U.S. patent application number 15/104542 was filed with the patent office on 2016-11-03 for a casing tool.
This patent application is currently assigned to ODFJELL WELL SERVICES NORWAY AS. The applicant listed for this patent is ODFJELL WELL SERVICES NORWAY AS. Invention is credited to Per Olav Haughom.
Application Number | 20160319613 15/104542 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 52278633 |
Filed Date | 2016-11-03 |
United States Patent
Application |
20160319613 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Haughom; Per Olav |
November 3, 2016 |
A casing tool
Abstract
The invention concerns a casing tool and a method for connecting
casing tubulars using a top drive. The casing tool comprises a top
cover that may be connected either releasably or non-releasably to
the top drive and an elongated inner body that may be connected
releasingly to the top cover. The inner body displays a
longitudinally directed through-going channel, preferably with a
gasket near one of its longitudinal ends, and comprises a first
longitudinal part slideably arranged within the lop cover and a
second longitudinal part that may be guided into a casing tubular.
One or more radially displaceable clamps is connected to the lower
part of the casing tool for engaging the inside wall of the casing
tubular. The radial displacement of the clamps is achieved by use
of radial displacement means.
Inventors: |
Haughom; Per Olav; (Tonstad,
NO) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
ODFJELL WELL SERVICES NORWAY AS |
Tananger |
|
NO |
|
|
Assignee: |
ODFJELL WELL SERVICES NORWAY
AS
Tananger
NO
|
Family ID: |
52278633 |
Appl. No.: |
15/104542 |
Filed: |
December 19, 2014 |
PCT Filed: |
December 19, 2014 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/EP2014/078846 |
371 Date: |
June 15, 2016 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E21B 19/16 20130101;
E21B 19/06 20130101 |
International
Class: |
E21B 19/16 20060101
E21B019/16; E21B 19/06 20060101 E21B019/06 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Dec 20, 2013 |
NO |
20131716 |
Claims
1. A casing tool (1) for connecting casing tubulars (4,5) using a
top drive, the casing tool (1) comprising a top cover (100)
connectable to the top drive and an elongated inner body (6)
connected releasingly to the top cover (100), said inner body (6)
comprising a first longitudinal part (6') slideably arranged within
the top cover (100) and a second longitudinal part (6'') guidable
into a casing tubular (4,5), characterized in that the casing tool
(1) further comprising a first sleeve (8,11) arranged concentric
and axial displaceable along at least part of the inner body (6) at
an axial distance (d) from the top cover (100), force transferring
means (200) for transferring axially a first external axial force
(F1) exerted on the top cover (100) at least partly to the first
sleeve (8,11), at least one clamp (34) connected radially
displaceable to the first sleeve (8,11) for engaging the inside
wall of the casing tubular (4,5) and radial displacement means (9)
extending at least partly along the second longitudinal part (6'')
of the inner body (6) for imparting radial displacement on at least
one of the at least one clamp (34) during relative axial
displacement of the first sleeve (8,11) and the inner body (6).
2. The casing tool (1) in accordance with claim 1, characterized in
that the first external axial force (F1) being exerted after an
obstruction of axial displacement of the inner body (6) relative to
the casing tubular (4) during use.
3. The casing tool (1) in accordance with claim 1 or 2,
characterized in that the casing tool (1) further comprising a
first impact means (10) configured to abut the end of the casing
tubing (4,5) during insertion therein, where an obstruction of the
axial displacement of the inner body (6) relative to the casing
tubular (4) during use is ensured by connecting the first impact
means (10) to the inner body (6) via the force transferring means
(200).
4. The casing tool (1) in accordance with claim 3, characterized in
that the first impact means (10) comprising a first impact face
(10') situated between the end of the first sleeve (8,11) facing
the top cover (100) and the radial displacement means (9).
5. The casing tool (1) in accordance with one of the preceding
claims, characterized in that the force transferring means (200)
comprising a second sleeve (14-17;16,51) adjacent to the end of the
top cover (100) facing the second longitudinal part (6'') and at
least one locking means (12;52-58) arranged in contact with the
axial end of the first sleeve (8,11) facing the top cover (100),
wherein the force transferring means (200) is configured to
activate a mainly casing tubing directed axial displacement of the
at least one locking means (12;52-58) when an axial force is
exerted on the second sleeve (14-17;16,51).
6. The casing tool (1) in accordance with one of the preceding
claims, characterized in that the first sleeve (8,11) comprising an
inner tubing (8) extending at least across the radial displacement
means (9') situated on the inner body (6) and a flange (11)
connected to the end of the inner tubing (8) facing the top cover
(100), the outer diameter of the flange (11) being larger than the
outer diameter of the inner tubing (8).
7. The casing tool (1) in accordance with one of the preceding
claims, characterized in that the radial displacement means (9)
comprising at least one first tapered face (9').
8. Casing tool (1) in accordance with claim 7, characterized in
that the at least one of the at least one clamp (34) comprising at
least one second tapered face (9'') facing the at least one first
tapered face (9').
9. Casing tool (1) in accordance with one of the preceding claims,
characterized in that the axial end (18) of the top cover (100)
facing the second longitudinal part (6'') and the axial end of the
force transferring means (200) facing the top cover (100) are
configured as interacting cam bodies (18,16') allowing
interconnection by rotation.
10. Casing tool (1) in accordance with claim 9, characterized in
that the interacting cam bodies (18,16') are configured to allow a
top cover directed axial displacement of the second sleeve
(14-17;16,51) when the interacting cam bodies (18,16') are rotated
into the interconnected state and a third external axial force (F3)
is exerted on the top cover (100), wherein said axial displacement
of the second sleeve (14-17;16,51) causes the at least one clamp
(34) to release the radial force on the casing tubular (4,5) set up
by any radial displacement.
11. Casing tool (1) in accordance with one of claims 5-10,
characterized in that the casing tool (1) further comprising at
least one second sleeve connected release mechanism
(23,31,34,35;23,60) configured to allow a top cover directed axial
displacement of the second sleeve (14-17;16,51).
12. Method using a casing tool (1) in accordance with one of claims
1-11, the method comprising the following steps: inserting the
second longitudinal part (6'') of the inner body (6) a
predetermined length into the casing tubular (4,5), the length
being set by a first impact means (10) connected to the inner body
(6) to hinder axial displacement of the inner body (6) relative to
the casing tubular (4,5) and exerting a first casing tubular
directed external axial force (F1) on the top cover (100) causing
equally directed axial displacements of the top cover (100), the
first sleeve (8,11) and the at least one clamp (34), whereby
engagement of the casing tool (1) with the casing tubular (4,5) is
achieved by interaction with the radial displacement means (9)
imparting radial displacement of at least one of the at least one
clamp (34) during said axial displacements.
13. Method in accordance with claim 12, characterized in that the
method further comprising the step: releasing the first casing
tubular directed external axial force (F1) on the top cover (100),
exerting a second external axial force (F2) directed opposite to
the first external axial force (F1), thereby exerting a second
external axial force directed tension on the inner body (6)
increasing the relative axial force between the clamp (34) and the
inner body (6).
14. Method in accordance with claim 12 or 13, characterized in that
the method further comprising the step: exerting a third external
axial force (F3) on the top cover (100) in direction of the casing
tubular (4,5) causing equally directed axial displacements of top
cover (100) and rotating the top cover (100), thereby achieving an
interconnected assembly comprising the top cover (100), the second
sleeve (14-17;16,51) and the inner body (6) and raising the
assembly, causing a top cover directed axial displacement of the
first sleeve (8,11) and the at least one clamp (34), thereby
releasing the engagement between the casing tool (1) and the casing
tubular (4,5) through interaction with the radial displacement
means (9).
15. Method in accordance with one of claims 12-14, characterized in
that the method further comprising the step: activating at least
one second sleeve connected release mechanism (23,31,34,35;23,60)
causing a top cover directed axial displacement of the first sleeve
(8,11) and at least one of the at least one clamp (34), thereby
releasing the engagement between the casing tool (1) and the casing
tubular (4,5) through interaction with the radial displacement
means (9).
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present invention concerns a casing tool and a method
for connecting casing tubulars using a top drive as disclosed in
the introductory part of the main claims. More specifically the
invention concerns at casing tool that may be releasably fixed to a
top drive in a drilling derrick for interconnecting casing
tubulars, i.e. casings inserted into drilling holes for hydrocarbon
productions.
BACKGROUND AND PRIOR ART
[0002] Particularly in oil and gas industry, sections of casing
tubulars are being interconnected and inserted into a borehole to
achieve the extended length of the borehole lining. To avoid that
the interconnected casing string falls into the well while adding a
new section, the slips of a spider located on the floor of the
drilling platform are often used. The new section or stand of
casing is then moved from a rack to the well centre above the
spider. The treaded pin of the section of casing tubular to be
connected is then located over the threaded box of the casing in
the well and the connection is made up by rotation there between.
An elevator is then connected to the top of the new section and the
whole casing string is lifted slightly to enable the slips of the
spider to be released. The whole casing string is then lowered
until the top of the section is adjacent the spider whereupon the
slips of the spider are re-applied, the elevator disconnected and
the process repeated.
[0003] It is well known to use a power tong or similar turning
means to torque the connection up to a predetermined torque in
order to make the connection. These turning means located on the
platform, either on rails, or hung from a drilling derrick on a
chain, constitute often large and complex machineries which require
a considerable amount of space and maintenance.
[0004] In the last decades use of top drive has been common in
order to perform the interconnection of casing tubulars with
sufficient torque strength. This type of operations requires the
use of a dedicated tool that may connect to the top drive in one
longitudinal end and may engage with the casing tubular at the
other end so that the casing tubular can be rotated and
lifted/lowered in to/out of the bore hole. An example of connecting
tubular sections using a top drive and a corresponding casing tool
is disclosed in publication WO 00/05483. This casing tool comprises
a plurality of gripping elements that are radially displaceable by
hydraulic or pneumatic fluid in order to drivingly engage the
tubular section. This again permits a screw connection between the
engaged tubular section and a further tubular section with the
required torque. Another example of a top drive and a casing tool
is found in publication WO 2006/116870 A1 disclosing a casing tool
comprising a body assembly and a gripping assembly with a grip
surface adapted to move from a retracted position to an engaged
position to radially engage a work piece in response to relative
axial displacement, the latter being activated by relative rotation
within the tool. Further, publication U.S. Pat. No. 8,454,066 B2
discloses a tool for moving rigid spokes arranged in close fitting
relation with spike guides on an annular body to allow for radial
movements only between a retracted position and an engaged
position.
[0005] Common for the prior art casing tools of the type described
above is the use of either hydraulic or pneumatic fluid or relative
rotation within the tool, in order to initiate and complete the
process of engaging the tool to the casing tubular. This increases
the complexity of the tool, thus releasing important undesired
aspects such as higher production cost and higher degree of
maintenance.
[0006] There is therefore a need to mitigate the disadvantages with
the existing systems and to reduce the investments in extra
equipment.
[0007] It is thus an object of the present invention to present a
solution providing an easier and more cost effective activation of
the engagement between the tool and the casing tubular, and which
also fulfills the requirements of robustness and reliability.
Another object of the invention is to provide an engagement
mechanism that may be easily released, both in normal operations
and in case of certain mechanical malfunctioning.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0008] The present invention is set forth and characterized in the
main claims, while the dependent claims describe other
characteristics of the invention.
[0009] In particular, the invention concerns a casing tool for
connecting casing tubulars using a top drive. The casing tool
comprises a top cover that may be connected either releasably or
non-releasably to the top drive and an elongated inner body that
may be connected releasingly to the top cover. The inner body
displays a longitudinally directed through-going channel,
preferably with a gasket near one of its longitudinal ends, and
comprises a first longitudinal part slideably arranged within the
top cover and a second longitudinal part that may be guided into a
casing tubular.
[0010] The casing tool further comprises a first sleeve arranged
concentric and axial displaceable along at least part of the inner
body at an axial distance (d) from the top cover, force
transferring means for transferring a first external axial force
(F1) exerted on the top cover in directed towards the casing
tubular at least partly to the first sleeve, at least one clamp
connected radially displaceable to the first sleeve for engaging
the inside wall of the casing tubular and radial displacement means
extending at least partly along the second longitudinal part of the
inner body for imparting radial displacement of at least one of the
at least one clamp during relative axial displacement of the first
sleeve and the inner body. The first external axial force (F1) is
preferably exerted after an obstruction of axial displacement of
the inner body relative to the casing tubular
[0011] In a preferred embodiment the casing tool further comprising
a first impact means configured to abut the end of the casing
tubing during insertion therein, where an obstruction of the axial
displacement of the inner body relative to the casing tubular is
ensured by connecting the first impact means to the inner body via
the force transferring means, for example when the at least one
clamp is in an engaging position. The first impact means may
comprise a first impact face situated between the end of the first
sleeve facing the top cover and the radial displacement means.
Furthermore, the first impact means may be connected by connection
means to an outer enclosure radially enclosing at least the end of
the first sleeve facing the top cover and the force inducing
means.
[0012] In another preferred embodiment the force transferring means
comprises a second sleeve arranged adjacent to the end of the top
cover facing the second longitudinal part and at least one locking
means arranged in contact with the axial end of the first sleeve
facing the top cover, wherein the force transferring means is
configured so that an axial force on the second sleeve activates a
mainly casing tubing directed axial displacement of the at least
one locking means.
[0013] The at least one locking means may comprise at least one
pivot arm, where an axial force on the second sleeve causes a
mainly outward oriented radial displacement of a first arm of the
pivot arm and a mainly casing tubing directed axial force from the
second arm of the pivot arm. The second arm may be either in direct
or indirect contact with the first sleeve. The second sleeve may
further comprise a third sleeve and an annular body connected to an
axial end of the third sleeve facing the second longitudinal part
and radially abutting a contact face of the first arm of at least
one pivot arm, wherein the annular body comprises a radial
projection configured to impose the outward directed radial
displacement of the first arm during axial displacement of the
second sleeve.
[0014] Alternatively the at least one locking means may comprise at
least one lockable wheel and a lower sleeve, wherein an axial force
on the second sleeve causes a release of the at least one lockable
wheel and a mainly casing tubing directed axial force from the
lower sleeve.
[0015] In another preferred embodiment the first sleeve comprises
an inner tubing extending at least across the radial displacement
means situated on the inner body and a flange or collar connected
to the end of the inner tubing facing the top cover. The outer
diameter of the flange is larger than the outer diameter of the
inner tubing.
[0016] In another preferred embodiment the first sleeve displays at
least one clamp fitting recess, wherein each recess is configured
to allow its corresponding clamp to be displaced in the radial
direction only after assembly.
[0017] In another preferred embodiment the radial displacement
means comprises at least one first tapered face. Furthermore, the
at least one of the at least one clamp may comprise at least one
second tapered face facing the at least one first tapered face.
[0018] In another preferred embodiment the axial end of the top
cover facing the second longitudinal part and the axial end of the
force transferring means facing the top cover, for example the
axial end of the third sleeve, are configured as interacting cam
bodies allowing interconnection by rotation. This interconnection
may for example be obtained by exerting an external axial force (F)
that causes the contact face of the first arm to supersede the
radial projection. The interacting cam bodies are advantageously
configured to allow a top cover directed axial displacement of the
second sleeve when the interacting cam bodies are rotated into the
interconnected state and a third external axial force (F3) directed
towards the casing tubing is exerted on the top cover. This axial
displacement of the second sleeve causes the at least one clamp to
release the radial force on the casing tubular set up by the radial
displacement during engagement. For example, the displacement may
cause the second sleeve to axially disconnect from the at least one
pivot arm.
[0019] In another preferred embodiment the casing tool further
comprising at least one second sleeve connected release mechanism
configured to allow a top cover directed axial displacement of the
second sleeve. For example, the axial displacement may cause the
second sleeve to disconnect from the at least one pivot arm.
[0020] The invention also concerns a method using a casing tool in
accordance with the above mentioned characteristics. The method
comprising the following steps: [0021] inserting the second
longitudinal part of the inner body a predetermined length into the
casing tubular, the length being set by a first impact means
connected to the inner body to hinder axial displacement of the
inner body relative to the casing tubular and [0022] exerting a
first casing tubular directed external axial force (F1) on the top
cover causing equally directed axial displacements of the top
cover, the first sleeve and the at least one clamp, [0023] whereby
engagement of the casing tool with the casing tubular is achieved
by interaction with the radial displacement means imparting radial
displacement of at least one of the at least one clamp during said
axial displacements.
[0024] In other to achieve an additional engagement of the at least
one of the at least on clamp the method may further comprise the
step: [0025] releasing the first casing tubular directed external
axial force (F1) on the top cover, [0026] exerting a second
external axial force (F2) directed opposite to the first external
axial force (F1),
[0027] thereby exerting a second external axial force directed
tension on the inner body, creating an increase in the relative
axial force between the dies and the inner body.
[0028] To release the engagement between the casing tool and the
casing tubular the following steps may be performed: [0029]
exerting a third external axial force (F3) on the top cover in
direction of the casing tubular causing equally directed axial
displacements, [0030] rotating the top cover (either subsequent to
the axial displacement or simultaneously), thereby achieving an
interconnected assembly comprising the top cover, the second sleeve
and the inner body and [0031] raising the assembly, causing a top
cover directed axial displacement of the first sleeve and the at
least one clamp. The latter step releases the engagement of the
clamp(s) by interaction with the radial displacement means.
[0032] An alternative or additional way of releasing the engagement
between the casing tool and the casing tubular is obtained by
performing the following step: [0033] activating at least one
second sleeve connected release mechanism causing a top cover
directed axial displacement of the first sleeve and at least one of
the at least one clamp, thereby releasing the engagement between
the casing tool and the casing tubular through interaction with the
radial displacement means.
[0034] In the following description, numerous specific details are
introduced to provide a thorough understanding of embodiments of
the claimed tool and method. One skilled in the relevant art,
however, will recognize that these embodiments can be practiced
without one or more of the specific details, or with other
components, systems, etc. In other instances, well-known structures
or operations are not shown, or are not described in detail, to
avoid obscuring aspects of the disclosed embodiments.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS:
[0035] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the casing tool in
accordance with a first embodiment of the invention showing the
tool in engaged position,
[0036] FIG. 2 is a radial view of the casing tool in accordance
with FIG. 1 showing the engaged tool inserted into a casing
tubular,
[0037] FIG. 3 is a cross sectional view of the casing tool along
section A-A of FIG. 2,
[0038] FIG. 4 is a radial view of the casing tool in accordance
with FIG. 1 with the outer enclosure removed,
[0039] FIG. 5 is a cross sectional view of the casing tool along
section A-A of FIG. 4,
[0040] FIG. 6 is a cross sectional view of the casing tool along
section B-B of FIG. 5,
[0041] FIG. 7 is a cross sectional view of the casing tool along
section C-C of FIG. 5,
[0042] FIG. 8 is a cross sectional view of the casing tool in
accordance with the invention, showing the end of the tool inserted
into the casing tubular,
[0043] FIG. 9 is a schematic view showing the principals of
converting axial displacement of the dies into radial displacement
using tapered faces, wherein FIG. 9(a) is showing the initial
engagement due to movement of the die and FIG. 9(b) is showing the
additional engagement due to opposite directed tensioning of the
inner body,
[0044] FIG. 10 is a radial view of the casing tool in accordance
with a second embodiment of the invention showing the tool in
engaged position,
[0045] FIG. 11 is a cross sectional view of the casing tool along
section A-A of FIG. 10,
[0046] FIG. 12 is a cross sectional view of the casing tool along a
section perpendicular to section A-A of FIG. 10 relative to the
tools axial axis and
[0047] FIG. 13 is a cross section view of the casing tool along a
section D-D of FIG. 12.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0048] In the following to different embodiments will be disclosed,
where both embodiments are based on the following general concept
(see for example FIGS. 1-4 and FIGS. 10-12): After inserting a tool
1 into the casing tubular 4,5 the dies 34 on the sleeve 8 engage
the inner wall of the lower tubular 6'' by relative
(non-rotational) axial displacements of the zigzag patterns 9,9' in
response to a downward directed axial force. The through-going
fluid channel 27 and the rubber gasket 7 allows leak free
circulation of fluid, rendering fluid flow into the casing tubular
4,5 possible. A subsequent upward directed force strengthens this
die engagement. Release of the tool 1 from the casing 4,5 may be
performed by a combination of axial force and rotational force.
First Embodiment
[0049] FIG. 1 shows one embodiment of the casing tool 1 in a
perspective view, while FIGS. 2 and 3 show the same casing tool 1
as in FIG. 1 in a radial view and a cross sectional view along
section A-A, respectively, after completing an engaging insertion
into a casing tubular 4. In the following the terms upper and lower
signify the orientation from and to the casing tubular 4,
respectively. Furthermore, the terms outward and inward signify the
radial orientation from and to the center of the tool 1,
respectively.
[0050] With reference to FIGS. 2-7 the particular embodiment of the
inventive tool 1 comprises the following main components: [0051] a
top drive part 2 having upper threads in order to connect to a top
drive (not shown), [0052] an upper cam body 18 and a lower cam body
16, which bodies 16,18 may be connected and disconnected by simple
rotations clockwise and counterclockwise, [0053] lower threads 29
for connecting the top drive part 2 and the upper cam body 18,
[0054] an inner tubular 6 comprising an upper tubular 6' situated
mainly within the top drive part 2 and the upper cam body 18 and a
lower tubular 6'' situated mainly within the casing tubular 4 after
complete engagement, [0055] a through-going fluid channel 27
extending throughout the entire length of the inner body 6, [0056]
an upper impact piece 20 (FIG. 5) connected to the upper tubular 6'
with a lock ring 21 and situated within an annular cavity formed by
the top drive part 2, the upper cam body 18 and the upper tubular
6', [0057] upper gear teeth 42 (FIG. 6) surrounding the upper
tubular 6' and situated within a cavity formed by the top drive
part 2 and the upper tubular 6', [0058] lower gear teeth 40 (FIG.
7) surrounding the inner tubular 6 and situated within the lower
cam body 16, [0059] first cam springs 26 interconnecting the upper
and lower cam bodies 18,16, [0060] second cam springs 17
interconnecting the lower cam bodies 16 and the top drive part 2,
[0061] an annular spring 14,14' having an outward oriented bulge or
protrusion 14', [0062] a lower impact piece 10 configured to abut
the threaded part 5 of the casing tubular 4,5 after insertion,
[0063] a plurality of pivot arms 12 comprising a long arm 12', a
short arm 12'' and a pivot point in form of a bolt 13 fixed to the
lower impact piece 10, [0064] a sleeve 8 having a flange 11 at its
upper end and die recesses at its lower end, [0065] flange springs
25 interconnecting the lower impact piece 10 and the flange 11,
[0066] an outer enclosure 3 fixed to the lower impact piece 10 by
screws 24 and surrounding the above mentioned components up to the
top drive part 2, [0067] a plurality of dies 34 arranged within the
die recesses, where each die 34 comprises an elastomeric contacting
face 19 at its outward directed radial surface and a die zigzag
pattern 9'' at its inward directed radial surface, [0068] tubular
zigzag pattern 9' at the outer wall of the lower tubular 6'',
wherein the tubular zigzag pattern 9' and the die zigzag pattern
9'' form mirror patterns, [0069] rubber gasket 7 arranged below the
dies 34 ensuring a fluid tight seal between the inner wall of the
casing tubular 4 and the lower tubular 6'', [0070] tilting levers
35 connected at one end underneath the lower cam body 16 and at the
other end to sheaves 31 via bolt connections 22 and [0071] lever
screws 23 situated in the sheaves 31.
[0072] The top components comprising the top drive part 2, the
upper cam body 18, the upper impact piece 20, the lock ring 21 and
the upper gear teeth 42 form an assembly called a top cover 100.
Further, the mid components comprising lower cam body 16, the lower
gear teeth 40, the annular spring 14,14' and the pivot arms 12 form
an assembly called a force transferring means 200.
[0073] Initially the tool 1 is lowered into the casing tubular 4,5
until its threaded part 5 abuts the lower impact piece 10, the
latter being fixed to the outer enclosure 3. In this starting
position the abutting impact piece 10 prevents any downward axial
displacement of the inner tubular 6 since the bulge 14' in the
annular spring 14 is located above a contacting face 15 at the end
of the long arm 12' of each pivot arm 12. Further, the end of the
short arm 12'' below the pivot point bolt 13 is contacting the
upper axial face of the sleeve's 8 flange 11, the latters being
arranged concentrically around the inner tubular 6. In the lower
half of the sleeve 8 there are arranged die recesses configured to
allow only radial displacements of the dies 34 when installed.
[0074] In this particular starting position exertion of axial
forces on the tool 1 cause corresponding axial displacements of the
top drive part 2, the upper impact piece 20 and upper cam body 18.
In absence of any rotation the upper cam body 18 will impact the
lower cam body 16 in an impact point 32 (FIG. 4), causing an axial
force to be exerted also on the lower cam body 16 and the connected
annular spring 14. If this latter force is sufficient to overcome
the radial spring force exerted by the long arm 12' on the annular
spring 14, the bulge 14' will move the arm 12' radially outwards.
An axial pressure is thus imparted on the flange 11 by the short
arm 12'' causing the sleeve 8 and the attached dies 34 to be
axially displaced. Finally, the mirrored zigzag patterns 9,9' on
the dies 34 and the lower tubular 6'' force the dies 34 radially
outwards. The desired clamping of the dies 34 onto the inner walls
of the inner tubular 6 is thereby achieved. The lower gear teeth 40
ensure that the lower cam body 16 is only displaced in the axial
direction. Flange springs 25 may be arranged between the flange 11
and the lower impact piece 10 in order to re-position the sleeve 8
and the flange 11 when the dies 34 are released from the inner
tubular 6.
[0075] When the contacting surface 15 of the long arm 12' has
passed the center of the bulge 14' the pivot arms 12 are in a
locked position relative to the annular spring 14, the lower cam
body 16 and the inner tubular 6. In absence of any rotation the
upper cam body 18 and the top drive part 2 may in this
pre-tensioning situation be lifted up until impact occurs between
the upper cam body 18 and the upper impact piece 20. Exertion of
any further upwards directed force would thus be transferred to the
lower tubular 6'', causing a larger axial force and thus an
additional clamping/tensioning force onto the inner walls of the
casing tubular 4 from the dies 34.
[0076] It is emphasized that both the initial clamping and the
additional clamping are performed without any rotational movements
of the tool 1.
[0077] Release of the tool 1 from the casing tubular 4 may be
achieved by lowering the top drive part 2 and the upper cam body 18
applying a downward directed force, while enforcing a
counterclockwise rotation. The latter rotation forms an
interconnection between the upper cam body 18 and the lower cam
body 16 in contrast to simple impact 32 in absence of rotation.
During rotation upper cams 33 with upward directed inclined planes
37 at the lower part of the upper cam body 18 are meshing with
corresponding inclined planes 37' on the upper part of the lower
cam body 16, thereby lifting the latter axially upwards. Due to the
axial displacement of the now interconnected bodies 16,18 the long
pivot arm 12' looses its grip with the annular spring 14, thus
releasing the tool 1 from the casing tubular 4. Upper gear teeth 42
arranged between the top drive part 2 and the upper cam body 18 are
configured to mesh with the top drive part 2 when impact 30 exists
(or about to take place) between the upper cam body 18 and the
upper impact piece 20, i.e. when the top drive part 2 is in its
upper position. Further, arrangement of the first cam springs 26
ensure that such an impact 30 prevails in the absence of downward
directed axial force (F). The impact piece 20 may be fixed by a
locking ring 21. The second cam springs 17 ensure positioning of
the top drive part 2 relative to the lower cam body 16.
[0078] To be able to release the tool 1 manually, e.g. in case of
any loss of rotational freedom between the two cam bodies 16,18,
the tool 1 may be arranged with pivoting levers 35 connected
underneath the lower cam body 16 in one end and sheaves/plates 31
fixed by bolts 34 at the other end. The plates 31 are fastened to
the outer enclosure 3 by screws. To manually release the tool 1
dedicated release or lever screws 23 are inserted so that the
pivoting levers 35 pivots around the bolts 34, thereby pressing the
lower arm radially inwards and the higher arm axially upwards. The
lower cam body 16 experiences thus a corresponding axially
displacement, thereby releasing the annular spring 14 from the
pre-tensioning long arm 12'. The further mechanisms are identical
to the regular release described above.
[0079] FIG. 8 shows the axially displaceable sleeve 8, the radially
displaceable dies 34, the engagement means 9,9',9'' and the rubber
gasket 7 in further details. The displaced mirror configurations of
the zigzag patterns constituting the engagement means is apparent.
Due to the sliding action on each or some of the tapered surfaces
any axial displacement of either the lower tubular 6'' or the
sleeve 8 results in a radial displacement of the dies 34. The same
effect is achieved by any relative axial displacement between these
two objects 6''.8. The principle of converting axial displacement
of the dies 34 into radial displacement using tapered faces is
better illustrated in FIGS. 9(a) and 9(b). For the sake of clarity
only one tapered surface 9' on the lower tubular 6'' and only one
contacting tapered surface 9'' on the die 34 is shown. When the
sleeve 8 is displaced downward (in direction towards the casing
tubular), the tapered surface 9'' glides on the mirrored tapered
surface 9', thereby pressing the contacting layer 19 of the die 34
towards the inside wall of the casing tubular 4 (see FIG. 9(a)).
Likewise, when the inner tubular 6 experiences a force directed
towards the top drive, the tapered surface 9' glides on the tapered
surface 9'', causing an equally directed pressing of the contacting
layer 19 towards the inner wall of the casing tubular 4 (see FIG.
9(b)). The situation shown in FIGS. 9(a) and (b) corresponds to the
pre-tensioning force and the additional tensioning force described
above.
Second Embodiment
[0080] FIGS. 10-13 illustrate a second embodiment of the inventive
casing tool 1, where FIG. 10 shows the casing tool inserted into a
casing as viewed in a radial direction. Further, FIGS. 11 and 12
shows a cross sectional view along a section A-A of FIG. 10 and a
cross sectional view along a section perpendicular to section A-A
relative to the axial axis, respectively, and FIG. 13 shows a cross
sectional view along a section D-D of FIG. 12.
[0081] The second embodiment of the inventive tool 1 comprises the
following main components: [0082] a top drive part 2 having threads
in order to connect to a top drive (not shown), [0083] an upper cam
body 18 and a lower cam body 16, which bodies 16,18 may be
connected and disconnected by simple rotations clockwise and
counterclockwise, [0084] an inner tubular 6 comprising an upper
tubular 6' situated mainly within the top drive part 2 and the
upper cam body 18 and a lower tubular 6'' situated mainly within
the casing tubular 4 after complete engagement, [0085] a
through-going fluid channel 27 extending throughout the entire
length of the inner body 6, [0086] an upper impact piece 20
connected to the upper tubular 6' with a lock ring 21 and situated
within an annular cavity formed by the top drive part 2, the upper
cam body 18 and the upper tubular 6', [0087] upper gear teeth 42
surrounding the upper tubular 6' and situated within a cavity
formed by the top drive part 2 and the upper tubular 6', [0088]
lower gear teeth 40 (corresponding to FIG. 7 of embodiment 1)
surrounding the inner tubular 6 and situated within the lower cam
body 16, [0089] first cam springs 26 interconnecting the upper and
lower cam bodies 18,16, [0090] a mid sleeve 51 surrounding the
inner tubular 6 and the lower cam body 16, [0091] a lower impact
piece 10 fixed by screws 59 to the mid sleeve 51 and configured to
abut the threaded part 5 of the casing tubular 4,5 after insertion,
[0092] second cam springs 17 interconnecting the mid sleeve 51 and
the top drive part 2, [0093] releasable wheels 52 situated within
recesses along the radial surface of the lower cam body 16, [0094]
triangular brackets 53 fixed to the releasable wheels, [0095] a
lower sleeve 54 surrounding the inner tubular 6 underneath the
lower cam body 16, [0096] elongated brackets 55 fixed to the
triangular brackets 53 in a first longitudinal end and to the lower
sleeve 54 in a second longitudinal end, [0097] a sleeve 8 having a
flange 11 at its upper end and die recesses at its lower end,
[0098] an inner tubular flange 56 radially extending from the inner
tubular 6 between the lower cam body 16 and the flange 11, wherein
the inner tubular flange 56 is fixed to the mid sleeve 51 by screws
57, [0099] lower sleeve springs 58 interconnecting the flange 11
and the lower sleeve 54. [0100] flange springs 25 interconnecting
the lower impact piece 10 and the flange 11, [0101] a plurality of
dies 34 arranged within the die recesses, where each die 34
comprises an elastomeric contacting face 19 at its outward directed
radial surface and a die zigzag pattern 9'' at its inward directed
radial surface, [0102] tubular zigzag pattern 9' at the outer wall
of the lower tubular 6'', wherein the tubular zigzag pattern 9' and
the die zigzag pattern 9'' form mirror patterns, [0103] rubber
gasket 7 arranged below the dies 34 ensuring a fluid tight seal
between the inner wall of the casing tubular 4 and the lower
tubular 6'', and [0104] lever screws 23 having one end fixed with
their screw head situated underneath the flange 11 and the other
end arranged underneath the inner tubular flange 56.
[0105] As for the first embodiment the top components comprising
the top drive part 2, the upper cam body 18, the upper impact piece
20, the lock ring 21 and the upper gear teeth 42 form the assembly
called the top cover 100. Further, the mid components comprising
lower cam body 16, the lower gear teeth 40, the mid sleeve 51, the
releasable wheels 52, the triangular brackets 53, the lower sleeve
54, the elongated brackets 55, the inner tubular flange 56 and the
lower sleeve springs 56 form the assembly called the force
transferring means 200.
[0106] Initially the tool 1 is lowered into the casing tubular 4,5
until its threaded part 5 abuts the lower impact piece 10. In this
starting position the abutting impact piece 10 prevents any
downward axial displacement of the inner tubular 6 since the impact
piece 10 is coupled to the inner tubular 6 by the screws 57 and
also to the lower cam body by the locked wheels 52. Exertion of
axial forces on the tool 1 in direction of the casing tubular 4,5
cause corresponding axial displacements of the top drive part 2,
the upper impact piece 20 and upper cam body 18. In absence of any
rotation the upper cam body 18 will impact the lower cam body 16 in
an impact area 32, causing an axial force to be exerted also on the
latter 16. The force will release the wheel 52 which again causes
the lower end of the lower cam body to impart downward directed
pressure on the inner tubular flange 56. Further, the inner tubular
flange 56 abuts the lower sleeve 54, creating the axial pressure on
the flange 11 and thus the zigzag pattern induced radial
displacement of the dies 34. The flange springs 25 and the lower
sleeve springs 56 arranged between the flange 11 and the lower
impact piece 10 and between the flange 11 and the lower sleeve 54,
respectively, ensure re-positioning of the sleeve 8 and the flange
11 when the dies 34 are released from the inner tubular 6 (see
below).
[0107] In absence of any rotation the upper cam body 18 and the top
drive part 2 may in this pre-tensioning situation be lifted up
until impact occurs between the upper cam body 18 and the upper
impact piece 20. Exertion of any further upwards directed force
would thus be transferred to the lower tubular 6, causing a larger
axial force and thus an additional clamping force onto the inner
walls of the casing tubular 4 from the dies 34 in the same way as
for the first embodiment.
[0108] Note that both the initial pre-tensioning clamping and the
additional clamping are performed without any rotational movements
of the tool 1.
[0109] Release of the tool 1 from the casing tubular 4 may be
achieved by lowering the top drive part 2 and the upper cam body 18
applying a downward directed force, and subsequently enforcing a
counterclockwise (or alternatively clockwise) rotation. The latter
rotation forms an interconnection between the upper cam body 18 and
the lower cam body 16 in contrast to simple impact 32 in absence of
rotation. During rotation upper cams 33 with upward directed
inclined planes 37 at the lower part of the upper cam body 18 are
meshing with corresponding inclined planes 37' on the upper part of
the lower cam body 16, thereby lifting the latter axially upwards
(see FIG. 4). Due to the axial displacement of the now
interconnected bodies 16,18 and the locking of the wheels 52 inside
their respective recesses on the lower cam body 16, the component
constituting the force transferring means 200 releases the pressure
on the flange 11 causing a further spring induced 25,58 release of
the dies 34 from the casing tubular 4,5. Upper gear teeth 42 may be
arranged between the top drive part 2 and the upper cam body 18
that are configured to mesh with the top drive part 2 when impact
30 exists (or about to take place) between the upper cam body 18
and the upper impact piece 20 (see FIG. 5), i.e. when the top drive
part 2 is in its upper position. Further, arrangement of the first
cam springs 26 ensure that such an impact 30 prevails in the
absence of downward directed axial force (F).
[0110] The second cam springs 17 ensure positioning of the top
drive part 2 relative to the lower cam body 16.
[0111] To be able to release the tool 1 manually, e.g. in case of
any loss of rotational freedom between the two cam bodies 16,18,
the tool 1 may be arranged with dedicated release screws 23
fastened underneath the flange 11, going through dedicated holes in
the lower sleeve 54. By inserting suitable tools into aligned
passages 60 into the lower impact access is gained to the release
screws 23. A Clockwise directed turns of these screws 23 cause the
screw ends to abut underneath the inner tubular flange 56, which
again causes an upwards movement of the component constituting the
force transferring means 200 and the inner tubing 6. The further
mechanisms are identical to the regular release described
above.
[0112] In the preceding description, various aspects of the
apparatus according to the invention have been described with
reference to the illustrative embodiment. For purposes of
explanation, specific numbers, systems and configurations were set
forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the apparatus
and its workings. However, this description is not intended to be
construed in a limiting sense. Various modifications and variations
of the illustrative embodiment, as well as other embodiments of the
apparatus, which are apparent to persons skilled in the art to
which the disclosed subject matter pertains, are deemed to lie
within the scope of the present invention.
* * * * *