to couple housing 28 to well 10. An
advantage of using adapter 26 is the ability of system 20 to match
various wells 10 having different thread measurements. Furthermore,
adapters 26 permit the inside diameter of housing 28 to match that
of well 10 where coupled together. This avoids the formation of
protruding edges within the interior diameter from diameter
variations that may work to cause tools within well 10 to become
lodged or damaged.
[0025] Longitudinal bore 32 is in a coaxial alignment with the
interior of well bore 12, thereby permitting fluid communication
between bore 12 and bore 32. An aperture 38 is formed in the wall
of housing 28 for use by latch assembly 30. An opening (not shown)
is located opposite aperture 38 for use by a pressure gauge 40.
Pressure gauge 40 has been omitted from view in FIGS. 2-5.
Discharge fluids 15 are introduced into bore 32 and may pass
through aperture 38 from bore 32.
[0026] Latch assembly 30 includes a latch body 42 and a cap 43.
Body 42 extends radially from housing 28 and surrounds aperture 38.
Cap 43 is threadedly coupled to the end of body 42 opposite housing
28, thereby defining a volume. A latch member 44 is slideably
disposed within body 42. Latch member 44 includes at least a
sealing member 46, a shaft 48, and a latch 50.
[0027] Latch assembly 30 is divided into two chambers. A latch
chamber 60 exists in the volume of space within body 42 from a
first surface 51 of sealing member 46 to aperture 38. A biasing
chamber 62 exists in the volume of space from a second surface 58
to cap 43. Sealing member 46 acts as the divide between chambers
60, 62. Sealing member 46 includes a seal 54 disposed within a
groove 56. Seal 54 is configured to maintain a fluid tight seal
between body 42 and latch member 44. Seal 54 may be an elastomeric
seal or a metallic 0-ring for example. Seals 54 maintain the fluid
tight seal during translation of latch member 44.
[0028] It is understood that latch chamber 60 is exposed to
discharge fluids 15. Furthermore, seals 54 are configured to
prevent the penetration of discharge fluids 15 into biasing chamber
62. The relative volume of chambers 60 and 62 are variable due to
the translation of latch member 44.
[0029] Latch 50 is partially disposed within body 42, partially and
selectively extending through aperture 38 into longitudinal bore
32. Latch member 44 is configured to translate within body 42 in a
relatively concentric alignment with body 42. Sealing member 46,
shaft 48, and latch 50 are integrally formed together as a single
member. Other embodiments may permit each to be separable. For
example, other embodiments may permit latch 50 to be
interchangeable from shaft 48 to adjust features of latch 50, such
as size or depth within bore 32, to name a few.
[0030] Latch member 44 includes a latch shoulder 52 configured to
contact the wall of housing 28 and act as a stopping mechanism to
counter applied forces from a biasing member 53 in biasing chamber
62. It is understood that the shape and size of aperture 38 and/or
shoulder 52 are of no particular size or shape and may vary
depending on application. Shaft 48 extends between shoulder 52 and
first surface 51 of sealing member 46. Sealing member 46 has an
increased diameter as compared to shaft 48, although it is
understood shaft 48 may have the same diameter as sealing member 48
and shoulder 52.
[0031] Latch assembly 30 includes biasing member 53 disposed within
body 42 and cap 43 in chamber 62. Biasing member 53 is configured
to apply a biasing force to extend latch member 44, and more
particularly, latch 50 through aperture 38 and into bore 32.
Biasing member 53 is configured to engage latch member 44, and
therefore latch 50, and induce movement of latch member 44 within
body 42. Biasing member 53 may be operated manually or
automatically. During manual operation, biasing member 53 may be a
spring (as seen in FIG. 2) for example. In alternative embodiments,
biasing member 53 may be a hydraulic, pneumatic, and/or electronic
device. Hydraulic, pneumatic, or electronic devices have the
advantage of the capablility of being controlled via a remote
location or operate through the use of sensors on a timed basis. An
electronic, pneumatic, and/or hydraulic biasing member 63 is
illustrated in FIG. 3.
[0032] Latch assembly 30 further includes an actuating member in
communication with biasing member 53, 63 and latch member 44. The
actuating member is configured to regulate biasing member 53, 63
and thereby induce controlled translation of latch member 44 within
body 42. The actuating member is configured to access chamber 62
through an aperture 66 in cap 43. A variety of actuating members
are contemplated.
[0033] As seen in FIG. 2, actuating member is biasing member 53. In
manual operation, a lever 65 extends through aperture 66 relatively
coaxial with body 42, however, a non-coaxial relationship is
permitted in other embodiments with lever 65. Lever 65 may be
coupled directly to biasing member 53. Lever 65 is configured to
regulate biasing member 53 and therefore translate latch member 44
within body 42 as lever 65 is alternated between a first
orientation and a second orientation. FIG. 2 illustrates lever 65
in a first orientation wherein latch 50 protrudes within bore 32
(see also FIG. 5). FIG. 4 illustrates lever 65 in a second
orientation wherein latch 50 is retracted within chamber 60. Lever
65 may be a mechanical lever such as shown in FIG. 2, or may be an
elbow latch for example. An operator may manually pull lever 65
away from cap 43 to compress biasing member 53 and retract latch
50.
[0034] As seen in FIG. 3, the actuating member used with latch
assembly 30 is biasing member 63. In this embodiment, latch
assembly 30 further includes a mechanical coupling 64 threadedly
coupled to aperture 66. Coupling 64 is configured to have a
fastener 68 configured to fasten any of the following: electrical
connectors, pneumatic lines, or hydraulic lines, so as to be in
communication with biasing member 63 and thereby induce translation
of latch member 44. In this embodiment, an operator located on a
truck to control the swabbing tool may selectively control biasing
member 63. Control may be retained by the operator or may be
surrendered to a second operator adjacent well 10 upon the desire
of the operator.
[0035] Latch assembly 30 also includes cap 43. Cap 43 threadedly
engages body 42. Cap 43 includes a seal 70 located in a groove 72
for sealing chamber 62. Cap 43 may be removed to permit the
removal, repair, and/or replacement of latch member 44. Latch
assembly 30 also includes one or more grease serts 74 to maintain
and lubricate moving parts of latch assembly 30 within chambers 62
and 62. The application of grease in chamber 60 is to combat the
affects of rust and corrosion from exposure to discharge fluids 15.
Furthermore, the application of grease in chamber 60 may also aid
in cleaning out any debris or suspended particles that may work to
lodge between latch 50 and aperture 38, thereby restricting
translation of latch member 44. The application of grease in
chamber 62 is to provide lubrication and prevent premature wear of
biasing member 53, 63. Although grease serts 74 are described as
ports for the insertion of grease, it is understood that other
fluids or products may be inserted through grease serts 74. For
example, cleaning agents and/or water may be inserted. An advantage
of serts 74 is the ability to prevent premature wear and
replacement of latch assembly 30.
[0036] Referring back to FIG. 1, latch system 20 may optionally
further include swab tee 22. Swab tee 22 is configured to be in
communication with well bore 12 and to receive discharge fluid 15.
Swab tee 22 acts to direct the flow of discharge fluid to one or
more tanks or containers for the storage and/or separation of
discharge fluid 15. Wherein latch system 20 includes swab tee 22,
in one embodiment swab tee 22 and latch system 20 are integrally
coupled along lower end 36b, such that housing 28 and swab tee 22
are one continuous single member. In such an embodiment, adapters
26 are not required between swab tee 22 and housing 28.
[0037] Latch system 20 may optionally further include swab tube 24.
Swab tube 24 is configured to be in communication with housing 28
and longitudinal bore 32. Swab tube 24 is coupled to the upper end
36a and serves to contain swabbing tool 16. Upon removal of
swabbing tool 16 from well 10, swabbing tool 16 is configured to
pass latch system 20 and enter swab tube 24. Wherein latch system
20 includes swab tube 24, swab tube is integrally coupled along
upper end 36a, such that housing 28 and swab tube 24 are one
continuous single member. In such an embodiment, adapters 26 are
not required between swab tube 24 and housing 28. It is understood
that latch system 20 may optionally include both swab tee 22 and
swab tube 24 in other embodiments.
[0038] Referring now also to FIGS. 4-6 in the drawings, latch
system 20 is illustrated during operation of swabbing tool 16.
Latch 50 is shaped to permit the one-way passing of swabbing tool
16 while in an extended position. Latch 50 has a surface 47 along
an upper portion that is relatively perpendicular to bore 32. Latch
50 has a contoured surface 49 along a front and lower portion of
the latch. While in an extended position, swabbing tool is denied
the ability to pass when entering from upper end 36a. Swabbing tool
contacts surface 47 which acts as a lip to stop the swabbing tool
16. While in an extended position, swabbing tool is permitted to
pass when entering housing 28 from lower end 36b. In this
direction, swabbing tool 16 contacts surface 49. Surface 49 is
configured and shaped to receive an upward force from swabbing tool
16 and transmit that force against biasing member 53, 63 so as to
overpower biasing member 53, 63, thereby retracting latch 50.
[0039] In operation, latch system 20 is coupled 76 to well 10. Swab
tube 24 is coupled to latch system 20 if not ingetrally coupled.
Swabbing tool 16 is located within swab tube 24 in a coaxial
alignment and in communication with housing 28. Latch 50 is
operated 78 to be in a retracted position, so as to permit the
passing of swabbing tool 16 through latch system 20. Operating
latch 50 refers to either retracting or extending latch 50 with
respect to housing 28. When retracted, latch 50 permits swabbing
tool to pass through housing 28. When initially lowering swabbing
tool 16, latch 50 is operated so as to be in a retracted position.
After swabbing tool 16 has passed through housing 28, latch 50 is
operated so as to be in an extended position within bore 32.
[0040] While extended, latch 50 is configured to avoid interference
with sandline 18. This permits swabbing tool 16 to be located 80
and moved within well bore 12. During removal of swabbing tool 16
from well bore 12, latch 50 is left in an extended position within
bore 32. Swabbing tool 16 contacts surface 49 with sufficient force
to overcome biasing member 53, 63 and automatically retract latch
50 within body 42. FIG. 4 illustrates the position of latch 50 when
swabbing tool 16 is raised. As seen in FIG. 4, biasing member 53 is
overcome and swabbing tool 16 is permitted to pass. After passing,
biasing member automatically extends latch 50 through aperture 38
and into bore 32. In the event that swabbing tool 16 breaks free
from sandline 18 and falls back through swab tube 24, swabbing tool
16 is stopped by contact with surface 47. FIG. 5 illustrates
swabbing tool 16 resting on upper surface 47 of latch 50.
[0041] An operator may service 82 latch system at any time, whether
in use or not. To service latch system 20, an operator may remove
cap 43 and withdraw latch member 44 and/or biasing member 53, 63.
Furthermore, servicing 82 may include applying grease or other
substances through grease serts 74. An additional step during the
operation of swabbing well 10 may include transferring control of
latch system 20 from manual to remote, or remote to manual. It is
understood that the operation of swabbing tool 16 in relation to
latch 50 is similar regardless of whether biasing member 53 or 63
is used.
[0042] The current application has many advantages over the prior
art including the following: (1) one-way passing of a swabbing
tool; (2) ability to lower and raise the swabbing tool while the
latch is extended; (3) dual chambered latch assembly; (4) ability
to service the latch assembly during operation of a swabbing
device; and (5) ability to clean, maintain, and service the
latching member and biasing member without removing them from the
body and cap.
[0043] The particular embodiments disclosed above are illustrative
only, as the application may be modified and practiced in different
but equivalent manners apparent to those skilled in the art having
the benefit of the teachings herein. It is therefore evident that
the particular embodiments disclosed above may be altered or
modified, and all such variations are considered within the scope
and spirit of the application. Accordingly, the protection sought
herein is as set forth in the description. It is apparent that an
application with significant advantages has been described and
illustrated. Although the present application is shown in a limited
number of forms, it is not limited to just these forms, but is
amenable to various changes and modifications without departing
from the spirit thereof.
* * * * *