CA2038798A1 - Head assembly for pump down equipment - Google Patents
Head assembly for pump down equipmentInfo
- Publication number
- CA2038798A1 CA2038798A1 CA002038798A CA2038798A CA2038798A1 CA 2038798 A1 CA2038798 A1 CA 2038798A1 CA 002038798 A CA002038798 A CA 002038798A CA 2038798 A CA2038798 A CA 2038798A CA 2038798 A1 CA2038798 A1 CA 2038798A1
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- sleeve
- extension
- pump down
- housing
- holding
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
Links
- 239000012530 fluid Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 25
- 230000003578 releasing effect Effects 0.000 claims abstract description 8
- 238000005086 pumping Methods 0.000 claims description 8
- 230000013011 mating Effects 0.000 claims description 5
- 230000005540 biological transmission Effects 0.000 claims description 4
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 claims description 2
- 230000000246 remedial effect Effects 0.000 description 5
- HOKDBMAJZXIPGC-UHFFFAOYSA-N Mequitazine Chemical compound C12=CC=CC=C2SC2=CC=CC=C2N1CC1C(CC2)CCN2C1 HOKDBMAJZXIPGC-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 2
- 239000004568 cement Substances 0.000 description 2
- 239000002002 slurry Substances 0.000 description 2
- 240000001973 Ficus microcarpa Species 0.000 description 1
- AYFVYJQAPQTCCC-GBXIJSLDSA-N L-threonine Chemical compound C[C@@H](O)[C@H](N)C(O)=O AYFVYJQAPQTCCC-GBXIJSLDSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 101150014691 PPARA gene Proteins 0.000 description 1
- HFCYZXMHUIHAQI-UHFFFAOYSA-N Thidiazuron Chemical compound C=1C=CC=CC=1NC(=O)NC1=CN=NS1 HFCYZXMHUIHAQI-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 230000003213 activating effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000002411 adverse Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000000712 assembly Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000000429 assembly Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000010276 construction Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000005553 drilling Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000012986 modification Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000004048 modification Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000007789 sealing Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000007787 solid Substances 0.000 description 1
Classifications
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E21—EARTH DRILLING; MINING
- E21B—EARTH DRILLING, e.g. DEEP DRILLING; OBTAINING OIL, GAS, WATER, SOLUBLE OR MELTABLE MATERIALS OR A SLURRY OF MINERALS FROM WELLS
- E21B33/00—Sealing or packing boreholes or wells
- E21B33/02—Surface sealing or packing
- E21B33/03—Well heads; Setting-up thereof
- E21B33/04—Casing heads; Suspending casings or tubings in well heads
- E21B33/05—Cementing-heads, e.g. having provision for introducing cementing plugs
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E21—EARTH DRILLING; MINING
- E21B—EARTH DRILLING, e.g. DEEP DRILLING; OBTAINING OIL, GAS, WATER, SOLUBLE OR MELTABLE MATERIALS OR A SLURRY OF MINERALS FROM WELLS
- E21B33/00—Sealing or packing boreholes or wells
- E21B33/10—Sealing or packing boreholes or wells in the borehole
- E21B33/13—Methods or devices for cementing, for plugging holes, crevices, or the like
- E21B33/14—Methods or devices for cementing, for plugging holes, crevices, or the like for cementing casings into boreholes
- E21B33/16—Methods or devices for cementing, for plugging holes, crevices, or the like for cementing casings into boreholes using plugs for isolating cement charge; Plugs therefor
- E21B33/165—Cementing plugs specially adapted for being released down-hole
Abstract
HEAD ASSEMBLY FOR PUMP DOWN EQUIPMENT
ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE
Apparatus is provided for holding and mechanically releasing a cementing plug or the like in a subterranean well.
A cylindrical housing concentrically carries a sleeve for receipt of the plug. A lock pin holds the sleeve in position and is rotated to permit the sleeve to shift for release of an extension bridge within the sleeve holding the plug in position.
The plug then is pumped out of the apparatus and into the well with the cementitious fluid. Rotation and longitudinal movement of the apparatus can be effected at all times and cementitious fluid can be pumped completely through the apparatus before, during and after the release of the plug.
EXPRESS MAIL NO. B76921463
ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE
Apparatus is provided for holding and mechanically releasing a cementing plug or the like in a subterranean well.
A cylindrical housing concentrically carries a sleeve for receipt of the plug. A lock pin holds the sleeve in position and is rotated to permit the sleeve to shift for release of an extension bridge within the sleeve holding the plug in position.
The plug then is pumped out of the apparatus and into the well with the cementitious fluid. Rotation and longitudinal movement of the apparatus can be effected at all times and cementitious fluid can be pumped completely through the apparatus before, during and after the release of the plug.
EXPRESS MAIL NO. B76921463
Description
~387~
~lE:AD I~SSEM13LY FOR IPOMP DO~N E:QUIPMENT
.. . ......... ... I
BACKGROUND OF TElE INVENTION
1. FIELD OE~_T~IE INVENTION: The invention relates to an apparatus and method for holding and mechanically releasiny la pump down means, such as a ball or wiper plug element used during the cementing operation of a subterranean oil or gas well.
~lE:AD I~SSEM13LY FOR IPOMP DO~N E:QUIPMENT
.. . ......... ... I
BACKGROUND OF TElE INVENTION
1. FIELD OE~_T~IE INVENTION: The invention relates to an apparatus and method for holding and mechanically releasiny la pump down means, such as a ball or wiper plug element used during the cementing operation of a subterranean oil or gas well.
2. DESCRIPrrION OF THE PRIOR ART: As a step in the _ _ completion operation of a subterranean well, casing is run in-to the well and the annular area exterior of the casing and within the open bore thereafter is cemented to secure the casing within the well. Cemen-ting plugs, ball elements, and other pump down means are utilized in the cementing operation and are run ahead ;and behind the cernent slurry in order to wipe mud off the walls of the casing or drill pipe and to p~event cement from being contaminated with the drilling fluid previously circulated within the casing ancl the well. Such p]ugs are often times run into the well within the casing and behind a cement slurry in or~er to wipe the casing i.d. arld close off check valves, open stage co:l.lars, and reclose stacJe colLars duri.ny multi~tay~
cementillg operations, and the like.
In t?~e pa~t, head a~ emblles fo~ holdirlg and dropping cementing plugs and -the like have been affixed below a kelly joint and above the upper most section of the casing conduit and will relea~e the plug by application of hydraulic pressure by use of piston elements in the plug dropping head a~emblies to which are connected hydraulic hoses extending to a remo-te control panel. Obviously, in such a configuration, it is difficult, if not impossible, to rotate the kelly joint and/or casing conduit with the plug dropping head affixed thereon. At the very least, such operation tends to be extrernely cumbersome.
~3~7~
1 ~dditionally, pr.ior art plug dropp:Lny heads hclve not been able to be utilized in conjunction with the pumping of fluids wh.ich are utilized in one or more portions of the ce-l¦menting or other remedial well operation, since the plug has lelastomeric wlper fins extending along and contacting the inner wall of the plug dropping head and casing conduit. 'rhls problem has resulted in the temporary termination of a pumping operation while a plug dropping head is affixed to the casing conduit at the top of the well. Thereafter, the cementing operation is 10 l~reactivated after dropping of one or more p].ug assemblies.
Even the temporary te.rmination of the pumping operation can adversely affect the rheological properties of the cementitious or other remedial fluid within the well resulting in a loss of solids therein and viscosity.
15 , l`he present invention addresses the problems set forth above and provides a plug dropping head which permits the casing and/or kelly ~oint to be continuously rotated or lonyi-tudinally manipulated at any titne with -the pump down means, or .;pluy, carriec1 therein arld available or discharge therethrouyh 20 ,at any time.
Add:Ltional]y, tl1e present invent.iorl a:Lso provides a pl~ly droppiny head assembly in wllich the cem~tlt.itious fluid may he continuously pumped through the apparatus, from one end to ,the other, and down the casing string, both before, during and 25l!after the dropping of the plug, ball or other pump down means.
¦ SUMMARY O~ THE INVENTION
I'he present invention provides an apparatus for ¦holding and mechanically releasing a pump down rneans, such as a Iwiper plug, valve activating ball element, dart, or the like used during the cementing or other remedial operation Or or 2~7~
i 1 within a conduit withirl a subterranean well. q'he apparatus is securable on a longitudinally and rotationally manipulatable conduit member communicating with the well such that no hydrau- I
lic auxiliary control lines extend from the apparatus. Accord-ingly, the apparatus may be freely rotated with the casing orother conduit string at all times. Additionally, the apparatus permits cementitious or other fluid to be transmitted completely through the apparatus at all times ~uch that the apparatus may be positioned on the conduit without interference with the pumping of the cementitious or other remedial fluid, before, during and after the dropping of the plug or other pump down means. I
l~e apparatus comprises an elongated cylindrical housing with a cylindrical sleeve which is concentrically disposed within the houslng for receipt of the pump down tneans.
~1eans for holding the sleeve are provided in a first position ;to prevent movement of the sleeve relative -to the housiny in one direction. Means are also provided for selectively releas~
ing the sl.eeve ~rom the first posit:ion to per~it movement oE
20 the sleeve re]ative to the hous:irlcJ and exten~3ion rneans ar~ j withirl L}l~ sleeve an(~ movabL~ betweell first an(l secon(l exten- ¦
sion positiorls such that Whell the exterlsiotl means is in one oE
the extension positions, movemetlt of the pump down means is prevented in one direction and when the extension means is in 25 ! the other of said positions, movement of the pump down means is permitted through the apparatus. An annular cementing fluid tran~mission passageway is defined between the housing and the sleeve to permit continuous pumping of cementitious fluid through the apparatus and into the casing at all times while 2~3~
1 the apparatus i5 positioned on the casing for selective droppiny of the plug, ball or other pump down means.
BRIEF DESCRIPTI~N OF THE ~RAWINGS
Fig. l con~titutes a longitudinally extending half sectional view of the apparatus of the present invention with a casing conduit section extending to the well at the lowermost end thereof, the apparatus being illustrated in position for holding a cementing plug. I
Figs. 2 is a view similar to that of Fig. l, illus- ¦
trating the apparatu.s subsequent to dropping of the cementing pl ug .
Fig. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along lines 3-3 of Fig. 1.
Fig. 4 is a view taken along lines 44 of Fig. l.
Fig. 5 is a cross-sectiona] view taken along lines 5-5 of Fig. l.
Eic3. 6 is a view similar to Flg. l schernatically illustrating in a longitudinal cross-sectiorlal view, arl alter-nate ernbodiment oE the apparatu~ :Lllucstratirlc) t~)e abllity Oe the ap~aratu3 to selectively hold arld releas~ a pl.urality of pump down mearl~, SUCll a~ a wLper as~embly, ball, or the llke.
DE RIPTION OF THE PREFERRED FMBODIMENTS
Now, with reference to Fig. l, there is shown an apparatus lOO for holding and mechanically releasing a pump ~own means used during the cementing of a conduit within a subterranean well. ~le apparatus lOO has at itB uppermost end a longitudinally extending housing member lOla which receives at its uppermost ends at threads 102 the lower end of a kel3y joint, or other swivel housing S.
ll 2~3g7~
1 The housiny member lOla is secured at thre~d.s 1~3 tv a central housing me~ber lOlb. A portion of the internal diameter of the housing ~ember lOlb is enlarged at 104, such enlargement 104 providing for receipt o~ an exten~ion means, or 5 head support 112 when it is shifted to released position to per~it the plug P to be discharged through the apparatu~ 100, as detailed below.
; When the head support 112 is within the opening 104a I in the central housing member lOlb, a head support tip 112a on 10 , the uppermogt sllrface o~ the head support 112 and facing the nose P3 of the plug P, will be parallel to the smooth bore internal diameter 113 of the central housing member lOlb, thus eliminating any interference between the head support 112 and movement of a cylindrical sleeve 106 carried interiorly of the 15 ' housing ~embers lOla and lOlb.
The central housing member lOlb has a transversely projecting bore lOld for threadecl recelpt of a lock pin member 115 by means of threads 114. The lock p:in member :L15, when in ; place to secure the sleeve 1~6 in a first position prior ko Z I release o the plug P, has a lock shoulder 115c profiled for companion interfaclng with a similarly profiled shoulder 106a around the lowermost end vf the sleeve 106. When the shoulders 106a, 115c are in engagement as shown in Fig. 1 the sleeve 106 is prevented from movement in one direction to activate the release of the ~lug P.
The lock pin 115 also has at its inboa~d tip end a ~ release shoulder 115b angu]arly profiled such that a 180 rotation of the lock pin 115 by means oE an insert of tubing (not shown) or the like through a rotation bore 115a at the outboard-most end of the lock pin 115 will cause the release 2~3337~ 1 shoulder l15b to be rotated and the :lock slloulder 115c l:o come illtO mating alignment with the smooth bore 113 of the central housing member lOlb- In such position, the sleeve 106 is llpermitted to move in one direction un-til the shoulder 106a 5 I interfaces with a stop shoulder lOlc on -the central housing member lOlb.
At the lowermost end of the central housing member lOlb is a pin portion having threa(ls 105 for securement of the ~ apparatus 100 to the uppermost end of a section of drill pipe 10; C, or other conduit extendable into the subterranean well.
The plug P is inserted through the uppermost end of the apparatus 100 and i5 housed within the sleeve 106 with the nose tip P3 of the plug in abutting relationship to the head support tip 112a wllen the extension or head support 112 is 15 placed across the sleeve 105.
As shown, the plug P i5 strictly conventional in nature and its particular construction does not perform a part of the present invention. In lieu oE the plug P, any number of pump down rneans may be inserted with:in the sleeve ;l06 Cox acti-zo vation by the apparatus 100, such a~3 ballfJ, dartE3, and th~like. 1\~3 show1l~ t1?e plu(l P has a c:ircumee:ent;allY eY.tending elastomeric O~riny elemerlt P1 for receipt withirl a receiving profile within the liner wiper pLug bore of the well upon Einal 'passage of the plug P through the drill pipe C with ratchet 25 threads P2 extending toward the nose P3 from the 0-ring Pl for locking engagement of the plug P in its final and lowermost position. The plug P also has a series of outwardly extending cup-like elastomeric or Elexible wiper cups P4, P5 which, when ,the plug P is in position in the apparatus 100 and sleeve 106, 30 , I
.
2 0 3 8 ~
1 sealingly enga~es along the inner wall oE the sleeve 106 to prevent 1uid transmission across the plug P interior of the sleeve 106.
Because the plug P is in sealing securement relative to the sleeve 106 when in position as shown .in Yigs. 1, and, further, because of the interrelationship of the shoulders 115b, 115c between the lock pin 115 and the lowermost end o the sleeve 106, fluid is blocked from being transmitted through the sleeve 106 from the uppermost end of the apparatus 100 down to the string of casing C. ~lowever, there is provided between the housing members lOla, lOlb, and the sleeve 106a fluid flow annulus 107 which, at the uppermost end 108 of the sleeve 106 extends between a series oE protruding guide elements 109 and initial flow passage portions 109a therebetween. The fluid 15 .flow passageway extends in the flow annulus 1~7 and passes throuyh the sleeve 106 by means of flow port 110 to pass down-wardly throuyh the lowermost end of the apparatus 100 and into the drill pi.pe C. Accordingly, it will be apprec:iaked that at ,a].l times while a pluy E' is w.ithi.n t~le sJ.eeve 106, celnent:it.Lous 20 lor other remedia.l. fluid may be continual.l.y pusnped through the apparatus 100 and drill p:Lpe C.
The extension mearls or heacl support 112 is secured to the sleeve 106 exterior by means of a protruding hinge support ~112c. A hinge pin 112b extends between the support 112c and through a bore in a head support arm 112e to secure the head support 112 in pivota]. relationship with the sleeve 106.
In the po.sition shown in Yig. 1, the outboard surface ll2f of the arm 112e rests upon the internal diameter 113 of the central housing member lOlb to position t}-e head support ~13~.~7~ j 1 .!112 i.n e~tended positior) across the uppermost end of t'he pluy P
'land prevents movement of the plug P within the sleeve 10&.
e sleeve 106 also has a head support window 1l1 llextending through its end adjacent the uppermost portion of the ~,head support 112 to permit the head port 112 to pass there-s througll for placement within the circular openi.ng 104 of the central housing meïnber lOlb as the sleeve 106 i5 shifted to 'Irelease the plug P.
,I OPERATION
When it is desired to run a plug P into the ~ell s within the casing C, the apparatus 100 is threaded by tongs or ! otherwise at threads 105 to the drill pipe C and a kelly, : swivel or otller element S is generally afixed at the uppermost ,lend thereof. ~le apparatus 100 now is in the position as shown 15 lin Fig. 1.
With the apparatus in position as shown in Fig. 1, cemerltitious or other remedial f.luid may be intro~luced throug}l the uppermost end of t'he apparatus 100 to pass through the flow ,passage lO9a between the gu:ide members 109 and into khe E.low annulus 107 ~round t'he exterlor oE t.he s:Leeve :l06 and therlce Ithrough the ,Elow port 110 and downwardly into the dr.i.ll pipe C.
! I'he position of the w.iper cups P4, P5, relative to the internal diameter of the sleeve 106 will block fluid from passing across Ithe plug P interior of the sleeve 106.
25 I When it is desired to release the plug P, a release ,Ibolt (not shown) or other mechanical means is placed through the rotation bore 115a of t}-e lock pin 115 to manipulate the jlock pin 115 approximately 180~ to permit the lock shoulder ¦115C to become aligned with the smooth bore 113. As the lock ,1 ., ~
3~9~ !
1 interface between the shoulders 1l5b, 115c is broken, and because of the pumping of the cementi-tious fluid ~or weight of the sleeve 106 and plug P if Eluid is not being pumped at that time), -the sleeve 106 will be moved downwardly until further ,longitudinal movement is prevented by the interface of the stop shoulder 101c and the beveled shoulder 106a.
As the sleeve 106 is moved downwardly, as described, I
the outboard surface 112f of the arm 112e will come into hori- ¦
zontal alignment with tlle circular opening 104 in the central housing rnember 101b and the plug P will be urged against the head support tip 112a to shift the head support 112 into the head support window 111 and into the opening 104 to completely move the head support 112 away from the plug PO As fluid pressure is continued (or pumping initia-ted, if not previously effected) the plug P is pumped through the sleeve 106 and the central housing member 101b into the drill pipe C. The apparatus is now in the pOSitiOII as shown in Fig. 2.
Now with reference to Fig. 6, there is shown a configuration of the apparatus 100 wherein a ~eries of pluc~s Z0 and/or a plug P and ball B may be disposed wittlirl the ~ppara~us 100 for introduction .into the wel] through the dril] pipe C
I with a plurality of head support members 112 extending within ,the sleeve 106 for selective shifting into the openings 104 and ,windows 111, respectively, as companion lock pins 115 are manipulated, in series, as described above.
Although the invention has been described in terms of Ispecified embodiments which are set forth in detail, it should ,jbe understood that this i5 by illustration only and that the Iinvention is not necessarily limited thereto, since alternative _9_ 1 embodiment~ and operatiny techni~ues ~ill become apparent ko those skilled in the art in view oE the disclosure. According-ly, modifications are contemplated which can be made wikhout depar-tiny from the spirit of the described invention.
~!0
cementillg operations, and the like.
In t?~e pa~t, head a~ emblles fo~ holdirlg and dropping cementing plugs and -the like have been affixed below a kelly joint and above the upper most section of the casing conduit and will relea~e the plug by application of hydraulic pressure by use of piston elements in the plug dropping head a~emblies to which are connected hydraulic hoses extending to a remo-te control panel. Obviously, in such a configuration, it is difficult, if not impossible, to rotate the kelly joint and/or casing conduit with the plug dropping head affixed thereon. At the very least, such operation tends to be extrernely cumbersome.
~3~7~
1 ~dditionally, pr.ior art plug dropp:Lny heads hclve not been able to be utilized in conjunction with the pumping of fluids wh.ich are utilized in one or more portions of the ce-l¦menting or other remedial well operation, since the plug has lelastomeric wlper fins extending along and contacting the inner wall of the plug dropping head and casing conduit. 'rhls problem has resulted in the temporary termination of a pumping operation while a plug dropping head is affixed to the casing conduit at the top of the well. Thereafter, the cementing operation is 10 l~reactivated after dropping of one or more p].ug assemblies.
Even the temporary te.rmination of the pumping operation can adversely affect the rheological properties of the cementitious or other remedial fluid within the well resulting in a loss of solids therein and viscosity.
15 , l`he present invention addresses the problems set forth above and provides a plug dropping head which permits the casing and/or kelly ~oint to be continuously rotated or lonyi-tudinally manipulated at any titne with -the pump down means, or .;pluy, carriec1 therein arld available or discharge therethrouyh 20 ,at any time.
Add:Ltional]y, tl1e present invent.iorl a:Lso provides a pl~ly droppiny head assembly in wllich the cem~tlt.itious fluid may he continuously pumped through the apparatus, from one end to ,the other, and down the casing string, both before, during and 25l!after the dropping of the plug, ball or other pump down means.
¦ SUMMARY O~ THE INVENTION
I'he present invention provides an apparatus for ¦holding and mechanically releasing a pump down rneans, such as a Iwiper plug, valve activating ball element, dart, or the like used during the cementing or other remedial operation Or or 2~7~
i 1 within a conduit withirl a subterranean well. q'he apparatus is securable on a longitudinally and rotationally manipulatable conduit member communicating with the well such that no hydrau- I
lic auxiliary control lines extend from the apparatus. Accord-ingly, the apparatus may be freely rotated with the casing orother conduit string at all times. Additionally, the apparatus permits cementitious or other fluid to be transmitted completely through the apparatus at all times ~uch that the apparatus may be positioned on the conduit without interference with the pumping of the cementitious or other remedial fluid, before, during and after the dropping of the plug or other pump down means. I
l~e apparatus comprises an elongated cylindrical housing with a cylindrical sleeve which is concentrically disposed within the houslng for receipt of the pump down tneans.
~1eans for holding the sleeve are provided in a first position ;to prevent movement of the sleeve relative -to the housiny in one direction. Means are also provided for selectively releas~
ing the sl.eeve ~rom the first posit:ion to per~it movement oE
20 the sleeve re]ative to the hous:irlcJ and exten~3ion rneans ar~ j withirl L}l~ sleeve an(~ movabL~ betweell first an(l secon(l exten- ¦
sion positiorls such that Whell the exterlsiotl means is in one oE
the extension positions, movemetlt of the pump down means is prevented in one direction and when the extension means is in 25 ! the other of said positions, movement of the pump down means is permitted through the apparatus. An annular cementing fluid tran~mission passageway is defined between the housing and the sleeve to permit continuous pumping of cementitious fluid through the apparatus and into the casing at all times while 2~3~
1 the apparatus i5 positioned on the casing for selective droppiny of the plug, ball or other pump down means.
BRIEF DESCRIPTI~N OF THE ~RAWINGS
Fig. l con~titutes a longitudinally extending half sectional view of the apparatus of the present invention with a casing conduit section extending to the well at the lowermost end thereof, the apparatus being illustrated in position for holding a cementing plug. I
Figs. 2 is a view similar to that of Fig. l, illus- ¦
trating the apparatu.s subsequent to dropping of the cementing pl ug .
Fig. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along lines 3-3 of Fig. 1.
Fig. 4 is a view taken along lines 44 of Fig. l.
Fig. 5 is a cross-sectiona] view taken along lines 5-5 of Fig. l.
Eic3. 6 is a view similar to Flg. l schernatically illustrating in a longitudinal cross-sectiorlal view, arl alter-nate ernbodiment oE the apparatu~ :Lllucstratirlc) t~)e abllity Oe the ap~aratu3 to selectively hold arld releas~ a pl.urality of pump down mearl~, SUCll a~ a wLper as~embly, ball, or the llke.
DE RIPTION OF THE PREFERRED FMBODIMENTS
Now, with reference to Fig. l, there is shown an apparatus lOO for holding and mechanically releasing a pump ~own means used during the cementing of a conduit within a subterranean well. ~le apparatus lOO has at itB uppermost end a longitudinally extending housing member lOla which receives at its uppermost ends at threads 102 the lower end of a kel3y joint, or other swivel housing S.
ll 2~3g7~
1 The housiny member lOla is secured at thre~d.s 1~3 tv a central housing me~ber lOlb. A portion of the internal diameter of the housing ~ember lOlb is enlarged at 104, such enlargement 104 providing for receipt o~ an exten~ion means, or 5 head support 112 when it is shifted to released position to per~it the plug P to be discharged through the apparatu~ 100, as detailed below.
; When the head support 112 is within the opening 104a I in the central housing member lOlb, a head support tip 112a on 10 , the uppermogt sllrface o~ the head support 112 and facing the nose P3 of the plug P, will be parallel to the smooth bore internal diameter 113 of the central housing member lOlb, thus eliminating any interference between the head support 112 and movement of a cylindrical sleeve 106 carried interiorly of the 15 ' housing ~embers lOla and lOlb.
The central housing member lOlb has a transversely projecting bore lOld for threadecl recelpt of a lock pin member 115 by means of threads 114. The lock p:in member :L15, when in ; place to secure the sleeve 1~6 in a first position prior ko Z I release o the plug P, has a lock shoulder 115c profiled for companion interfaclng with a similarly profiled shoulder 106a around the lowermost end vf the sleeve 106. When the shoulders 106a, 115c are in engagement as shown in Fig. 1 the sleeve 106 is prevented from movement in one direction to activate the release of the ~lug P.
The lock pin 115 also has at its inboa~d tip end a ~ release shoulder 115b angu]arly profiled such that a 180 rotation of the lock pin 115 by means oE an insert of tubing (not shown) or the like through a rotation bore 115a at the outboard-most end of the lock pin 115 will cause the release 2~3337~ 1 shoulder l15b to be rotated and the :lock slloulder 115c l:o come illtO mating alignment with the smooth bore 113 of the central housing member lOlb- In such position, the sleeve 106 is llpermitted to move in one direction un-til the shoulder 106a 5 I interfaces with a stop shoulder lOlc on -the central housing member lOlb.
At the lowermost end of the central housing member lOlb is a pin portion having threa(ls 105 for securement of the ~ apparatus 100 to the uppermost end of a section of drill pipe 10; C, or other conduit extendable into the subterranean well.
The plug P is inserted through the uppermost end of the apparatus 100 and i5 housed within the sleeve 106 with the nose tip P3 of the plug in abutting relationship to the head support tip 112a wllen the extension or head support 112 is 15 placed across the sleeve 105.
As shown, the plug P i5 strictly conventional in nature and its particular construction does not perform a part of the present invention. In lieu oE the plug P, any number of pump down rneans may be inserted with:in the sleeve ;l06 Cox acti-zo vation by the apparatus 100, such a~3 ballfJ, dartE3, and th~like. 1\~3 show1l~ t1?e plu(l P has a c:ircumee:ent;allY eY.tending elastomeric O~riny elemerlt P1 for receipt withirl a receiving profile within the liner wiper pLug bore of the well upon Einal 'passage of the plug P through the drill pipe C with ratchet 25 threads P2 extending toward the nose P3 from the 0-ring Pl for locking engagement of the plug P in its final and lowermost position. The plug P also has a series of outwardly extending cup-like elastomeric or Elexible wiper cups P4, P5 which, when ,the plug P is in position in the apparatus 100 and sleeve 106, 30 , I
.
2 0 3 8 ~
1 sealingly enga~es along the inner wall oE the sleeve 106 to prevent 1uid transmission across the plug P interior of the sleeve 106.
Because the plug P is in sealing securement relative to the sleeve 106 when in position as shown .in Yigs. 1, and, further, because of the interrelationship of the shoulders 115b, 115c between the lock pin 115 and the lowermost end o the sleeve 106, fluid is blocked from being transmitted through the sleeve 106 from the uppermost end of the apparatus 100 down to the string of casing C. ~lowever, there is provided between the housing members lOla, lOlb, and the sleeve 106a fluid flow annulus 107 which, at the uppermost end 108 of the sleeve 106 extends between a series oE protruding guide elements 109 and initial flow passage portions 109a therebetween. The fluid 15 .flow passageway extends in the flow annulus 1~7 and passes throuyh the sleeve 106 by means of flow port 110 to pass down-wardly throuyh the lowermost end of the apparatus 100 and into the drill pi.pe C. Accordingly, it will be apprec:iaked that at ,a].l times while a pluy E' is w.ithi.n t~le sJ.eeve 106, celnent:it.Lous 20 lor other remedia.l. fluid may be continual.l.y pusnped through the apparatus 100 and drill p:Lpe C.
The extension mearls or heacl support 112 is secured to the sleeve 106 exterior by means of a protruding hinge support ~112c. A hinge pin 112b extends between the support 112c and through a bore in a head support arm 112e to secure the head support 112 in pivota]. relationship with the sleeve 106.
In the po.sition shown in Yig. 1, the outboard surface ll2f of the arm 112e rests upon the internal diameter 113 of the central housing member lOlb to position t}-e head support ~13~.~7~ j 1 .!112 i.n e~tended positior) across the uppermost end of t'he pluy P
'land prevents movement of the plug P within the sleeve 10&.
e sleeve 106 also has a head support window 1l1 llextending through its end adjacent the uppermost portion of the ~,head support 112 to permit the head port 112 to pass there-s througll for placement within the circular openi.ng 104 of the central housing meïnber lOlb as the sleeve 106 i5 shifted to 'Irelease the plug P.
,I OPERATION
When it is desired to run a plug P into the ~ell s within the casing C, the apparatus 100 is threaded by tongs or ! otherwise at threads 105 to the drill pipe C and a kelly, : swivel or otller element S is generally afixed at the uppermost ,lend thereof. ~le apparatus 100 now is in the position as shown 15 lin Fig. 1.
With the apparatus in position as shown in Fig. 1, cemerltitious or other remedial f.luid may be intro~luced throug}l the uppermost end of t'he apparatus 100 to pass through the flow ,passage lO9a between the gu:ide members 109 and into khe E.low annulus 107 ~round t'he exterlor oE t.he s:Leeve :l06 and therlce Ithrough the ,Elow port 110 and downwardly into the dr.i.ll pipe C.
! I'he position of the w.iper cups P4, P5, relative to the internal diameter of the sleeve 106 will block fluid from passing across Ithe plug P interior of the sleeve 106.
25 I When it is desired to release the plug P, a release ,Ibolt (not shown) or other mechanical means is placed through the rotation bore 115a of t}-e lock pin 115 to manipulate the jlock pin 115 approximately 180~ to permit the lock shoulder ¦115C to become aligned with the smooth bore 113. As the lock ,1 ., ~
3~9~ !
1 interface between the shoulders 1l5b, 115c is broken, and because of the pumping of the cementi-tious fluid ~or weight of the sleeve 106 and plug P if Eluid is not being pumped at that time), -the sleeve 106 will be moved downwardly until further ,longitudinal movement is prevented by the interface of the stop shoulder 101c and the beveled shoulder 106a.
As the sleeve 106 is moved downwardly, as described, I
the outboard surface 112f of the arm 112e will come into hori- ¦
zontal alignment with tlle circular opening 104 in the central housing rnember 101b and the plug P will be urged against the head support tip 112a to shift the head support 112 into the head support window 111 and into the opening 104 to completely move the head support 112 away from the plug PO As fluid pressure is continued (or pumping initia-ted, if not previously effected) the plug P is pumped through the sleeve 106 and the central housing member 101b into the drill pipe C. The apparatus is now in the pOSitiOII as shown in Fig. 2.
Now with reference to Fig. 6, there is shown a configuration of the apparatus 100 wherein a ~eries of pluc~s Z0 and/or a plug P and ball B may be disposed wittlirl the ~ppara~us 100 for introduction .into the wel] through the dril] pipe C
I with a plurality of head support members 112 extending within ,the sleeve 106 for selective shifting into the openings 104 and ,windows 111, respectively, as companion lock pins 115 are manipulated, in series, as described above.
Although the invention has been described in terms of Ispecified embodiments which are set forth in detail, it should ,jbe understood that this i5 by illustration only and that the Iinvention is not necessarily limited thereto, since alternative _9_ 1 embodiment~ and operatiny techni~ues ~ill become apparent ko those skilled in the art in view oE the disclosure. According-ly, modifications are contemplated which can be made wikhout depar-tiny from the spirit of the described invention.
~!0
Claims (9)
1. An apparatus for holding and mechanically releas-ing a pump down means used during the cementing of a conduit within a subterranean well, said apparatus being securable on a longitudinally and rotationally manipulatable conduit member communicating with said well said apparatus comprising:
(1) an elongated cylindrical housings (2) a cylindrical sleeve concentrically disposed therein for receipt of said pump down means;
(3) means for holding said sleeve in a first position and preventing movement of said sleeve relative to said housing in one direction;
(4) means for selectively releasing said sleeve from said first position to thereby permit movement of said sleeve relative to said housing (5) extension means within said sleeve and movable between first and second extension positions, said extension means when in one of said extension positions preventing movement of said pump down means in one direction and when in the other of said exten-sion positions permitting passage of said pump down means through said apparatus; and (6) an annular cementing fluid transmission passageway defined between said housing and said sleeve and from one end of said apparatus to the other end of said apparatus.
(1) an elongated cylindrical housings (2) a cylindrical sleeve concentrically disposed therein for receipt of said pump down means;
(3) means for holding said sleeve in a first position and preventing movement of said sleeve relative to said housing in one direction;
(4) means for selectively releasing said sleeve from said first position to thereby permit movement of said sleeve relative to said housing (5) extension means within said sleeve and movable between first and second extension positions, said extension means when in one of said extension positions preventing movement of said pump down means in one direction and when in the other of said exten-sion positions permitting passage of said pump down means through said apparatus; and (6) an annular cementing fluid transmission passageway defined between said housing and said sleeve and from one end of said apparatus to the other end of said apparatus.
2. The apparatus of Claim 1 further comprising an opening in said housing for receipt of said extension means when said extension means is moved to said second extension position.
3. The apparatus of Claim 1 further comprising: a hinge support on said cylindrical housing, hinge means extending from said hinge support to said extension means and permitting pivotal movement of said extension means relative to said cylindrical housing.
4. The apparatus of Claim 1 wherein said means for holding said sleeve comprises a pin element projecting through said cylindrical housing and having a protruding profiled tip on an inboard end thereof for mating contact with a companion shoulder on said sleeve.
5. The apparatus of Claim 1 wherein said means for holding said sleeve comprises a threadably secured manually rotatable pin element projecting through said cylindrical housing and having a protruding profiled tip on the inboard end thereof for mating contact with a companion shoulder on said sleeve.
6. The apparatus of Claim 1 wherein said means for holding said sleeve comprises a pin element projecting through said cylindrical housing and having a protruding profiled tip on an inboard end thereof for mating contact with a companion shoulder on said sleeve, said profiled tip traversing an offset release shoulder rotationally alignable relative to said sleeve and said cylinder to release said holding means relative to said sleeve.
7. The apparatus of Claim 1 wherein said means for holding said sleeve comprises a pin element projecting through said cylindrical housing and having a protruding profiled tip on an inboard end thereof for mating contact with a companion shoulder on said sleeve, said profiled tip traversing an offset release shoulder rotationally alignable relative to said sleeve and said cylinder to release said holding means relative to said sleeve, whereby upon rotation of said pin element approxi-mately 180°, said offset release shoulder is in parallel align-ment with said sleeve and said cylindrical housing.
8. The apparatus of Claim 1 wherein the pump down means is a liner wiper plug.
9. A method of mechanically releasing a pump clown means used during the cementing of a conduit within a subterra-nean well while continuously pumping a cementitious fluid through said apparatus prior to, during and subsequent to said releasing, comprising the steps of:
(a) assembling at the top of the well and below a rotational kelly joint an apparatus comprising:
(I) an elongated cylindrical housing, (2) a cylindrical sleeve concentrically disposed therein for receipt of said pump down means;
(3) means for holding said sleeve in a first position and preventing movement of said sleeve relative to said housing in one direction, (4) means for selectively releasing said sleeve from said first position to thereby permit movement of said sleeve relative to said housing;
(5) extension means within said sleeve and movable between first and second extension posi-tions, said extension means when in one of said extension positions preventing movement of said pump down means in one direction and when in the other of said extension positions permitting passage of said pump down means through said apparatus (6) an annular cementing fluid transmission passageway defined between said housing and said sleeve and from one end of said apparatus to the other end of said apparatus; and (7) pump down means within said sleeve and being positioned to prevent longitudinal movement in one direction by said extension means, said pump down means being sealingly positioned relative to said cylindrical sleeve to prevent fluid flow from one end of said sleeve to the other end of said sleeve;
(b) introducing a cementitious fluid through said apparatus and within said annular cementing fluid transmission passageway and (c) moving said extension means from said first extension position to said second extension position to thereby permit said cementitious fluid to shift said cylindrical sleeve to a second position and move said extension means to the other of said extension positions to permit passage of said pump down means through said apparatus with said cementitious fluid flow.
(a) assembling at the top of the well and below a rotational kelly joint an apparatus comprising:
(I) an elongated cylindrical housing, (2) a cylindrical sleeve concentrically disposed therein for receipt of said pump down means;
(3) means for holding said sleeve in a first position and preventing movement of said sleeve relative to said housing in one direction, (4) means for selectively releasing said sleeve from said first position to thereby permit movement of said sleeve relative to said housing;
(5) extension means within said sleeve and movable between first and second extension posi-tions, said extension means when in one of said extension positions preventing movement of said pump down means in one direction and when in the other of said extension positions permitting passage of said pump down means through said apparatus (6) an annular cementing fluid transmission passageway defined between said housing and said sleeve and from one end of said apparatus to the other end of said apparatus; and (7) pump down means within said sleeve and being positioned to prevent longitudinal movement in one direction by said extension means, said pump down means being sealingly positioned relative to said cylindrical sleeve to prevent fluid flow from one end of said sleeve to the other end of said sleeve;
(b) introducing a cementitious fluid through said apparatus and within said annular cementing fluid transmission passageway and (c) moving said extension means from said first extension position to said second extension position to thereby permit said cementitious fluid to shift said cylindrical sleeve to a second position and move said extension means to the other of said extension positions to permit passage of said pump down means through said apparatus with said cementitious fluid flow.
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| US49741390A | 1990-03-22 | 1990-03-22 | |
| US497,413 | 1990-03-22 |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2038798A1 true CA2038798A1 (en) | 1991-09-23 |
Family
ID=23976761
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA002038798A Abandoned CA2038798A1 (en) | 1990-03-22 | 1991-03-21 | Head assembly for pump down equipment |
Country Status (3)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA2038798A1 (en) |
| GB (1) | GB2242215A (en) |
| NO (1) | NO911148L (en) |
Cited By (1)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US11466534B2 (en) | 2019-05-09 | 2022-10-11 | Noetic Technologies Inc. | Cementing head apparatus |
Families Citing this family (1)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US10941631B2 (en) | 2019-02-26 | 2021-03-09 | Saudi Arabian Oil Company | Cementing plug system |
Family Cites Families (5)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US3444928A (en) * | 1967-11-03 | 1969-05-20 | Dow Chemical Co | Plug injector apparatus |
| GB1419285A (en) * | 1973-12-06 | 1975-12-31 | Delano C G | Method and apparatus for cementing well bores |
| US3971436A (en) * | 1975-02-25 | 1976-07-27 | Fishing Tools, Inc. | Cementing head |
| US4722389A (en) * | 1986-08-06 | 1988-02-02 | Texas Iron Works, Inc. | Well bore servicing arrangement |
| US4854383A (en) * | 1988-09-27 | 1989-08-08 | Texas Iron Works, Inc. | Manifold arrangement for use with a top drive power unit |
-
1991
- 1991-03-21 NO NO91911148A patent/NO911148L/en unknown
- 1991-03-21 GB GB9106038A patent/GB2242215A/en not_active Withdrawn
- 1991-03-21 CA CA002038798A patent/CA2038798A1/en not_active Abandoned
Cited By (1)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US11466534B2 (en) | 2019-05-09 | 2022-10-11 | Noetic Technologies Inc. | Cementing head apparatus |
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| NO911148D0 (en) | 1991-03-21 |
| NO911148L (en) | 1991-09-23 |
| GB9106038D0 (en) | 1991-05-08 |
| GB2242215A (en) | 1991-09-25 |
Similar Documents
| Publication | Publication Date | Title |
|---|---|---|
| CA2303662C (en) | Mud saver kelly valve | |
| EP0564564B1 (en) | Low spill identical half coupling | |
| CA1140107A (en) | Kelly valve | |
| US8201804B2 (en) | Apparatus for uninterrupted flushing a well bore | |
| US11686178B2 (en) | Cleanout tools and related methods of operation | |
| NO311307B1 (en) | Connection for connecting a cylindrical element | |
| WO2009009281A2 (en) | Incremental annular choke | |
| GB2082651A (en) | Method and apparatus for the control of fluid flow | |
| US20020117307A1 (en) | Oil well casing centralizer coupling | |
| CA1237663A (en) | Misalignment tieback tool - swivel connection | |
| CA1134741A (en) | Valve apparatus | |
| CA2160817C (en) | Subsurface safety valve | |
| US4421171A (en) | Valve operable under oppositely directed pressure differentials | |
| US7308902B2 (en) | Subsea valve assembly with replaceable fixed orifice insert | |
| CA1141655A (en) | Method and apparatus for selective disengagement of a fluid transmission conduit and for control of fluid transmission from a well zone | |
| CA2038798A1 (en) | Head assembly for pump down equipment | |
| CA1194408A (en) | Kelly cock rotary drive mechanism | |
| US6095250A (en) | Subsurface safety valve assembly for remedial deployment in a hydrocarbon production well | |
| US3847372A (en) | Drilling fluid saver and safety valve | |
| CA2116301A1 (en) | Flow control assembly for coiled tubing | |
| CN209523727U (en) | The torque transfer arrangement of set packer and packer on a kind of sand control pipe | |
| US7621331B2 (en) | Fluid communication nipple having an interior passageway with an interior wall section that may be opened to establish fluid communication with the passageway | |
| NO20211150A1 (en) | Disinfection device for disinfecting at least a part of a trolley | |
| US10344562B2 (en) | Riser annular isolation device | |
| WO2004018831A1 (en) | A spearhead assembly |
Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| FZDE | Discontinued |