U.S. patent application number 15/744946 was filed with the patent office on 2018-07-26 for composite cable gripper.
This patent application is currently assigned to Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.. The applicant listed for this patent is Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.. Invention is credited to Pramod Chamarthy, Jonathan Giddens, Sean Gregory Thomas.
Application Number | 20180209221 15/744946 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 58289333 |
Filed Date | 2018-07-26 |
United States Patent
Application |
20180209221 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Thomas; Sean Gregory ; et
al. |
July 26, 2018 |
Composite cable gripper
Abstract
An apparatus includes a housing. The apparatus includes a first
end and a second end. The apparatus includes a first wedge having a
first groove. The first wedge is contained in the housing. The
apparatus includes a second wedge having a second groove. The
second wedge is contained in the housing and is positioned adjacent
the first wedge. A gripper profile is formed along the length of
the first wedge and the second wedge by the first groove and the
second groove. The gripper profile has a first shape at the first
end and tapers along a length of the first wedge and the second
wedge to form a second shape, different from the first shape, at
the second end.
Inventors: |
Thomas; Sean Gregory;
(Georgetown, TX) ; Chamarthy; Pramod; (Plano,
TX) ; Giddens; Jonathan; (Anna, TX) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Halliburton Energy Services, Inc. |
Houston |
TX |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
Halliburton Energy Services,
Inc.
Houston
TX
|
Family ID: |
58289333 |
Appl. No.: |
15/744946 |
Filed: |
September 15, 2015 |
PCT Filed: |
September 15, 2015 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/US15/50095 |
371 Date: |
January 15, 2018 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E21B 41/00 20130101;
E21B 17/023 20130101 |
International
Class: |
E21B 17/02 20060101
E21B017/02 |
Claims
1. An apparatus comprising: a housing comprising: a first end, a
second end; a first wedge having a first groove, the first wedge
contained in the housing; a second wedge having a second groove,
the second wedge contained in the housing and positioned adjacent
the first wedge; and a gripper profile formed along the length of
the first wedge and the second wedge by the first groove and the
second groove, wherein the gripper profile has a first shape at the
first end and tapers along a length of the first wedge and the
second wedge to form a second shape, different from the first
shape, at the second end.
2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first shape is selected
from the group consisting of substantially circular and
substantially elliptical.
3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the second shape is selected
from the group consisting of substantially circular and
substantially elliptical.
4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the gripper profile tapers
substantially linearly along the length of the first wedge from the
first end to the second end.
5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the gripper profile tapers
substantially non-linearly along the length of the first wedge from
the first end to the second end.
6. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the gripper profile tapers
along the length of the first wedge from the first end to the
second end in a shape selected from the group consisting of
step-like, triangular, saw-tooth, rip-saw-tooth, truncated
triangular, truncated saw-tooth, and truncated rip-saw-tooth.
7. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first groove tapers
substantially linearly along the length of the first wedge from the
first end to the second end.
8. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first groove tapers
substantially non-linearly along the length of the first edge from
the first end to the second end.
9. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first groove tapers along
the length of the first wedge from the first end to the second end
in a shape selected from the group consisting of step-like,
triangular, saw-tooth, rip-saw-tooth, truncated triangular,
truncated saw-tooth, and truncated rip-saw-tooth.
10. An apparatus comprising: a housing comprising: a first end, a
second end; a first wedge having a first groove, the first wedge
capable of being positioned into the housing; a second wedge having
a second groove, the second wedge capable of being positioned into
the housing adjacent the first wedge; and a gripper profile formed
along the length of the first wedge and the second wedge by the
first groove and the second groove, wherein the gripper profile has
a first shape at the first end and tapers along the length of the
first wedge and second wedge to form a second shape, different from
the first shape, at the second end.
11. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the first shape is selected
from the group consisting of substantially circular and
substantially elliptical.
12. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the second shape is selected
from the group consisting of substantially circular and
substantially elliptical.
13. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the gripper profile tapers
substantially linearly along the length of the first wedge from the
first end to the second end.
14. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the gripper profile tapers
substantially non-linearly along the length of the first wedge from
the first end to the second end.
15. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the gripper profile tapers
along the length of the first wedge from the first end to the
second end in a shape selected from the group consisting of
step-like, triangular, saw-tooth, rip-saw-tooth, truncated
triangular, truncated saw-tooth, and truncated rip-saw-tooth.
16. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the first groove tapers
substantially linearly along the length of the first wedge from the
first end to the second end.
17. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the first groove tapers
substantially non-linearly along the length of the first edge from
the first end to the second end.
18. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the first groove tapers
along the length of the first wedge from the first end to the
second end in a shape selected from the group consisting of
step-like, triangular, saw-tooth, rip-saw-tooth, truncated
triangular, truncated saw-tooth, and truncated rip-saw-tooth.
19. An apparatus comprising: a wedge comprising: a side; a first
end of the side; a second end of the side, wherein the second end
is opposite the first end; a groove running from the first end of
the side to the second end of the side, wherein the groove tapers
toward the second end of the side.
20. The apparatus of claim 19, wherein the groove tapers
substantially linearly from the first end of the side to the second
end of the side.
21.-57. (canceled)
Description
BACKGROUND
[0001] Composite wireline cable or slickline cable is used in the
oil field to convey tools and instruments to depths of interest in
a borehole. The temperature in such depths of interest may be high.
Gripping a composite wireline or slickline cable at high
temperatures is a challenge.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0002] FIG. 1 shows a block diagram of a slickline system.
[0003] FIG. 2 shows an exploded view of a gripper with an
end-loading housing.
[0004] FIG. 3A shows a plan view of a gripper with a side-loading
housing.
[0005] FIG. 3B shows a perspective view of a gripper with a
side-loading housing.
[0006] FIG. 3C shows a cross sectional view of a gripper with a
side-loading housing.
[0007] FIG. 3D shows a cross sectional view of a gripper with a
side-loading housing.
[0008] FIG. 3E shows an exploded view of a gripper with a
side-loading housing.
[0009] FIG. 4A shows a perspective view of a wedge.
[0010] FIG. 4B shows a plan view of a wedge.
[0011] FIG. 4C shows a plan view of a wedge.
[0012] FIG. 5 is a flow chart of assembling a slickline cable to a
gripper.
[0013] FIG. 6A shows construction of a gripper with a side-loading
housing.
[0014] FIG. 6B shows construction of a gripper with a side-loading
housing.
[0015] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of a slickline cable with
an optical fiber.
[0016] FIG. 8 shows a shear strain distribution on a cable
undergoing stress being applied in a circular pattern.
[0017] FIG. 9 shows a shear strain distribution on a cable
undergoing stress being applied in an elliptical pattern.
[0018] FIG. 10A shows a cross-sectional view of two abutted
wedges.
[0019] FIG. 10B shows a cross-sectional view of a gripper
profile.
[0020] FIG. 10C shows a cross-sectional view of a gripper
profile.
[0021] FIG. 10D shows a cross-sectional view of a gripper
profile.
[0022] FIG. 10E shows a cross-sectional view of a gripper
profile.
[0023] FIG. 11 shows a general cross-sectional view of a gripper
profile.
[0024] FIG. 12 is a flow chart for designing a shear strain
distribution.
[0025] FIG. 13A is a cross-sectional view of a gripper having more
than two wedges.
[0026] FIG. 13B is an exploded view of a gripper having more than
two wedges.
[0027] FIG. 13C is a cross-sectional view of a gripper having more
than two wedges.
[0028] FIG. 14A is a cross-sectional view of a gripper having
segmented wedges.
[0029] FIG. 14B is an exploded view of a gripper having segmented
wedges.
[0030] FIG. 14C is a cross-sectional view of a gripper having
segmented wedges.
[0031] FIG. 15A is a cross-sectional view of a gripper having
wedges secured by an O-ring.
[0032] FIG. 15B is an exploded view of a gripper having more wedges
secured by an O-ring.
[0033] FIG. 15C is a cross-sectional view of a gripper having
wedges secured by an O-ring.
[0034] FIG. 16 is cross-sectional views of various gripper profile
edges.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0035] While this disclosure describes a land-based slickline
system, it will be understood that the equipment and techniques
described herein are applicable in sea-based systems, multilateral
wells, and similar environments. Further, while this disclosure
describes a gripper for a slickline cable, it will be understood
that the techniques described herein can be used with any type of
cable.
[0036] In one or more embodiments, illustrated in FIG. 1, a
slickline system 100 includes a tool (or tools) 102 coupled to a
composite wireline cable or slickline cable 104 (hereinafter
"slickline cable") by a gripper 106. In one or more embodiments,
the slickline cable 104 is thin, hard, and rigid, such as the
composite slickline described in WO 2014/137335 (entitled "Bonded
Slickline and Methods of Use"), which is assigned to the assignee
of the present application. In one or more embodiments, the
slickline system 100 uses a wire slickline cable 104 with different
material properties and varied physical dimensions. In one or more
embodiments, the tools 102 are lowered into a borehole 108. In one
or more embodiments, the slickline cable 104 is stored on a draw
works or spool 110 and proceeds through a pulley or system of
pulleys 112 and through a packing assembly (not shown). In one or
more embodiments, the slickline cable 104 proceeds through a
blow-out preventer (not shown) that enables personnel to seal the
well if, for example, the packing assembly fails.
[0037] In one or more embodiments, illustrated in FIG. 2, the
gripper 106 includes an end-loading housing 202, a first wedge 204,
a second wedge 206, and a bolt 208. In one or more embodiments, the
gripper 106 is assembled by threading the slickline cable 104
through the bolt 208 (from left to right on FIG. 2) and into the
end-loading housing 202. In one or more embodiments, the first
wedge 204 and the second wedge 206 are assembled around the
slickline cable 104 and inserted into the end-loading housing 202.
In one or more embodiments, the end-loading housing 202 includes
features that match corresponding features in the first wedge 204
and second wedge 206 that guide and secure the insertion. The bolt
208 is then threaded into the end-loading housing 202 and
tightened, which presses the first wedge 204 and the second wedge
206 together and compresses the slickline cable 104, as discussed
below in connection with FIGS. 7-12.
[0038] In one or more embodiments, illustrated in FIG. 3A-E, the
gripper 106 includes a side-loading housing 302 that includes an
aperture 304 through which the first wedge 204 and the second wedge
206 can be inserted into the side-loading housing 302. In one or
more embodiments, the side-loading housing 302 is the same as the
end-loading housing 202 except that the end-loading housing 202
does not include the aperture 304, the pin holes 318 or the pins
326, discussed below. With those exceptions, "housing 302" includes
both the side-loading housing 302 and the end-loading housing
202.
[0039] In one or more embodiments, the housing 302 includes a first
end 306. In one or more embodiments, the housing 302 includes a
second end 308. In one or more embodiments, the housing 302
includes a wall 310 (best seen in FIG. 3B). In one or more
embodiments, the wall 310 includes an internal surface 312 facing a
volume 314 inside the housing 302. In one or more embodiments, the
wall 310 includes an external surface 316 (see FIG. 3B). In one or
more embodiments, the housing 302 includes a housing inlet 318 (see
FIG. 3B) that penetrates the wall 310 in the first end 306. In one
or more embodiments, the housing inlet 318 allows the gripper to
couple to the tools 102, as shown in FIG. 1. In one or more
embodiments, the housing 302 includes one or more pin holes 320
(two are shown) that penetrate the wall 310. In one or more
embodiments, the gripper 106 includes the first wedge 204. In one
or more embodiments, the first wedge 204 has a first groove 322
(see FIGS. 3C and 3D). In one or more embodiments, the first wedge
204 is contained in the housing 302. In one or more embodiments,
the gripper 106 includes a second wedge 206 having a second groove
324 (see FIGS. 3C and 3D). In one or more embodiments, the second
wedge 206 is contained in the housing and positioned adjacent to
the first wedge 204. In one or more embodiments, the second wedge
206 abuts the first wedge 204. In one or more embodiments, a
gripper profile (described in connection with FIGS. 10A-E and FIG.
1), is formed along a length of the first wedge 204 and the second
wedge 206 by the first groove 322 and the second groove 324. In one
or more embodiments, as described in more detail in connection with
FIGS. 10A-E and FIG. 11, the gripper profile has a first shape at
the first end 306 and tapers along the length (i.e., from the first
end 306 to the second end 308 of the housing 302) of the first
wedge 204 and the second wedge 206 to form a second shape at the
second end 308. In one or more embodiments, the gripper 106
includes a pin 326 through the pin hole 320 to secure the first
wedge 204 and the second wedge 206 in the housing 302.
[0040] In one or more embodiments, illustrated in FIGS. 4A-4C, the
first wedge 204 and the second wedge 206 are similar to each other,
with the only differences being in manufacturing tolerances. In one
or more embodiments, as discussed below in connection with FIG. 11,
the first wedge 204 and the second wedge 206 are different. In one
or more embodiments, the first wedge 204 and the second wedge 206
have a first end 402 that, when installed in the housing 302, is
closer to the first end 306 of the housing than the second end 308
of the housing 302. In one or more embodiments, the first wedge 204
and the second wedge 206 have a second end 404 that, when installed
in the housing 302, is closer to the second end 308 of the housing
than the first end 306 of the housing 302. In one or more
embodiments, the first wedge 204 and the second wedge 206 include a
flat portion 406 adjacent to the first end 402 that deviates from a
typical wedge shape. In one or more embodiments, the first wedge
204 and the second wedge 206 include a flat portion 408 adjacent to
the second end 404 that deviates from a typical wedge shape. In one
or more embodiments, the flat portion 406 has a length 410 and the
flat portion 408 has a length 412. In one or more embodiments, the
length 410 of the flat portion 406 substantially equals (i.e., in
one or more embodiments, is within 10 millimeters (mm) of; in one
or more embodiments, is within 50 mm of; in one or more
embodiments, is within 100 mm of) the length 312 of the flat
portion 408.
[0041] In one or more embodiments, attachment of the gripper 106 to
the slickline cable 104, described in FIG. 5 and illustrated in
FIGS. 6A and 6B, begins by entering the slickline cable 104 into
the gripper having a gripper profile formed by the first groove 322
in the first wedge 204 and the second groove 324 in the second
wedge 206 (block 505), as described above in connection with FIGS.
4A-4C. In one or more embodiments, when the end-loading housing 202
is used, the first wedge 204 and the second wedge 204 are assembled
around the slickline cable 104 outside the end-loading housing 202
and then inserted into the end-loading housing 202. In one or more
embodiments, the same process can be followed with the side-loading
housing 302. Alternatively, the following process can be followed
with the side-loading housing 302: the first wedge 204 can be
inserted into the side-loading housing 302 through the aperture
304, the slickline cable 104 can then be threaded through the
side-loading housing 302, the second wedge 206 can then be inserted
into the side-loading housing 302, pins 326 can be inserted into
the pin holes 320 (two are shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B, although that
number can vary) (block 510). In any case (i.e., using the
end-loading housing 202, the side-loading housing 302 loaded
through the end or through the aperture 304) the bolt 208 is then
be screwed into the housing 302 (block 515) and then tightened to
compress the first wedge 204 and the second wedge 206 causing the
slickline cable to be compressed, as discussed below in connection
with FIGS. 7-12 (block 520).
[0042] In one or more embodiments, illustrated in FIG. 7, the
slickline cable 104 includes an optical fiber 702, a carbon fiber
matrix jacket 704, and a polyether ether ketone (PEEK) shell
706.
[0043] In one or more embodiments, illustrated in FIG. 8, showing
the shear stress profile of a slickline cable 104 being compressed
by a gripper 105 with a circular gripper profile (discussed below
in connection with FIGS. 10A-E and FIG. 11), it can be seen that
the center section of the slickline cable 104 experiences less
strain than the outer sections of the slickline cable 104. In one
or more embodiments, this means that the outer fibers of the carbon
fiber matrix jacket 704 will fail before the inner fibers.
[0044] In one or more embodiments, illustrated in FIG. 9, showing
the shear stress profile of a slickline cable 104 being compressed
by a gripper 105 with an elliptical gripper profile (discussed
below in connection with FIGS. 10A-E and FIG. 11), it can be seen
that the strain profile is more uniform than shown in FIG. 8. In
one or more embodiments, this means that the fibers of the carbon
fiber matrix jacket 704 will wear more uniformly.
[0045] Thus, in one or more embodiments, from the perspective of
carbon fiber matrix jacket 604 wear, an elliptical gripper profile,
as illustrated in FIG. 9, is preferable to a circular gripper
profile, as illustrated in FIG. 8. If the wear on the optical fiber
702 at the center of the slickline cable 104 is a consideration,
however, the circular gripper profile, with lower shear stress at
the center of the slickline cable 104, might be preferable to the
elliptical gripper profile because the higher shear stress at the
center of the slickline cable 104 with an elliptical gripper
profile (FIG. 9) might damage the optical fiber 702.
[0046] In one or more embodiments, illustrated in FIGS. 10A-E, the
gripper profile is varied over the length of the gripper 106 in
order to satisfy design considerations. In one or more embodiments,
as shown in FIG. 10A, the gripper profile 902 is formed by abutting
the first wedge 204 and the second wedge 206 in such a way that the
first groove 322 aligns with the second groove 324. Thus, in one or
more embodiments, the gripper profile 902 is formed by the first
groove 322 and the second groove 324. A plane 1001 (represented by
a line in FIG. 10A; the plane is perpendicular to the sheet of
paper on which FIGS. 10A-10E is printed) separates the first wedge
204 from the second wedge 206.
[0047] FIG. 10B illustrates various locations 1004, 1006, 1008,
1010, and 1014 along the gripper profile where cross sections are
taken. FIGS. 10C-10E illustrate three different gripper profiles
1002. In one or more embodiments, illustrated in FIG. 10C, in which
cross-sectional representations are aligned with the
cross-sectional locations 1004, 1006, 1008, 1010, 1012, 1014 and
the numbers above the cross-sectional representations (i.e., 1:1)
represent the ratio of a first axis, which is parallel to the paper
on which FIGS. 10A-10E are printed and parallel to the plane 1001
separating the first wedge 204 from the second wedge 206, to a
second axis, which is perpendicular to the paper on which FIGS.
10A-10E are printed and parallel to the plane separating the first
wedge 204 from the second wedge 206, the gripper profile 1002 is
circular in cross-section from one end to the other. In one or more
embodiments, the gripper profile 1002 tapers smoothly from one end
to another.
[0048] In one or more embodiments, illustrated in FIG. 10D, the
gripper profile 1002 begins with an elliptical cross section with a
first axis to second axis ratio of 2:1 at cross sectional location
1004 and goes through the following transitions: (a) to an
elliptical cross section with a first axis to second axis ratio of
1.8:1 at cross-sectional location 1006, (b) to an elliptical cross
section with a first axis to second axis ratio of 1.6:1 at
cross-sectional location 1008, (c) to an elliptical cross section
with a first axis to second axis ratio of 1.4:1 at cross-sectional
location 1010, (d) to an elliptical cross section with a first axis
to second axis ratio of 1.2:1 at cross-sectional location 1012, (e)
to a circular cross section with a first axis to second axis ratio
of 1:1 at cross-sectional location 1014.
[0049] In one or more embodiments, illustrated in FIG. 10E, the
gripper profile 1002 begins with a circular cross section at cross
sectional location 1004 with a first axis to second axis ratio of
1:1 and goes through the following transitions: (a) to an
elliptical cross section with a first axis to second axis ratio of
1:1.2 at cross-sectional location 1006, (b) to an elliptical cross
section with a first axis to second axis ratio of 1:1.4 at
cross-sectional location 1008, (c) to an elliptical cross section
with a first axis to second axis ratio of 1:1.6 at cross-sectional
location 1010, (d) to an elliptical cross section with a first axis
to second axis ratio of 1:1.8 at cross-sectional location 1012, (e)
to an elliptical cross section with a first axis to second axis
ratio of 1:2 at cross-sectional location 1014. Note that the
embodiment illustrated in FIG. 10E is unlikely to be used because
the currently-envisioned applications have the more elliptical
cross-section down hole and the more circular cross section uphole,
as in FIG. 10D. It is intended, however, that these embodiment are
included in the scope of the appended claims.
[0050] In one or more embodiments, illustrated in FIG. 11, the
gripper profile 1002 is defined by two functions: f.sub.1(x, y, z),
representing the shape of the first groove 322, and f.sub.2(x, y,
z), representing the shape of the second groove 324. In one or more
embodiments, the gripper profile is symmetrical, i.e., f.sub.1(x,
y, z)=-f.sub.2(x, y, z). In one or more embodiments, the gripper
profile is not symmetrical, i.e., f.sub.1(x, y,
z).noteq.-f.sub.2(x, y, z).
[0051] In one or more embodiments, as illustrated in FIG. 12, a
gripper 106 is designed by selecting a slickline cable 104 (block
1202). In one or more embodiments, the shear strain profile (such
as those shown in FIGS. 7 and 8) to be applied to the slickline
cable 104 is then designed (block 1204). In one or more
embodiments, a tapering channel (such as the gripper profile 1002)
into which the slickline cable 104 is to be inserted is then
designed to achieve the determined shear strain profile (block
1206). In one or more embodiments, a first gripper block (such as
the first wedge 204) with a first groove (such as the first groove
322) and a second gripper block (such as the second wedge 206) with
a second groove (such as the second groove 324) are then designed
such that the first groove aligned with the second groove forms a
channel matching the tapering channel (such as the gripper profile
1002) (blocks 1208, 1210).
[0052] In one or more embodiments, illustrated in FIGS. 13A-13C,
the number of wedges is greater than two. In one or more
embodiments, the gripper 106 includes 4 wedges 1302, 1304, 1306,
and 1308. In one or more embodiments, the wedges 1302, 1304, 1306,
1308 are equal to each other and when they are assembled together,
as shown in FIG. 13C, they substantially (i.e., within 25 percent
of full) fill the volume 314 (see FIG. 3) in substantially (i.e.,
within 5 percent) equal proportions. In one or more embodiments
(not shown), the wedges 1302, 1304, 1306, 1308 are not equal and
each fills a respective portion of the volume 314. In one or more
embodiments, the number of wedges is different from 2 or 4. In one
or more embodiments, the number of wedges is even (i.e., a multiple
of 2). In one or more embodiments, the number of wedges is odd
(i.e., a multiple of 2+1).
[0053] In one or more embodiments, mating surfaces on each wedge,
such as wedges 1302, 1304, 1306, 1308, match mating surfaces on
adjacent wedges. In one or more embodiments, each wedge provides
its respective portion of the gripper profile 1002.
[0054] In one or more embodiments, illustrated in FIGS. 14A-14C,
the wedges are segmented. In one or more embodiments, the gripper
106 includes 4 wedges 1402, 1404, 1406, and 1408. In one or more
embodiments, at least one of the wedges is segmented into segments
1402a, 1402b, and 1402c. In one or more embodiments, all of the
wedges are segmented into segments (1402a, 1402b, and 1402c; 1404a,
1404b, and 1404c; 1406a, 1406b, and 1406c; and 1408a, 1408b, and
1408c). In one or more embodiments, the number of segments per
wedge is different from that shown in FIGS. 14A-14C. In one or more
embodiments, each wedge has the same number of segments. In one or
more embodiments, each wedge does not have the same number of
segments (e.g., wedge 1402 is not segmented; wedge 1404 has 2
segments; wedge 1406 has 3 segments, and 1408 has 3 segments).
[0055] In one or more embodiments, mating surfaces on each segment,
such as segments 1402a, 1402b, 1402c, 1404a, 1404b, 1404c, 1406a,
1406b, and 1406c, 1408a, 1408b, and 1408c, match mating surfaces on
adjacent segments and/or one or more of the wedges. In one or more
embodiments, each segment provides its respective portion of the
gripper profile 1002.
[0056] In one or more embodiments, illustrated in FIGS. 15A-15C,
the wedges are held together by screws and an O-ring as the gripper
106 is assembled. In one or more embodiments, the gripper includes
two wedges 1502, 1504. In one or more embodiments, the wedges 1502,
1504 include an O-ring groove 1506 and screw holes 1508. Prior to
assembly into the housing 202, the wedges 1502, 1504 are held
together by two screws 1510 at one end and an O-ring 1512 at the
other end. In one or more embodiments, the screw holes 1508 are
tapped with threads to secure the screws 1510. In one or more
embodiments, springs 1514 between the wedges 1502, 1504 bias the
screws 1510 to ensure that they tighten evenly.
[0057] In one or more embodiments, the gripper 106 is assembled by
positioning the springs 1514 as shown in FIG. 15B, inserting the
screws 1510 into the screw holes 1508, positioning the O-ring 1512
in the O-ring groove 1506, and tightening the screws 1510. The
resulting assembly is then inserted into the housing 202 and the
bolt 208 is inserted and tightened.
[0058] It will be understood that the technique illustrated in
FIGS. 15A-15C can be used in embodiments with more than two wedges,
as illustrated in FIGS. 13A-13C, or embodiments with segmented
wedges, as illustrated in FIGS. 14A-14C, with the addition of
screws and O-rings for each segment.
[0059] In one or more embodiments, the gripper 106 is an "active
grip" device. That is, in one or more embodiments, the greater the
pull in a load bearing direction (i.e., in the direction of the
surface), the greater the grip exerted by the gripper 106. In one
or more embodiments, the tapering channel tapers substantially
linearly. In one or more embodiments, illustrated in FIG. 16
(showing one edge 1602, 1604, 1606, and 1608 of the tapering
channel and a load bearing direction 1610), the tapering channel
tapers substantially non-linearly. In one or more embodiments, the
tapering channel tapers in a substantially step-like fashion,
having edge 1602. In one or more embodiments, the tapering channel
tapers in a triangular fashion, having edge 1604. In one or more
embodiments, the tapering channel tapers in a saw tooth fashion,
having edge 1606. In one or more embodiments, the tapering channel
tapers in a rip saw tooth fashion, having edge 1608. In one or more
embodiments, the edges 1604, 1606, and 1608 are truncated, i.e.,
the pointed tips 1610, 1612, and 1614 (indicated by the dashed
circles on FIG. 16), are flattened, e.g. as shown by the dashed
lines 1616, 1618, and 1620 (although it will be understood that
other forms of flattening, such as a rounded flattening or a
flattening that is not parallel to the bottom edge of the paper
FIG. 16 is printed on, are envisioned).
[0060] In one or more embodiments, the first groove tapers
substantially linearly. In one or more embodiments, as shown in
FIG. 16, the first groove tapers substantially non-linearly (having
an edge similar to edges 1602, 1604, 1606, and 1608). In one or
more embodiments, the first groove tapers in a substantially
step-like fashion, having edge 1602. In one or more embodiments,
the first groove tapers in a triangular fashion, having edge 1604.
In one or more embodiments, the first groove tapers in a saw tooth
fashion, having edge 1606. In one or more embodiments, the first
groove tapers in a rip saw tooth fashion, having edge 1608.
[0061] In one or more embodiments, the channel tapers substantially
linearly. In one or more embodiments, the channel tapers
substantially non-linearly. In one or more embodiments, the
tapering channel tapers in a substantially step-like fashion.
[0062] In one or more embodiments, designing the tapering channel
to achieve the determined shear strain profile means achieving a
substantially uniform shear strain profile. In one or more
embodiments, designing the tapering channel to achieve the
determined shear strain profile means achieving a substantially
non-uniform shear strain profile.
[0063] References in the specification to "one or more
embodiments", "one embodiment", "an embodiment", "an example
embodiment", etc., indicate that the embodiment described may
include a particular feature, structure, or characteristic, but
every embodiment may not necessarily include the particular
feature, structure, or characteristic. Moreover, such phrases are
not necessarily referring to the same embodiment. Further, when a
particular feature, structure, or characteristic is described in
connection with an embodiment, it is submitted that it is within
the knowledge of one skilled in the art to effect such feature,
structure, or characteristic in connection with other embodiments
whether or not explicitly described.
[0064] In one aspect, an apparatus includes a housing. The
apparatus includes a first end and a second end. The apparatus
includes a first wedge having a first groove. The first wedge is
contained in the housing. The apparatus includes a second wedge
having a second groove. The second wedge is contained in the
housing and is positioned adjacent the first wedge. A gripper
profile is formed along the length of the first wedge and the
second wedge by the first groove and the second groove. The gripper
profile has a first shape at the first end and tapers along a
length of the first wedge and the second wedge to form a second
shape, different from the first shape, at the second end.
[0065] Implementations may include one or more of the following.
The first shape may be selected from the group consisting of
substantially circular and substantially elliptical. The second
shape may be selected from the group consisting of substantially
circular and substantially elliptical. The gripper profile may
taper substantially linearly along the length of the first wedge
from the first end to the second end. The gripper profile may taper
substantially non-linearly along the length of the first wedge from
the first end to the second end. The gripper profile may taper
along the length of the first wedge from the first end to the
second end in a shape selected from the group consisting of
step-like, triangular, saw-tooth, rip-saw-tooth, truncated
triangular, truncated saw-tooth, and truncated rip-saw-tooth. The
first groove may taper substantially linearly along the length of
the first wedge from the first end to the second end. The first
groove may taper substantially non-linearly along the length of the
first edge from the first end to the second end. The first groove
may taper along the length of the first wedge from the first end to
the second end in a shape selected from the group consisting of
step-like, triangular, saw-tooth, rip-saw-tooth, truncated
triangular, truncated saw-tooth, and truncated rip-saw-tooth.
[0066] In one aspect, an apparatus includes a housing. The housing
includes a first end and a second end. The apparatus includes a
first wedge having a first groove. The first wedge is capable of
being positioned into the housing. The apparatus includes a second
wedge having a second groove. The second wedge is capable of being
positioned into the housing adjacent the first wedge. A gripper
profile is formed along the length of the first wedge and the
second wedge by the first groove and the second groove. The gripper
profile has a first shape at the first end and tapers along the
length of the first wedge and second wedge to form a second shape,
different from the first shape, at the second end.
[0067] Implementations may include one or more of the following.
The first shape may be selected from the group consisting of
substantially circular and substantially elliptical. The second
shape may be selected from the group consisting of substantially
circular and substantially elliptical. The gripper profile may
taper substantially linearly along the length of the first wedge
from the first end to the second end. The gripper profile may taper
substantially non-linearly along the length of the first wedge from
the first end to the second end. The gripper profile may taper
along the length of the first wedge from the first end to the
second end in a shape selected from the group consisting of
step-like, triangular, saw-tooth, rip-saw-tooth, truncated
triangular, truncated saw-tooth, and truncated rip-saw-tooth. The
first groove may taper substantially linearly along the length of
the first wedge from the first end to the second end. The first
groove may taper substantially non-linearly along the length of the
first edge from the first end to the second end. The first groove
may taper along the length of the first wedge from the first end to
the second end in a shape selected from the group consisting of
step-like, triangular, saw-tooth, rip-saw-tooth, truncated
triangular, truncated saw-tooth, and truncated rip-saw-tooth.
[0068] In one aspect, an apparatus includes a wedge. The wedge
includes a side, a first end of the side, and a second end of the
side. The second end is opposite the first end. A groove runs from
the first end of the side to the second end of the side. The groove
tapers toward the second end of the side.
[0069] Implementations may include one or more of the following.
The groove may taper substantially linearly from the first end of
the side to the second end of the side. The groove may taper
substantially non-linearly from the first end of the side to the
second end of the side. The first groove may taper from the first
end of the side to the second end of the side in a shape selected
from the group consisting of step-like, triangular, saw-tooth,
rip-saw-tooth, truncated triangular, truncated saw-tooth, and
truncated rip-saw-tooth.
[0070] In one aspect, a method includes entering a slickline cable
into a composite grip tool. The composite grip tool includes a
housing. The housing includes a first end and a second end. The
composite grip tool includes a first wedge having a first groove.
The first wedge is contained in the housing. The composite grip
tool includes a second wedge having a second groove. The second
wedge is contained in the housing and is positioned adjacent the
first wedge. A gripper profile is formed along the length of the
first wedge and the second wedge by the first groove and the second
groove. The gripper profile has a first shape at the first end and
tapers along the length of the first wedge and second wedge to form
a second shape at the second end. The method further includes
compressing the slickline cable in the gripper profile.
[0071] Implementations may include one or more of the following.
The first shape may be selected from the group consisting of
substantially circular and substantially elliptical. The second
shape may be selected from the group consisting of substantially
circular and substantially elliptical. The gripper profile may
taper substantially linearly along the length of the first wedge
from the first end to the second end. The gripper profile may taper
substantially non-linearly along the length of the first wedge from
the first end to the second end. The gripper profile may taper
along the length of the first wedge from the first end to the
second end in a shape selected from the group consisting of
step-like, triangular, saw-tooth, rip-saw-tooth, truncated
triangular, truncated saw-tooth, and truncated rip-saw-tooth. The
first groove may taper substantially linearly along the length of
the first wedge from the first end to the second end. The first
groove may taper substantially non-linearly along the length of the
first edge from the first end to the second end. The first groove
may taper along the length of the first wedge from the first end to
the second end in a shape selected from the group consisting of
step-like, triangular, saw-tooth, rip-saw-tooth, truncated
triangular, truncated saw-tooth, and truncated rip-saw-tooth. The
method may further include deploying the composite grip tool into a
borehole.
[0072] In one aspect, a method includes selecting a slickline
cable. The method includes determining a shear strain profile to be
applied to the slickline cable. The method includes designing a
tapering channel into which the slickline cable is to be inserted
to achieve the determined shear profile. The method includes
designing a first gripper block with a first groove. The method
includes designing a second gripper block with a second groove,
such that the first groove aligned with the second groove forms a
channel matching the tapering channel.
[0073] Implementations may include one or more of the following.
The tapering channel may taper substantially linearly. The tapering
channel may taper substantially non-linearly. The tapering channel
may taper in a shape selected from the group consisting of
step-like, triangular, saw-tooth, rip-saw-tooth, truncated
triangular, truncated saw-tooth, and truncated rip-saw-tooth. The
first groove may taper substantially linearly. The first groove may
taper substantially non-linearly. The first groove may taper in a
shape selected from the group consisting of step-like, triangular,
saw-tooth, rip-saw-tooth, truncated triangular, truncated
saw-tooth, and truncated rip-saw-tooth. The channel may taper
substantially linearly. The channel may taper substantially
non-linearly. The tapering channel may taper in a shape selected
from the group consisting of step-like, triangular, saw-tooth,
rip-saw-tooth, truncated triangular, truncated saw-tooth, and
truncated rip-saw-tooth. Designing the tapering channel to achieve
the determined shear strain profile may include achieving a
substantially uniform shear strain profile. Designing the tapering
channel to achieve the determined shear strain profile may include
achieving a substantially non-uniform shear strain profile.
[0074] In one aspect, a method includes selecting a slickline
cable. The method includes determining the shear strain profile to
be applied to the slickline cable. The method includes designing a
first gripper block with a first groove. The method includes
designing a second gripper block with a second groove. The method
includes positioning the first gripper block adjacent to the second
gripper block such that the first groove and the second groove
align together to form a tapering channel into which the slickline
cable is to be inserted to achieve the determined shear strain
profile
[0075] Implementations may include one or more of the following.
The tapering channel may taper substantially linearly. The tapering
channel may tapers substantially non-linearly. The tapering channel
may taper in a shape selected from the group consisting of
step-like, triangular, saw-tooth, rip-saw-tooth, truncated
triangular, truncated saw-tooth, and truncated rip-saw-tooth. The
first groove may taper substantially linearly. The first groove may
taper substantially non-linearly. The first groove may taper in a
shape selected from the group consisting of step-like, triangular,
saw-tooth, rip-saw-tooth, truncated triangular, truncated
saw-tooth, and truncated rip-saw-tooth. Designing the tapering
channel to achieve the determined shear strain profile may include
achieving a substantially uniform shear strain profile. Designing
the tapering channel to achieve the determined shear strain profile
may include achieving a substantially non-uniform shear strain
profile.
[0076] In one aspect, an apparatus includes a housing. The housing
includes a first end and a second end. The apparatus includes a
plurality of wedges, each having a groove and being contained in
the housing. The apparatus includes a gripper profile formed along
the length of the plurality of wedges by the grooves in the
plurality of wedges. The gripper profile has a first shape at the
first end and tapers along a length of the first wedge and the
second wedge to form a second shape, different from the first
shape, at the second end.
[0077] Implementations may include one or more of the following.
One of the wedges may be segmented into segments. The plurality of
wedges may be secured together at the first end by an O-ring. The
plurality of wedges may be secured together at the second end by
screws.
[0078] The word "coupled" herein means a direct connection or an
indirect connection.
[0079] The text above describes one or more specific embodiments of
a broader invention. The invention also is carried out in a variety
of alternate embodiments and thus is not limited to those described
here. The foregoing description of an embodiment of the invention
has been presented for the purposes of illustration and
description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the
invention to the precise form disclosed. Many modifications and
variations are possible in light of the above teaching. It is
intended that the scope of the invention be limited not by this
detailed description, but rather by the claims appended hereto.
* * * * *