CA2116301A1 - Flow control assembly for coiled tubing - Google Patents
Flow control assembly for coiled tubingInfo
- Publication number
- CA2116301A1 CA2116301A1 CA002116301A CA2116301A CA2116301A1 CA 2116301 A1 CA2116301 A1 CA 2116301A1 CA 002116301 A CA002116301 A CA 002116301A CA 2116301 A CA2116301 A CA 2116301A CA 2116301 A1 CA2116301 A1 CA 2116301A1
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- assembly
- well
- housing
- coiled tubing
- fluid
- 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 47
- 230000005540 biological transmission Effects 0.000 claims description 9
- 239000000835 fiber Substances 0.000 claims description 3
- 239000007789 gas Substances 0.000 description 7
- 238000007789 sealing Methods 0.000 description 3
- IJGRMHOSHXDMSA-UHFFFAOYSA-N Atomic nitrogen Chemical compound N#N IJGRMHOSHXDMSA-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 2
- 230000000712 assembly Effects 0.000 description 2
- 238000000429 assembly Methods 0.000 description 2
- 235000017276 Salvia Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 241001072909 Salvia Species 0.000 description 1
- 239000002253 acid Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000004568 cement Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000004140 cleaning Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000006835 compression Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000007906 compression Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000001143 conditioned effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000007797 corrosion Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000005260 corrosion Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000002788 crimping Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000007599 discharging Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000006260 foam Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000003112 inhibitor Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000003780 insertion Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000037431 insertion Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000001788 irregular Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000011499 joint compound Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000012986 modification Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000004048 modification Effects 0.000 description 1
- 229910052757 nitrogen Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 239000012188 paraffin wax Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000002285 radioactive effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000012858 resilient material Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000006467 substitution reaction Methods 0.000 description 1
- XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N water Substances O XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
Classifications
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E21—EARTH OR ROCK DRILLING; MINING
- E21B—EARTH OR ROCK DRILLING; OBTAINING OIL, GAS, WATER, SOLUBLE OR MELTABLE MATERIALS OR A SLURRY OF MINERALS FROM WELLS
- E21B21/00—Methods or apparatus for flushing boreholes, e.g. by use of exhaust air from motor
- E21B21/10—Valve arrangements in drilling-fluid circulation systems
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E21—EARTH OR ROCK DRILLING; MINING
- E21B—EARTH OR ROCK DRILLING; OBTAINING OIL, GAS, WATER, SOLUBLE OR MELTABLE MATERIALS OR A SLURRY OF MINERALS FROM WELLS
- E21B17/00—Drilling rods or pipes; Flexible drill strings; Kellies; Drill collars; Sucker rods; Cables; Casings; Tubings
- E21B17/02—Couplings; joints
- E21B17/04—Couplings; joints between rod or the like and bit or between rod and rod or the like
- E21B17/041—Couplings; joints between rod or the like and bit or between rod and rod or the like specially adapted for coiled tubing
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E21—EARTH OR ROCK DRILLING; MINING
- E21B—EARTH OR ROCK DRILLING; OBTAINING OIL, GAS, WATER, SOLUBLE OR MELTABLE MATERIALS OR A SLURRY OF MINERALS FROM WELLS
- E21B17/00—Drilling rods or pipes; Flexible drill strings; Kellies; Drill collars; Sucker rods; Cables; Casings; Tubings
- E21B17/20—Flexible or articulated drilling pipes, e.g. flexible or articulated rods, pipes or cables
- E21B17/206—Flexible or articulated drilling pipes, e.g. flexible or articulated rods, pipes or cables with conductors, e.g. electrical, optical
Landscapes
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
- Geology (AREA)
- Mining & Mineral Resources (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- Environmental & Geological Engineering (AREA)
- Fluid Mechanics (AREA)
- General Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
- Geochemistry & Mineralogy (AREA)
- Quick-Acting Or Multi-Walled Pipe Joints (AREA)
- Valve Housings (AREA)
Abstract
Abstract of the Disclosure A flow control assembly for use with coiled tubing in an earth well.
The assembly includes a tubular housing connecting said coiled tubing to equipment for operating in the well. An operating fluid is passed from above ground through the coiled tubing and into the bore of the housing. At least one passage extends through the housing and communicates the bore with said well, and a valve cooperates with said passage for controlling the flow of fluid between the housing and the well. The assembly can accommodate an elongated member, such as an electrical cable, or the like.
The assembly includes a tubular housing connecting said coiled tubing to equipment for operating in the well. An operating fluid is passed from above ground through the coiled tubing and into the bore of the housing. At least one passage extends through the housing and communicates the bore with said well, and a valve cooperates with said passage for controlling the flow of fluid between the housing and the well. The assembly can accommodate an elongated member, such as an electrical cable, or the like.
Description
211~301 FLOW CONTROL ASSEMBLY FOR COILED TUBING
Backqround of the Invention The present invention relates to a flow control assembly that connects coiled tubing to a tool for operating in an oil and gas earth well and, more particularly, to such an assembly for selectively controlling the flow of fluid from the coil tubing into the well.
In the operation of subterranean oil and gas earth wells, it i8 often necessary to perform several downhole operations in the well. To this end, many different types of downhole tools have evolved which often are inserted in the well by wireline to a predetermined depth where they perform their functions.
Coiled tubing i8 now often being used in these types of downhole applications in place of the wireline since the coiled tubing has several advantages. For example, coiled tubing can traverse highly deviated or horizontal wells and fluids or gases can be discharged through the coiled tubing and into the well for various purposes such as actuating hydraulic equipment, cleaning and/or replacing any fluids displaced as a result of the insertion of the coiled tubing and the associated tool, etc. Also, radioactive fluids, foam, paraffin, nitrogen, mud, corrosion inhibitors, spotting acid, cement, and the like, can be introduced into the well for performing various function~. Further, in certain circumstances, fluid, such as water, can be circulated through the coiled tubing to maintain a pressure balance across the wall of the coiled tubing when well fluids are acting on the outer surace of the wall.
In order to provide for discharge of the fluid or gas into the wellbore, a tubular adapter or housing is usually connected between the coiled tubing and the downholeitool. One or more passages are provided through the wall of the adapter for receiving the fluid or gas from the coiled tubing and diseharging it into the wellbore. For example, in U.S. Patent No. 5,040,59a, assigned to the assignee of the present application, a pulling tool is diselosed whieh is eonnected to reeled, or coiled, tubing by an assembly including an inner mandrel and a tubular core. A plurality of angularly spaeed passages extend through the eore or discharging fluid from the bore o the core externally of the core. However, in situations when the wellbore 21~6301 :~
.
:
often contains fluid or gas under pressure, the fluids or gas could escape through the passage in the adapter and backflow through the coiled tubing to the ground surface. This, of course, could present a safety hazard, especially in the event of failure of any of the above-ground equipment.
The above problem is compounded when the downhole tool requires electrical power which necessitates the provision of electrical cable extending from a power source above ground, through the coiled tubing and the adapter, and to the tool. Since this creates space limitations in the bore of the adapter, it is difficult, if not impossible, to install valving to control the fluid flow through the passage in the adapter.
Summarv of the Invention It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide an assembly for connecting coiled tubing to a downhole tool.
It is a still further object of the present invention to provide an assembly of the above type in which fluid can be selectively passed through the coiled tubing and discharged externally thereof.
It is a still further object of the present invention to provide an assembly of the above type in which backflow of the well fluid from the well I i9 prevented. ~ ;~
It is a further object of the present invention to provide an assembly of the above type which permits the above-mentioned fluid control yet accommodates an electrical cable. 9 Toward the fulfillment of these and other objects, the assembly of the present invention is adapted for connection between coiled tubing and a downhole tool. An elongated member, such as an electrical cable, extends through the coiled tubing and the connecting assembly of the present invention for connection to the tool. The connecting assembly includes a tubular housing and the inner surface of the housing and the outer surface of the cable defines an annular chamber for receiving an operating fluid from above ground. At least one passage extends through the housing and communicates the chamber with the wellbore. A valve is disposed in the passage for controlling fluid flow between the chamber and the wellbore under certain fluid pressure conditions.
. .~
Brief Description of the Drawinqs The above brief description, as well as further objects, features and advantages of the present invention will be more fully appreciated by reference to the following detailed description of the presently preferred but nonetheless illustrative embodiments in accordance with the present invention when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings wherein:
FIG. 1 is a schematic view, partially in elevation and section, and partially broken away, of an earth well showing the assembly of the present invention inserted therein; and FIG. 2 is an enlarged, longitudinal, cross-sectional view of the assembly of the present invention.
nescription of the Preferred Embodiment Referring to FIG. l of the drawings, the reference numeral 10 refers to a casing passing through a vertical earth well 12. A string of well tubing 14 is located in the casing 10 and extends in a coaxial relationship to the casing. Two axially spaced packers 16 and 18 extend in the annular space between the outer surface of the tubing 14 and the inner surface of the casing 10 to isolate and seal the space therebetween, in a conventional manner. It i8 understood that other packers can be provided in a spaced relation to the packers 16 and 18, as needed. ;~
A section of coiled tubing 20 is stored on a reel 22 above ground and is injected into the casing 10 and the well tubing 14 by an injector 24. It is understood that a manlfold (not shown) is provided which includes the necessary pumps, valves, and fluid reservoirs to discharge a fluid into and through the coiled tubing 20. It is also understood that a wellhead valve not!shown) is used to control vertical access to, and fluid communication with, the upper portion of the well tubing, and blowout preventers, or other sealing equipment (not shown), can be installed to block fluid flow during emergency conditions. Since the~e components are conventional they will not be described in any further detail.
An adapter assembly 26 is connected to the distal end of the coiled tubing 20 and is for the purpose of connecting the coiled tubing to a downhole ~ ;
tool, or other similar equipment (not shown). As better shown in FIG. 2, the --` 2116301 , assembly 26 includes an elongated tubular housing 28, the upper end portion of which defines an irregular surface. The distal end portion of the coiled j tubing 20 is crimped over the above-mentioned upper end portion of the housing j 28 to secure the coiled tubing to the housing in a conventional manner. A
pair of axially spaced annular seal rings 30a and 30b extend in corresponding grooves formed in the outer surface of the housing 28 and in sealing engagement with the corresponding inner surface of the coiled tubing 20.
An electrical cable 32 extends from above ground and through the length ~ of the coiled tubing 20 for connecting to a downhole tool or other type j equipment (not shown) extending below, and connected relative to the housing 28. The outer surface of the cable 32 is spaced from the inner surface of the housing 28 to define an annular chamber for receiving operating fluid, as will be described.
A portion of the housing 28 is milled out to form two diametrically i opposed, radial passages 28a and 28b extending inwardly from the outer surface of the housing 28, and two diametrically opposed angléd passages 28c and 28d extending from the bore of the housing to the passages 28a and 28b.
Two additional portions of the outer surface of the housing 28 are milled out in the vicinity of the pa~sages 28a and 28c and the passages 28b ~;
and 28d, respectively, to form two diametrically opposed, enlarged grooves, 28e and 28f, respectively. The groove 28e communicates with the passages 28a and 28c and the groove 28f communicates with the pas~ages 28b and 28d. Two ball valves 34a and 34b are located at the lower ends of the passages 28a and 28b, respectively, and are sized to seal off the passages under conditions that will be described. Two spring retainers 36a and 36b engage the ball valves 34a and 34b, respectively, and two helical compression springs 38a and 38b extend between the retainers 36a and 36b and two spring caps 40a and 40b, raspectively. The spring caps 40a and 40b are wedged in an area between the corresponding outer surface portions of the housing 28 and a jam-nut sleeve 42 which is in threaded engagement with a corresponding threaded outer surface portion of the housing 28. Thus, upward advancement of the sleeve 42 relative to the housing 28 wedges the spring caps 40a and 40b in the position shown.
The springs 38a and 38b normally bias the ball valves 34a and 34b into a seating position against the corresponding surfaces of the housing 28 where they block the pas~ages 28a and 28b, respectively. However, the springs 38a and 38b are each calibrated to yield to a predetermined force against the ball valves 34a and 34b caused by fluid pressure in the passages 28a and 28b exceeding a predetermined amount to permit flow through the latter passages, under conditions that will be described. FIG. 2 depicts the ball valve 34a in its open position and the ball valve 34b in its closed position for the purpose of illustration only, it being understood that under normal conditions, both valves would operate in the same manner, as will be described.
The bore of the tubular housing 28 is enlarged at its lower end portion and tapered at the upper end of the enlarged portion to receive a packoff member 44 of a resilient material such as rubber, which sealingly engages the corresponding outer surface of the cable 32 and the inner surface of the housing 28. The upper end portion of the packoff member 44 is tapered to correspond to the taper of the corresponding tapered surface of the bore of the housing 28, and the lower end portion of the member 44 is similarly tapered for engagement by a packoff nut 46, the upper end portion of which has a complemental taper.
~ The packoff nut 46 has an outer threaded surface in threaded engagement ;~ with a corresponding inner threaded surface of the housing 28 90 that upward advancement of the packoff nut 46 against the packoff member 44 forces the latter member into sealing engagement with the corresponding outer surface of the cabIe 32 and the inner surface of the housing 28. The lower end portion i ~ of the housing 218 extends below the lower end of the packoff nut 46 and has an internally threaded portion for receiving a downhole tool (not shown) and its associated apparatus such as a cable clamp, an adapter, etc.
In operation, the connector assembly 26 is connected to the coiled tubing 20 by crimping the lower end portion of the coiled tubing over the upper end portion of the housing 28 as described above, and a downhole tool including a string of associated equipment is connected to the lower end :~
portion of the housing 28. For example, the downhole tool could be an ,:
Backqround of the Invention The present invention relates to a flow control assembly that connects coiled tubing to a tool for operating in an oil and gas earth well and, more particularly, to such an assembly for selectively controlling the flow of fluid from the coil tubing into the well.
In the operation of subterranean oil and gas earth wells, it i8 often necessary to perform several downhole operations in the well. To this end, many different types of downhole tools have evolved which often are inserted in the well by wireline to a predetermined depth where they perform their functions.
Coiled tubing i8 now often being used in these types of downhole applications in place of the wireline since the coiled tubing has several advantages. For example, coiled tubing can traverse highly deviated or horizontal wells and fluids or gases can be discharged through the coiled tubing and into the well for various purposes such as actuating hydraulic equipment, cleaning and/or replacing any fluids displaced as a result of the insertion of the coiled tubing and the associated tool, etc. Also, radioactive fluids, foam, paraffin, nitrogen, mud, corrosion inhibitors, spotting acid, cement, and the like, can be introduced into the well for performing various function~. Further, in certain circumstances, fluid, such as water, can be circulated through the coiled tubing to maintain a pressure balance across the wall of the coiled tubing when well fluids are acting on the outer surace of the wall.
In order to provide for discharge of the fluid or gas into the wellbore, a tubular adapter or housing is usually connected between the coiled tubing and the downholeitool. One or more passages are provided through the wall of the adapter for receiving the fluid or gas from the coiled tubing and diseharging it into the wellbore. For example, in U.S. Patent No. 5,040,59a, assigned to the assignee of the present application, a pulling tool is diselosed whieh is eonnected to reeled, or coiled, tubing by an assembly including an inner mandrel and a tubular core. A plurality of angularly spaeed passages extend through the eore or discharging fluid from the bore o the core externally of the core. However, in situations when the wellbore 21~6301 :~
.
:
often contains fluid or gas under pressure, the fluids or gas could escape through the passage in the adapter and backflow through the coiled tubing to the ground surface. This, of course, could present a safety hazard, especially in the event of failure of any of the above-ground equipment.
The above problem is compounded when the downhole tool requires electrical power which necessitates the provision of electrical cable extending from a power source above ground, through the coiled tubing and the adapter, and to the tool. Since this creates space limitations in the bore of the adapter, it is difficult, if not impossible, to install valving to control the fluid flow through the passage in the adapter.
Summarv of the Invention It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide an assembly for connecting coiled tubing to a downhole tool.
It is a still further object of the present invention to provide an assembly of the above type in which fluid can be selectively passed through the coiled tubing and discharged externally thereof.
It is a still further object of the present invention to provide an assembly of the above type in which backflow of the well fluid from the well I i9 prevented. ~ ;~
It is a further object of the present invention to provide an assembly of the above type which permits the above-mentioned fluid control yet accommodates an electrical cable. 9 Toward the fulfillment of these and other objects, the assembly of the present invention is adapted for connection between coiled tubing and a downhole tool. An elongated member, such as an electrical cable, extends through the coiled tubing and the connecting assembly of the present invention for connection to the tool. The connecting assembly includes a tubular housing and the inner surface of the housing and the outer surface of the cable defines an annular chamber for receiving an operating fluid from above ground. At least one passage extends through the housing and communicates the chamber with the wellbore. A valve is disposed in the passage for controlling fluid flow between the chamber and the wellbore under certain fluid pressure conditions.
. .~
Brief Description of the Drawinqs The above brief description, as well as further objects, features and advantages of the present invention will be more fully appreciated by reference to the following detailed description of the presently preferred but nonetheless illustrative embodiments in accordance with the present invention when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings wherein:
FIG. 1 is a schematic view, partially in elevation and section, and partially broken away, of an earth well showing the assembly of the present invention inserted therein; and FIG. 2 is an enlarged, longitudinal, cross-sectional view of the assembly of the present invention.
nescription of the Preferred Embodiment Referring to FIG. l of the drawings, the reference numeral 10 refers to a casing passing through a vertical earth well 12. A string of well tubing 14 is located in the casing 10 and extends in a coaxial relationship to the casing. Two axially spaced packers 16 and 18 extend in the annular space between the outer surface of the tubing 14 and the inner surface of the casing 10 to isolate and seal the space therebetween, in a conventional manner. It i8 understood that other packers can be provided in a spaced relation to the packers 16 and 18, as needed. ;~
A section of coiled tubing 20 is stored on a reel 22 above ground and is injected into the casing 10 and the well tubing 14 by an injector 24. It is understood that a manlfold (not shown) is provided which includes the necessary pumps, valves, and fluid reservoirs to discharge a fluid into and through the coiled tubing 20. It is also understood that a wellhead valve not!shown) is used to control vertical access to, and fluid communication with, the upper portion of the well tubing, and blowout preventers, or other sealing equipment (not shown), can be installed to block fluid flow during emergency conditions. Since the~e components are conventional they will not be described in any further detail.
An adapter assembly 26 is connected to the distal end of the coiled tubing 20 and is for the purpose of connecting the coiled tubing to a downhole ~ ;
tool, or other similar equipment (not shown). As better shown in FIG. 2, the --` 2116301 , assembly 26 includes an elongated tubular housing 28, the upper end portion of which defines an irregular surface. The distal end portion of the coiled j tubing 20 is crimped over the above-mentioned upper end portion of the housing j 28 to secure the coiled tubing to the housing in a conventional manner. A
pair of axially spaced annular seal rings 30a and 30b extend in corresponding grooves formed in the outer surface of the housing 28 and in sealing engagement with the corresponding inner surface of the coiled tubing 20.
An electrical cable 32 extends from above ground and through the length ~ of the coiled tubing 20 for connecting to a downhole tool or other type j equipment (not shown) extending below, and connected relative to the housing 28. The outer surface of the cable 32 is spaced from the inner surface of the housing 28 to define an annular chamber for receiving operating fluid, as will be described.
A portion of the housing 28 is milled out to form two diametrically i opposed, radial passages 28a and 28b extending inwardly from the outer surface of the housing 28, and two diametrically opposed angléd passages 28c and 28d extending from the bore of the housing to the passages 28a and 28b.
Two additional portions of the outer surface of the housing 28 are milled out in the vicinity of the pa~sages 28a and 28c and the passages 28b ~;
and 28d, respectively, to form two diametrically opposed, enlarged grooves, 28e and 28f, respectively. The groove 28e communicates with the passages 28a and 28c and the groove 28f communicates with the pas~ages 28b and 28d. Two ball valves 34a and 34b are located at the lower ends of the passages 28a and 28b, respectively, and are sized to seal off the passages under conditions that will be described. Two spring retainers 36a and 36b engage the ball valves 34a and 34b, respectively, and two helical compression springs 38a and 38b extend between the retainers 36a and 36b and two spring caps 40a and 40b, raspectively. The spring caps 40a and 40b are wedged in an area between the corresponding outer surface portions of the housing 28 and a jam-nut sleeve 42 which is in threaded engagement with a corresponding threaded outer surface portion of the housing 28. Thus, upward advancement of the sleeve 42 relative to the housing 28 wedges the spring caps 40a and 40b in the position shown.
The springs 38a and 38b normally bias the ball valves 34a and 34b into a seating position against the corresponding surfaces of the housing 28 where they block the pas~ages 28a and 28b, respectively. However, the springs 38a and 38b are each calibrated to yield to a predetermined force against the ball valves 34a and 34b caused by fluid pressure in the passages 28a and 28b exceeding a predetermined amount to permit flow through the latter passages, under conditions that will be described. FIG. 2 depicts the ball valve 34a in its open position and the ball valve 34b in its closed position for the purpose of illustration only, it being understood that under normal conditions, both valves would operate in the same manner, as will be described.
The bore of the tubular housing 28 is enlarged at its lower end portion and tapered at the upper end of the enlarged portion to receive a packoff member 44 of a resilient material such as rubber, which sealingly engages the corresponding outer surface of the cable 32 and the inner surface of the housing 28. The upper end portion of the packoff member 44 is tapered to correspond to the taper of the corresponding tapered surface of the bore of the housing 28, and the lower end portion of the member 44 is similarly tapered for engagement by a packoff nut 46, the upper end portion of which has a complemental taper.
~ The packoff nut 46 has an outer threaded surface in threaded engagement ;~ with a corresponding inner threaded surface of the housing 28 90 that upward advancement of the packoff nut 46 against the packoff member 44 forces the latter member into sealing engagement with the corresponding outer surface of the cabIe 32 and the inner surface of the housing 28. The lower end portion i ~ of the housing 218 extends below the lower end of the packoff nut 46 and has an internally threaded portion for receiving a downhole tool (not shown) and its associated apparatus such as a cable clamp, an adapter, etc.
In operation, the connector assembly 26 is connected to the coiled tubing 20 by crimping the lower end portion of the coiled tubing over the upper end portion of the housing 28 as described above, and a downhole tool including a string of associated equipment is connected to the lower end :~
portion of the housing 28. For example, the downhole tool could be an ,:
2~16301 electrical operated device such as a pump, a seismic device, a camera, etc., in which case a cable clamp, or other similar device, would be connected to the lower end of the housing 28. The other end of the cable clamp would be ~ connected to other associated devices such as an electrical connector, a ¦ fishing neck sub, etc. and a socket assembly would be provided at the end of 1 the string for receiving the downhole tool.
The coiled tubing 20, with the connector assembly 26 and the above-mentioned downhole tool and string of associated equipment, is lowered to a predetermined position in the tubing 14. During this operation the springs 38a and 38b bias the ball valves 34a and 34b, respectively, against the corresponding end portions of the passages 28c and 28d, respectively, to prevent any well fluids in the tubing 14 from backflowing through the passages 28a and 28b, the passages 28c and 28d and through the annular space between the coiled tubing 20 and the cable 32.
In the event the well needs to be cleaned out or conditioned as -~
discussed above, appropriate fluid can be introduced from above ground, into the coiled tubing 20 where it would pass through the annular chamber between the cable 32 and the coiled tubing to the connector assembly 26. The fluid would be at sufficient pressure to urge the ball valves 34a and 34b against the resistance of the springs 38a and 38b to open the passages 28c and 28d and communicate them with the passages 28a and 28b, respectively. Thus, the fluid would flow from the passages 28a and 28b into the annular space between the outer surface of the connector assembly 26 and the inner wall of the tubing 14 for one or more of the purposes discussed above.
After the above-mentioned operation is concluded, the flow of the fluid fromlabove ground into the coiled tubing and the connector assembly 26 is terminated and the ball valves 34a and 34b are urged into a flow-blocking position relative to the passages 28c and 28d, respectively. This eliminates the danger of well fluids escaping through the passages 28a-28d and bac~flowing through the coiled tubing 20 during inaction or removal of the tool from the well, as described above.
It is thus seen that, according to the present invention, coiled tubing can be connected relative to a downhole tool or other similar equipment in a : ~:
` ` ~ 2116301 J manner to permit fluid to be selectively passed through the coiled tubing and the connector hou3ing and into the well for performing various functions, while preventing the backflow of well fluid through the system at all times.
Moreover, this is achieved while accommodating an electrical cable, or any other similar device, in the bores of the coiled tubing and the connector ~-:
3i housing.
It is understood that several variations may be made in the foregoing ~, without departing from the scope of the invention. For example, the assembly of the present invention is not limited to use with an electrical cable, but can accommodate any other elongated device in the bore of the assembly, such as a data transmission line, a power transmission line, a fluid transmission line, fiber optic cable, etc. Also, although two valve assemblies and passages are shown and described above by example, it is understood that any number of such assemblies and passages can be provided in an angularly-spaced relationship around the housing within the scope of the invention. Further, the assembly of the present invention is not limited to operation within well tubing, but can function in environments in which there is no well tubing or casing.
Other modifications, changes and substitutions are intended and, in some .
instances, some features of the invention will be employed without a '~; corresponding use of other features. Accordingly, it is appropriate that the `~ appended claims be construed broadly and in a manner consistent with the scope of the invention.
~ .
:, ~
:, :, :
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The coiled tubing 20, with the connector assembly 26 and the above-mentioned downhole tool and string of associated equipment, is lowered to a predetermined position in the tubing 14. During this operation the springs 38a and 38b bias the ball valves 34a and 34b, respectively, against the corresponding end portions of the passages 28c and 28d, respectively, to prevent any well fluids in the tubing 14 from backflowing through the passages 28a and 28b, the passages 28c and 28d and through the annular space between the coiled tubing 20 and the cable 32.
In the event the well needs to be cleaned out or conditioned as -~
discussed above, appropriate fluid can be introduced from above ground, into the coiled tubing 20 where it would pass through the annular chamber between the cable 32 and the coiled tubing to the connector assembly 26. The fluid would be at sufficient pressure to urge the ball valves 34a and 34b against the resistance of the springs 38a and 38b to open the passages 28c and 28d and communicate them with the passages 28a and 28b, respectively. Thus, the fluid would flow from the passages 28a and 28b into the annular space between the outer surface of the connector assembly 26 and the inner wall of the tubing 14 for one or more of the purposes discussed above.
After the above-mentioned operation is concluded, the flow of the fluid fromlabove ground into the coiled tubing and the connector assembly 26 is terminated and the ball valves 34a and 34b are urged into a flow-blocking position relative to the passages 28c and 28d, respectively. This eliminates the danger of well fluids escaping through the passages 28a-28d and bac~flowing through the coiled tubing 20 during inaction or removal of the tool from the well, as described above.
It is thus seen that, according to the present invention, coiled tubing can be connected relative to a downhole tool or other similar equipment in a : ~:
` ` ~ 2116301 J manner to permit fluid to be selectively passed through the coiled tubing and the connector hou3ing and into the well for performing various functions, while preventing the backflow of well fluid through the system at all times.
Moreover, this is achieved while accommodating an electrical cable, or any other similar device, in the bores of the coiled tubing and the connector ~-:
3i housing.
It is understood that several variations may be made in the foregoing ~, without departing from the scope of the invention. For example, the assembly of the present invention is not limited to use with an electrical cable, but can accommodate any other elongated device in the bore of the assembly, such as a data transmission line, a power transmission line, a fluid transmission line, fiber optic cable, etc. Also, although two valve assemblies and passages are shown and described above by example, it is understood that any number of such assemblies and passages can be provided in an angularly-spaced relationship around the housing within the scope of the invention. Further, the assembly of the present invention is not limited to operation within well tubing, but can function in environments in which there is no well tubing or casing.
Other modifications, changes and substitutions are intended and, in some .
instances, some features of the invention will be employed without a '~; corresponding use of other features. Accordingly, it is appropriate that the `~ appended claims be construed broadly and in a manner consistent with the scope of the invention.
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Claims (24)
1. A flow control assembly for operating in an earth well, said assembly comprising coiled tubing extending from above ground into said well, tubular connecting means for connecting said coiled tubing relative to equipment for operating in said well, an elongated member extending through said coiled tubing and said connecting means and connected to said equipment, the inner surface of said connecting means and the outer surface of said member defining an annular chamber for receiving an operating fluid from above ground, passage means extending through said connecting means and communicating said chamber with said well, and valve means associated with said passage means for controlling the flow of fluid between said chamber and said well.
2. The assembly of claim 1 wherein said valve means normally prevents the flow of well fluid from said well, through said passage means and into said chamber and is adapted to respond to a predetermined pressure of said operating fluid in said chamber for permitting the flow of said operating fluid from said chamber, through said passage means and into said well.
3. The assembly of claim 2 wherein said connecting means comprises a tubular housing for connection between said coiled tubing and said equipment.
4. The assembly of claim 3 wherein said passage means extends from the inner surface of the bore of said housing to the outer surface thereof and wherein said valve means extends between said latter surfaces.
5. The assembly of claim 3 wherein said passage means comprises at least one passage extending through the wall of said housing.
6. The assembly of claim 5 wherein said valve means comprises a ball valve, and further comprising spring means for urging said ball valve to said flow-preventing position in said passage.
7. The assembly of claim 6 wherein there are two diametrically-opposed passages formed through said housing wall and two ball valves respectively associated with said passages.
8. The assembly of claim 1 wherein said elongated member is a data transmission line.
9. The assembly of claim 1 wherein said elongated member is a power transmission line.
10. The assembly of claim 1 wherein said elongated member is a fluid transmission line.
11. The assembly of claim 1 wherein said elongated member is an electrical cable.
12. The assembly of claim 1 wherein said elongated member is a fiber optic cable.
13. A connector assembly for use with coiled tubing in an earth well, said assembly comprising a tubular housing for connecting said coiled tubing relative to equipment for operating in said well so that operating fluid from above ground passes through said coiled tubing and into the bore of said housing, passage means extending through said housing and communicating said bore with said well, and valve means associated with said passage means for controlling the flow of fluid between said bore and said well.
14. The assembly of claim 13 wherein said valve means normally prevents the flow of well fluid from said well, through said passage means and into said bore and is adapted to respond to a predetermined pressure of said operating fluid in said bore for permitting the flow of said operating fluid from said bore, through said passage means and into said well.
15. The assembly of claim 13 wherein said passage means extends from the inner surface of said bore to the outer surface of said housing and wherein said valve means comprise at least one passage extending through the wall of said housing.
16. The assembly of claim 14 wherein said passage means comprise at least one passage extending through the wall of said housing.
17. The assembly of claim 16 wherein said valve means comprises a ball valve and spring means for urging said ball valve to said flow-preventing position in said passage.
18. The assembly of claim 17 wherein there are two diametrically opposed passages formed through said housing wall and two ball valves respectively associated with said passages.
19. The assembly of claim 13 further comprising an elongated member extending through said coiled tubing and said bore of said housing for connection to said equipment.
20. The assembly of claim 19 wherein said elongated member is a data transmission line.
21. The assembly of claim 19 wherein said elongated member is a power transmission line.
22. The assembly of claim 19 wherein said elongated member is a fluid transmission line.
23. The assembly of claim 19 wherein said elongated member is an electrical cable.
24. The assembly of claim 19 wherein said elongated member is a fiber optic cable.
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| US2175193A | 1993-02-24 | 1993-02-24 | |
| US08/021,751 | 1993-02-24 |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2116301A1 true CA2116301A1 (en) | 1994-08-25 |
Family
ID=21805934
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA002116301A Abandoned CA2116301A1 (en) | 1993-02-24 | 1994-02-23 | Flow control assembly for coiled tubing |
Country Status (3)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| EP (1) | EP0612913A1 (en) |
| CA (1) | CA2116301A1 (en) |
| NO (1) | NO940628L (en) |
Families Citing this family (7)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US6250393B1 (en) * | 1998-10-19 | 2001-06-26 | Baker Hughes Incorporated | Bottom hole assembly with coiled tubing insert |
| US6332499B1 (en) * | 1999-11-23 | 2001-12-25 | Camco International, Inc. | Deployment tubing connector having internal electrical penetrator |
| US6298921B1 (en) | 1999-11-23 | 2001-10-09 | Camco International, Inc. | Modular system for deploying subterranean well-related equipment |
| US6545221B1 (en) | 1999-11-23 | 2003-04-08 | Camco International, Inc. | Splice system for use in splicing coiled tubing having internal power cable |
| GB2515427B (en) * | 2012-05-24 | 2015-08-26 | Schlumberger Holdings | Pressure balanced coiled tubing cable and connection |
| CN104929574B (en) * | 2015-04-01 | 2017-05-10 | 中国石油集团渤海钻探工程有限公司 | Dual-channel different-direction joint-control check valve |
| CN112832711B (en) * | 2020-12-10 | 2023-07-25 | 中国石油天然气股份有限公司 | Flow control gauge |
Family Cites Families (6)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US4523644A (en) * | 1978-08-14 | 1985-06-18 | Dismukes Newton B | Thermal oil recovery method |
| FR2496160A1 (en) * | 1980-12-11 | 1982-06-18 | Lamothe Andre | Sealed connector for deep drilling tools - where drilling liq. can be fed to tool, or another liq. can be fed into drilled hole without reaching the tool |
| US4759406A (en) * | 1987-02-25 | 1988-07-26 | Atlantic Richfield Company | Wireline tool connector with wellbore fluid shutoff valve |
| US4877089A (en) * | 1987-06-18 | 1989-10-31 | Western Atlas International, Inc. | Method and apparatus for coupling wireline tools to coil tubing |
| US4862958A (en) * | 1988-11-07 | 1989-09-05 | Camco, Incorporated | Coil tubing fluid power actuating tool |
| US5012871A (en) * | 1990-04-12 | 1991-05-07 | Otis Engineering Corporation | Fluid flow control system, assembly and method for oil and gas wells |
-
1994
- 1994-02-23 EP EP94301264A patent/EP0612913A1/en not_active Withdrawn
- 1994-02-23 CA CA002116301A patent/CA2116301A1/en not_active Abandoned
- 1994-02-24 NO NO940628A patent/NO940628L/en unknown
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| NO940628L (en) | 1994-08-25 |
| NO940628D0 (en) | 1994-02-24 |
| EP0612913A1 (en) | 1994-08-31 |
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| FZDE | Discontinued |