CA2558115A1 - Mechanical setting tool for an expandable packer - Google Patents
Mechanical setting tool for an expandable packer Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- CA2558115A1 CA2558115A1 CA 2558115 CA2558115A CA2558115A1 CA 2558115 A1 CA2558115 A1 CA 2558115A1 CA 2558115 CA2558115 CA 2558115 CA 2558115 A CA2558115 A CA 2558115A CA 2558115 A1 CA2558115 A1 CA 2558115A1
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- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- mandrel
- tubular housing
- inner mandrel
- housing
- setting tool
- 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.)
- Granted
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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
- E21B23/00—Apparatus for displacing, setting, locking, releasing, or removing tools, packers or the like in the boreholes or wells
- E21B23/004—Indexing systems for guiding relative movement between telescoping parts of downhole tools
- E21B23/006—"J-slot" systems, i.e. lug and slot indexing mechanisms
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- 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
- E21B23/00—Apparatus for displacing, setting, locking, releasing, or removing tools, packers or the like in the boreholes or wells
- E21B23/06—Apparatus for displacing, setting, locking, releasing, or removing tools, packers or the like in the boreholes or wells for setting packers
-
- 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
- E21B33/12—Packers; Plugs
- E21B33/128—Packers; Plugs with a member expanded radially by axial pressure
-
- 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
- E21B33/12—Packers; Plugs
- E21B33/129—Packers; Plugs with mechanical slips for hooking into the casing
- E21B33/1293—Packers; Plugs with mechanical slips for hooking into the casing with means for anchoring against downward and upward movement
Abstract
A mechanical setting tool for setting a mechanically set expandable packer, including a tubular housing, and an inner mandrel extending into the interior bore of the tubular housing. There is a track and follower engagement between the inner surface of the tubular housing and the outer surface of the inner mandrel, the follower adapted to engage the track.
The track comprises a circumferential component and alternating axial components that define at least one intermediate position allowing limited axial movement and a release position allowing increased axial movement. The follower moves along the track until the inner mandrel is in at least one intermediate position, with a further jarring force moving the follower along the track until the follower reaches the release position. A
set of gripping elements positioned on the outer surface of the tubular expand outward upon a jarring force being exerted upon on the mandrel when the follower is in the release position. The mandrel is then free to move axially to set the expandable packer connected to the second end connection.
The track comprises a circumferential component and alternating axial components that define at least one intermediate position allowing limited axial movement and a release position allowing increased axial movement. The follower moves along the track until the inner mandrel is in at least one intermediate position, with a further jarring force moving the follower along the track until the follower reaches the release position. A
set of gripping elements positioned on the outer surface of the tubular expand outward upon a jarring force being exerted upon on the mandrel when the follower is in the release position. The mandrel is then free to move axially to set the expandable packer connected to the second end connection.
Description
TITLE
Mechanically Setting Tool For An Expandable Packer FIELD
The present application relates to a mechanical setting tool that is used to set an expandable packer, such as is used down hole in oil and gas wells.
BACKGROUND
Many expandable packers are expanded through the use of explosive charges.
There are some applications for expandable packers where the use of explosives is undesirable and the expandable packer must be mechanically set.
SUMMARY
There is provided a mechanical setting tool for setting a mechanically set expandable packer. The mechanical setting tool includes a tubular housing having a first end, a second end, an outer surface and an inner surface, the inner surface defining an interior bore. There is an inner mandrel having an outer surface, a first end and a second end, the inner mandrel extending into the interior bore and being axially movable relative to the tubular housing. A
first end connection is adapted to connect the first end of the inner mandrel to a control linkage from surface. A second end connection is adapted to connect the second end of the inner mandrel to an expandable packer capable of being mechanically set. There is a track and follower engagement between the inner surface of the tubular housing and the outer surface of the inner mandrel. The follower is adapted to engage the track. The track includes a circumferential component and alternating axial components that define at least one intermediate position allowing limited axial movement and a release position allowing increased axial movement. The follower moves along the track until the inner mandrel is in the at least one intermediate position. A further jarring force moves the follower along the track until the follower reaches the release position. A set of gripping elements are positioned on the outer surface of the tubular housing, the gripping elements being adapted to expand outward beyond the outer surface of the tubular housing upon a jarring force being exerted upon on the mandrel when the follower is in the release position. The mandrel is then free to move axially to set the mechanical setting tool and to set the expandable packer connected to the second end connection.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
These and other features will become more apparent from the following description in which reference is made to the appended drawings, the drawings are for the purpose of illustration only and are not intended to be in any way limiting, wherein:
FIG. 1A and 1B is a side view, in section, of a mechanical setting tool for setting a mechanically set expandable packer in the running position.
FIG. 2A and 2B is a side view, in section, of a mechanical setting tool for setting a mechanically set expandable packer in the set position.
FIG. 3 is a side view of a track and follower arrangement in planar form.
FIG. 4 is an exploded view of the gripper cage and slips ramp.
FIG. 5A and 5B is a side view, in section, of a mechanically set expandable packer in the running position.
FIG. 6A and 6B is a side view, in section, of a mechanically set expandable packer in the set position.
FIG. 7A and 7B is a side view, in section, of a mechanically set expandable packer in the released position.
A mechanical setting tool for setting a mechanically set expandable packer generally identified by reference numeral 10, will now be described with reference to FIG. 1A through 3.
Structure and Relationship of Parts of the Mechanical Setting Tool:
Referring to FIG. 1A through 1C, mechanical setting tool 10 includes a tubular housing 12 having a first end 11, a second end 13, an outer surface 14 and an inner surface 16.
Tubular housing 12 is divided into a first portion 15 having a first end 17 and a second end 20, and a second portion 22 having a first end 24 and a second end 26. Second end 20 of first portion 15 includes a tapered portion 28 that converges toward second end 20 of first portion 15. First portion 15 and second portion 22 are capable of relative axial movement from an expanded position shown in FIG. 1A through 1C to a retracted position shown in FIG. 2A
through 2C. A spring 23 positioned along inner mandrel 30 biases first portion 15 and second poraon 22 toward the extended position. Inner surface 16 of tubular housing 12 defines an interior bore 18, wherein an inner mandre130 is positioned. Inner mandrel 30 has an outer surface 32, a first end 34 and a second end 36. Inner mandre130 extends into interior bore 18 and is axially movable relative to tubular housing 12. Referring to FIG. 1A
and 2A there is a first end connection 38 adapted to connect first end 34 of inner mandrel 30 to a control linkage from surface (not shown). A centralizer 40 may be connected between the control linkage and inner mandrel 30, and elsewhere in the assemblies depicted, as needed (not shown). Referring to FIG. 1C and 2C, there is also a second end connection 42 adapted to connect second end 36 of inner mandrel 30 to an expandable packer (discussed below, indicated generally by reference numeral 100) that is capable of being mechanically set. As shown, second end connection 42 is a shear collar that is adapted to shear under certain load conditions once gripping elements 118 and packer elements 142 of expandable packer 100 (shown in FIG. 6B) have been set. Referring to FIG.1B,1C, 2B and 2C, mandre130 also a first shoulder 37 that has a sufficiently large circumference to engage first portion 15 at a point indicated by reference number 43 as mechanical setting tool 10 is raised from a downhole position.
A track 44 and follower 46 arrangement is also included. Referring to FIG. 1A, track 44 may be positioned on inner surface 16 of tubular housing 12, while follower 46 is positioned on outer surface 32 of inner mandre130 opposite track 44.
Preferably, track 44 is milled into tubular housing 12. In the depicted embodiment, referring to FIG.
3, track 44 comprises a slot machined through tubular housing 12, and follower 46 is a pin positioned on inner mandrel 30 engaged within the track (slot) 44. FIG. 3 shows track 44 laid out as if housing 12 were laid out flat. Track 44 has a circumferential component 48 and alternating axial components 50. Axial components 50 alternate between being directed toward first end 11 of housing 12 and second end 13 of housing 12. Track 44 thus defines intermediate positions 52 that allow limited axial movement and a release position 54 that allows increased axial movement.
Referring to FIG.1B, a set of gripping elements 56 are positioned on outer surface 14 at first end 24 of second portion 22 of tubular housing 12 and immediately adjacent to tapered portion 28.
A mechanically set expandable packer generally identified by reference numeral 100, will now be described with reference to FIG. 4 through 7B, as an example of what may be set by mechanical setting tool described above.
Structure and Relationship of Parts:
Referring to FIG. 5A through 7C, mechanically set expandable packer 100 includes a tubular housing 102 having a first end 104, a second end 106, an exterior surface 108 and an interior surface 110 defining an interior bore 112. As discussed above with reference to FIG.
1C and 2C, first end 104 of tubular housing 102 is positioned adjacent to second end 13 of tubular housing 12 of mechanical setting tool 10. Second end 106 of housing 102 is attached to a gripper cage 114. An inner mandrel 124 extends through interior bore 112 of tubular housing 102, inner mandrel 124 having an external surface 126, a first end 128, and a second end 130 extending past second end 106 of housing 102. First end 128 is adapted to connect to second end connection 42 of mechanical setting tool 10 by connection 42.
Mandrel 30 of mechanical setting tool 10 can be seen connected to mandre1124 in FIG. 1C and 2C.
Referring to FIG. 4, gripper cage 114 has circumferentially spaced windows 116 in which radially movable gripping elements 118 are positioned. Referring to FIG.
5B, 6B, and 7B, each gripping element 118 has a pair of inwardly converging opposed ramp surfaces 120, and housing 102 has a fixed gripper ramp 122 protruding into gripper cage 114.
A movable gripper ramp 134 has a ramp portion 136 that faces, and is in spaced relation to, fixed gripper ramp 122, which is movable with inner mandrel 124. Referring to FIG. 4, movable gripper ramp 134 is axially movable in relation to gripper cage 114 along a track or slot 138 as shown, while remaining secured to gripper cage 114 by means of a pin 140, which is able to travel along slot 138. Referring to FIG. 5B, 6B, and 7B, elastomer packing elements 142 are positioned at second end 130 of inner mandrel 124 between a first stop shoulder 144 that remains with tubular housing 102 and a second stop shoulder 146 that moves with inner mandre1124.
Referring to FIG. 5A through 7C, inner mandrel 124 is secured to tubular housing 102 by shear screws 148, such that upon shear screws 148 being sheared by an axial force exerted via mechanical setting tool 10, second end 130 of mandrel 124 is able to move toward second end 106 of housing 102.
Mechanically Setting Tool For An Expandable Packer FIELD
The present application relates to a mechanical setting tool that is used to set an expandable packer, such as is used down hole in oil and gas wells.
BACKGROUND
Many expandable packers are expanded through the use of explosive charges.
There are some applications for expandable packers where the use of explosives is undesirable and the expandable packer must be mechanically set.
SUMMARY
There is provided a mechanical setting tool for setting a mechanically set expandable packer. The mechanical setting tool includes a tubular housing having a first end, a second end, an outer surface and an inner surface, the inner surface defining an interior bore. There is an inner mandrel having an outer surface, a first end and a second end, the inner mandrel extending into the interior bore and being axially movable relative to the tubular housing. A
first end connection is adapted to connect the first end of the inner mandrel to a control linkage from surface. A second end connection is adapted to connect the second end of the inner mandrel to an expandable packer capable of being mechanically set. There is a track and follower engagement between the inner surface of the tubular housing and the outer surface of the inner mandrel. The follower is adapted to engage the track. The track includes a circumferential component and alternating axial components that define at least one intermediate position allowing limited axial movement and a release position allowing increased axial movement. The follower moves along the track until the inner mandrel is in the at least one intermediate position. A further jarring force moves the follower along the track until the follower reaches the release position. A set of gripping elements are positioned on the outer surface of the tubular housing, the gripping elements being adapted to expand outward beyond the outer surface of the tubular housing upon a jarring force being exerted upon on the mandrel when the follower is in the release position. The mandrel is then free to move axially to set the mechanical setting tool and to set the expandable packer connected to the second end connection.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
These and other features will become more apparent from the following description in which reference is made to the appended drawings, the drawings are for the purpose of illustration only and are not intended to be in any way limiting, wherein:
FIG. 1A and 1B is a side view, in section, of a mechanical setting tool for setting a mechanically set expandable packer in the running position.
FIG. 2A and 2B is a side view, in section, of a mechanical setting tool for setting a mechanically set expandable packer in the set position.
FIG. 3 is a side view of a track and follower arrangement in planar form.
FIG. 4 is an exploded view of the gripper cage and slips ramp.
FIG. 5A and 5B is a side view, in section, of a mechanically set expandable packer in the running position.
FIG. 6A and 6B is a side view, in section, of a mechanically set expandable packer in the set position.
FIG. 7A and 7B is a side view, in section, of a mechanically set expandable packer in the released position.
A mechanical setting tool for setting a mechanically set expandable packer generally identified by reference numeral 10, will now be described with reference to FIG. 1A through 3.
Structure and Relationship of Parts of the Mechanical Setting Tool:
Referring to FIG. 1A through 1C, mechanical setting tool 10 includes a tubular housing 12 having a first end 11, a second end 13, an outer surface 14 and an inner surface 16.
Tubular housing 12 is divided into a first portion 15 having a first end 17 and a second end 20, and a second portion 22 having a first end 24 and a second end 26. Second end 20 of first portion 15 includes a tapered portion 28 that converges toward second end 20 of first portion 15. First portion 15 and second portion 22 are capable of relative axial movement from an expanded position shown in FIG. 1A through 1C to a retracted position shown in FIG. 2A
through 2C. A spring 23 positioned along inner mandrel 30 biases first portion 15 and second poraon 22 toward the extended position. Inner surface 16 of tubular housing 12 defines an interior bore 18, wherein an inner mandre130 is positioned. Inner mandrel 30 has an outer surface 32, a first end 34 and a second end 36. Inner mandre130 extends into interior bore 18 and is axially movable relative to tubular housing 12. Referring to FIG. 1A
and 2A there is a first end connection 38 adapted to connect first end 34 of inner mandrel 30 to a control linkage from surface (not shown). A centralizer 40 may be connected between the control linkage and inner mandrel 30, and elsewhere in the assemblies depicted, as needed (not shown). Referring to FIG. 1C and 2C, there is also a second end connection 42 adapted to connect second end 36 of inner mandrel 30 to an expandable packer (discussed below, indicated generally by reference numeral 100) that is capable of being mechanically set. As shown, second end connection 42 is a shear collar that is adapted to shear under certain load conditions once gripping elements 118 and packer elements 142 of expandable packer 100 (shown in FIG. 6B) have been set. Referring to FIG.1B,1C, 2B and 2C, mandre130 also a first shoulder 37 that has a sufficiently large circumference to engage first portion 15 at a point indicated by reference number 43 as mechanical setting tool 10 is raised from a downhole position.
A track 44 and follower 46 arrangement is also included. Referring to FIG. 1A, track 44 may be positioned on inner surface 16 of tubular housing 12, while follower 46 is positioned on outer surface 32 of inner mandre130 opposite track 44.
Preferably, track 44 is milled into tubular housing 12. In the depicted embodiment, referring to FIG.
3, track 44 comprises a slot machined through tubular housing 12, and follower 46 is a pin positioned on inner mandrel 30 engaged within the track (slot) 44. FIG. 3 shows track 44 laid out as if housing 12 were laid out flat. Track 44 has a circumferential component 48 and alternating axial components 50. Axial components 50 alternate between being directed toward first end 11 of housing 12 and second end 13 of housing 12. Track 44 thus defines intermediate positions 52 that allow limited axial movement and a release position 54 that allows increased axial movement.
Referring to FIG.1B, a set of gripping elements 56 are positioned on outer surface 14 at first end 24 of second portion 22 of tubular housing 12 and immediately adjacent to tapered portion 28.
A mechanically set expandable packer generally identified by reference numeral 100, will now be described with reference to FIG. 4 through 7B, as an example of what may be set by mechanical setting tool described above.
Structure and Relationship of Parts:
Referring to FIG. 5A through 7C, mechanically set expandable packer 100 includes a tubular housing 102 having a first end 104, a second end 106, an exterior surface 108 and an interior surface 110 defining an interior bore 112. As discussed above with reference to FIG.
1C and 2C, first end 104 of tubular housing 102 is positioned adjacent to second end 13 of tubular housing 12 of mechanical setting tool 10. Second end 106 of housing 102 is attached to a gripper cage 114. An inner mandrel 124 extends through interior bore 112 of tubular housing 102, inner mandrel 124 having an external surface 126, a first end 128, and a second end 130 extending past second end 106 of housing 102. First end 128 is adapted to connect to second end connection 42 of mechanical setting tool 10 by connection 42.
Mandrel 30 of mechanical setting tool 10 can be seen connected to mandre1124 in FIG. 1C and 2C.
Referring to FIG. 4, gripper cage 114 has circumferentially spaced windows 116 in which radially movable gripping elements 118 are positioned. Referring to FIG.
5B, 6B, and 7B, each gripping element 118 has a pair of inwardly converging opposed ramp surfaces 120, and housing 102 has a fixed gripper ramp 122 protruding into gripper cage 114.
A movable gripper ramp 134 has a ramp portion 136 that faces, and is in spaced relation to, fixed gripper ramp 122, which is movable with inner mandrel 124. Referring to FIG. 4, movable gripper ramp 134 is axially movable in relation to gripper cage 114 along a track or slot 138 as shown, while remaining secured to gripper cage 114 by means of a pin 140, which is able to travel along slot 138. Referring to FIG. 5B, 6B, and 7B, elastomer packing elements 142 are positioned at second end 130 of inner mandrel 124 between a first stop shoulder 144 that remains with tubular housing 102 and a second stop shoulder 146 that moves with inner mandre1124.
Referring to FIG. 5A through 7C, inner mandrel 124 is secured to tubular housing 102 by shear screws 148, such that upon shear screws 148 being sheared by an axial force exerted via mechanical setting tool 10, second end 130 of mandrel 124 is able to move toward second end 106 of housing 102.
5 A ratchet collar 150 is provided that has a first ratchet profile 152 which engages a second ratchet profile 154 on exterior surface 126 of inner mandrel 124 to maintain the relative telescopic position of inner mandrel 124 and housing 102. A sliding ratchet release sleeve 156 is positioned behind ratchet collar 150 that is secured to housing 102 by shear screws 158. When a sufficient axial force is exerted upon housing 102 by a fishing tool (not shown), shear screws 158 shear and ratchet release sleeve 156 moves out from behind ratchet collar 150. First ratchet profile 152 is then free to disengage from second ratchet profile 154.
As housing 102 is lifted further, gripper elements 118 are released and allowed to retract inwardly, and pin 140 engages the bottom of slot 138, lifting ramp 146 and therefore allowing elastomer packing elements to release.
Operation:
The operation of mechanical setting tool 10 in combination with mechanically set expandable packer 100 will now be discussed. Mechanical setting tool 10 and mechanically set expandable packer 100 are provided as describe above with reference to FIG. 1A through 3 and FIG. 4 through 7C, respectively. When the tools are to be run downhole, setting tool 10 is configured as shown in FIG. 1A through 1C, and packer 100 is configured as shown in FIG. 5A and 5B. As the tool is being run downhole, spring 23 biases first portion 15 and second portion 22 of housing 12 in the extended position, such that gripping elements 56 remain retracted to prevent setting tool 10 from catching as it is being positioned. Once the desired position has been reached, a jarring force is exerted upon on mandrel 30 via the control linkage by a jarring tool (not shown). This first jarring force causes follower 46 to move along track 44 until inner mandrel 30 is in one of the intermediate positions 52 shown in FIG. 3. As further jarring forces are applied, follower 46 moves up along track 44, then back down as the force is released. Because of the diagonal portions of track 44, this movement causes follower 46 to progress along track 44 until it reaches release position 54.
Intermediate positions 52 prevent a premature setting of setting tool 10. As the next jarring force is applied, first portion 15 and second portion 22 of housing 12 move from the extended position shown in FIG. 1B to the retracted position shown in FIG. 2B, such that gripping elements 56 travel up tapered portion 28 to expand outward. Gripping elements 56 thus engage the wellbore to hold setting tool 10 and packer 100 in position. The weight of the weight bar 58 and tapered portion 28 overcome the resistance of spring 23 to keep gripping elements 56 in contact with the wellbore 160. Further jarring forces cause mandrel 30 to move axially with sufficient axial movement to set expandable packer 100 connected to second end connection 42, as described below.
Packer 100 remains in the configuration shown in FIG. 5A and 5B as setting tool 10 is positioned, follower 46 progresses through all intermediate positions 52, and gripping elements 56 are engaged. Jarring forces are then applied to mandrel 124 through mandrel 30 of setting tool 10 by the jarring tool. Referring to FIG. 6A and 6B, as these axial forces are exerted via mechanical setting tool 10, shear screws 148 shear, and second end 130 of mandrel 124 moves toward second end 106 of housing 102. This causes elastomer packing elements 142 to compress between first stop shoulder 144 and second stop shoulder 146 and therefore expand outwardly beyond exterior surface 108 of housing 102 to form a high pressure seal against the sides of the borehole 160. The movement of mandrel 124 also causes movable gripper ramp 134 to move toward fixed gripper ramp 122, such that movable gripper ramp 134 and fixed gripper ramp 122 act against ramp surfaces 120 of gripper elements 118, thereby forcing gripper elements 118 to move outwardly beyond exterior surface 108 of housing 102, and engage the sides of borehole 160. The pair of ramp surfaces 120 and the shape of gripper elements 118 with two sets of gripping teeth 149 act to hold against forces that may be applied in either axial direction. Referring to FIG. 4, gripper elements 118 may also have a smooth gripper 151 to help in the setting and release of gripper elements 118.
Referring again to FIG. 6A and 6B, once packer 100 is set within borehole 160, a further jarring force causes shear collar 42 to shear, freeing setting tool 10 to be removed.
Referring to FIG. 2A and 2B, as mandre130 is lifted, shoulder 37 engages shoulder 43 of first portion 15, such that grippers 56 are no longer held in the expanded position by weight bar 58 and friction against tapered portion 28. Grippers 56 are then able to retract, and setting tool 10 is free to be lifted out.
As housing 102 is lifted further, gripper elements 118 are released and allowed to retract inwardly, and pin 140 engages the bottom of slot 138, lifting ramp 146 and therefore allowing elastomer packing elements to release.
Operation:
The operation of mechanical setting tool 10 in combination with mechanically set expandable packer 100 will now be discussed. Mechanical setting tool 10 and mechanically set expandable packer 100 are provided as describe above with reference to FIG. 1A through 3 and FIG. 4 through 7C, respectively. When the tools are to be run downhole, setting tool 10 is configured as shown in FIG. 1A through 1C, and packer 100 is configured as shown in FIG. 5A and 5B. As the tool is being run downhole, spring 23 biases first portion 15 and second portion 22 of housing 12 in the extended position, such that gripping elements 56 remain retracted to prevent setting tool 10 from catching as it is being positioned. Once the desired position has been reached, a jarring force is exerted upon on mandrel 30 via the control linkage by a jarring tool (not shown). This first jarring force causes follower 46 to move along track 44 until inner mandrel 30 is in one of the intermediate positions 52 shown in FIG. 3. As further jarring forces are applied, follower 46 moves up along track 44, then back down as the force is released. Because of the diagonal portions of track 44, this movement causes follower 46 to progress along track 44 until it reaches release position 54.
Intermediate positions 52 prevent a premature setting of setting tool 10. As the next jarring force is applied, first portion 15 and second portion 22 of housing 12 move from the extended position shown in FIG. 1B to the retracted position shown in FIG. 2B, such that gripping elements 56 travel up tapered portion 28 to expand outward. Gripping elements 56 thus engage the wellbore to hold setting tool 10 and packer 100 in position. The weight of the weight bar 58 and tapered portion 28 overcome the resistance of spring 23 to keep gripping elements 56 in contact with the wellbore 160. Further jarring forces cause mandrel 30 to move axially with sufficient axial movement to set expandable packer 100 connected to second end connection 42, as described below.
Packer 100 remains in the configuration shown in FIG. 5A and 5B as setting tool 10 is positioned, follower 46 progresses through all intermediate positions 52, and gripping elements 56 are engaged. Jarring forces are then applied to mandrel 124 through mandrel 30 of setting tool 10 by the jarring tool. Referring to FIG. 6A and 6B, as these axial forces are exerted via mechanical setting tool 10, shear screws 148 shear, and second end 130 of mandrel 124 moves toward second end 106 of housing 102. This causes elastomer packing elements 142 to compress between first stop shoulder 144 and second stop shoulder 146 and therefore expand outwardly beyond exterior surface 108 of housing 102 to form a high pressure seal against the sides of the borehole 160. The movement of mandrel 124 also causes movable gripper ramp 134 to move toward fixed gripper ramp 122, such that movable gripper ramp 134 and fixed gripper ramp 122 act against ramp surfaces 120 of gripper elements 118, thereby forcing gripper elements 118 to move outwardly beyond exterior surface 108 of housing 102, and engage the sides of borehole 160. The pair of ramp surfaces 120 and the shape of gripper elements 118 with two sets of gripping teeth 149 act to hold against forces that may be applied in either axial direction. Referring to FIG. 4, gripper elements 118 may also have a smooth gripper 151 to help in the setting and release of gripper elements 118.
Referring again to FIG. 6A and 6B, once packer 100 is set within borehole 160, a further jarring force causes shear collar 42 to shear, freeing setting tool 10 to be removed.
Referring to FIG. 2A and 2B, as mandre130 is lifted, shoulder 37 engages shoulder 43 of first portion 15, such that grippers 56 are no longer held in the expanded position by weight bar 58 and friction against tapered portion 28. Grippers 56 are then able to retract, and setting tool 10 is free to be lifted out.
Referring to FIG. 7A and 7B, when packer 100 is to be removed from downhole, a fishing tool (not shown) engages first end 104 of tubular housing 102, which may be referred to as a fishing neck, and an upward force is applied until shear screws 158 shear. Further upward force lifts release sleeve 156 from behind ratchet collar 150, which releases the first ratchet profile 152 from second ratchet profile 154. As tubular housing 102 is lifted further, opposed ramps 120 return to the expanded position, allowing gripper elements 118 to retract inwardly. Referring to FIG. 4, further lifting also causes the bottom of slot 138 to engage pin 140, which allows packing elements 142 to be released as well. Packer 100 can then be removed from borehole 160.
In this patent document, the word "comprising" is used in its non-limiting sense to mean that items following the word are included, but items not specifically mentioned are not excluded. A reference to an element by the indefinite article "a" does not exclude the possibility that more than one of the element is present, unless the context clearly requires that there be one and only one of the elements.
It will be apparent to one skilled in the art that modifications may be made to the illustrated embodiment without departing from the spirit and scope defined in the Claims.
In this patent document, the word "comprising" is used in its non-limiting sense to mean that items following the word are included, but items not specifically mentioned are not excluded. A reference to an element by the indefinite article "a" does not exclude the possibility that more than one of the element is present, unless the context clearly requires that there be one and only one of the elements.
It will be apparent to one skilled in the art that modifications may be made to the illustrated embodiment without departing from the spirit and scope defined in the Claims.
Claims (7)
1. A mechanical setting tool for setting a mechanically set expandable packer, comprising:
a tubular housing having a first end, a second end, an outer surface and an inner surface, the inner surface defining an interior bore;
an inner mandrel having an outer surface, a first end and a second end, the inner mandrel extending into the interior bore and being axially movable relative to the tubular housing;
a first end connection adapted to connect the first end of the inner mandrel to a control linkage from surface;
a second end connection adapted to connect the second end of the inner mandrel to an expandable packer capable of being mechanically set;
a track and follower engagement between the inner surface of the tubular housing and the outer surface of the inner mandrel, the follower adapted to engage the track;
the track comprising a circumferential component and alternating axial components that define at least one intermediate position allowing limited axial movement and a release position allowing increased axial movement, the follower moving along the track until the inner mandrel is in the at least one intermediate position, with a further jarring force moving the follower along the track until the follower reaches the release position;
and a set of gripping elements positioned on the outer surface of the tubular housing, the gripping elements being adapted to expand outward beyond the outer surface of the tubular housing upon a jarring force being exerted upon on the mandrel when the follower is in the release position, whereupon the mandrel is free to move axially to set mechanical setting tool and to set the expandable packer connected to the second end connection.
a tubular housing having a first end, a second end, an outer surface and an inner surface, the inner surface defining an interior bore;
an inner mandrel having an outer surface, a first end and a second end, the inner mandrel extending into the interior bore and being axially movable relative to the tubular housing;
a first end connection adapted to connect the first end of the inner mandrel to a control linkage from surface;
a second end connection adapted to connect the second end of the inner mandrel to an expandable packer capable of being mechanically set;
a track and follower engagement between the inner surface of the tubular housing and the outer surface of the inner mandrel, the follower adapted to engage the track;
the track comprising a circumferential component and alternating axial components that define at least one intermediate position allowing limited axial movement and a release position allowing increased axial movement, the follower moving along the track until the inner mandrel is in the at least one intermediate position, with a further jarring force moving the follower along the track until the follower reaches the release position;
and a set of gripping elements positioned on the outer surface of the tubular housing, the gripping elements being adapted to expand outward beyond the outer surface of the tubular housing upon a jarring force being exerted upon on the mandrel when the follower is in the release position, whereupon the mandrel is free to move axially to set mechanical setting tool and to set the expandable packer connected to the second end connection.
2. The mechanical setting tool of claim 1, wherein the tubular housing comprises:
a first portion having a first end and a second end, the second end of the first portion comprising a tapered portion converging toward a narrow end toward the second end of the first portion;
a second portion having a first end and a second end, the first portion and the second portion capable of relative axial movement from an expanded position to a retracted position;
and the gripping elements positioned at the first end of the second portion immediately adjacent to the narrow end of the tapered portion, such that upon applying the jarring force on the mandrel when the follower is in the release position, the first portion and the second portion move from the extended position to the retracted position, such that the gripping elements travel up the tapered portion to expand outward.
a first portion having a first end and a second end, the second end of the first portion comprising a tapered portion converging toward a narrow end toward the second end of the first portion;
a second portion having a first end and a second end, the first portion and the second portion capable of relative axial movement from an expanded position to a retracted position;
and the gripping elements positioned at the first end of the second portion immediately adjacent to the narrow end of the tapered portion, such that upon applying the jarring force on the mandrel when the follower is in the release position, the first portion and the second portion move from the extended position to the retracted position, such that the gripping elements travel up the tapered portion to expand outward.
3. The mechanical setting tool of claim 2, further comprising a spring biasing the first portion and the second portion toward the extended position.
4. The mechanical setting tool of claim 1, wherein the mandrel comprises a shoulder, the shoulder engaging the first portion of the housing when the mandrel is raised.
5. The mechanical setting tool of claim 1 in combination with a mechanically set expandable packer, the mechanically set expandable packer comprising:
a tubular housing having a first end, a second end, and an inner surface defining an interior bore, the first end of the tubular housing positioned adjacent to the second end of the tubular housing of the mechanical setting tool;
an inner mandrel positioned within the interior bore of the tubular housing, the inner mandrel having a first end and a second end, the first end of the mandrel connected to the second end connection of the mechanical setting tool; and gripping elements and packing elements that expand beyond the outer circumference of the tubular housing when an upward jarring force is applied to the inner mandrel of the mechanical set expandable packer.
a tubular housing having a first end, a second end, and an inner surface defining an interior bore, the first end of the tubular housing positioned adjacent to the second end of the tubular housing of the mechanical setting tool;
an inner mandrel positioned within the interior bore of the tubular housing, the inner mandrel having a first end and a second end, the first end of the mandrel connected to the second end connection of the mechanical setting tool; and gripping elements and packing elements that expand beyond the outer circumference of the tubular housing when an upward jarring force is applied to the inner mandrel of the mechanical set expandable packer.
6. The mechanical setting tool in combination with a mechanically set expandable packer of claim 5, wherein the inner mandrel of the mechanically set expandable packer is connected to the inner mandrel of the mechanical setting tool by a shear collar, the shear collar designed to shear once the gripping elements and packing elements are expanded.
7. The mechanical setting tool of claim 1 in combination with a mechanically set expandable packer, the mechanically set expandable packer comprising:
a tubular housing having a first end, a second end, an exterior surface and an interior surface defining an interior bore, the first end of the tubular housing being positioned adjacent to the second end of the tubular housing of the mechanical setting tool, the second end of the housing being attached to a gripper cage, the gripper cage having circumferentially spaced windows in which radially movable gripping elements are positioned, each gripping element having a pair of inwardly converging opposed ramp surfaces, the housing having a fixed gripper ramp protruding into the gripper cage;
an inner mandrel extending through the tubular housing, the inner mandrel having an external surface, a first end, and a second end extending past the second end of the housing, the first end adapted to connect to the second end connection of the mechanical setting tool;
a movable gripper ramp having a ramp portion facing and in spaced relation to the fixed gripper ramp, the movable gripper ramp being movable with the inner mandrel, the movable gripper ramp being axially movable in relation to the gripper cage along a track;
elastomer packing elements positioned at the second end of the inner mandrel between a first stop shoulder that remains with the tubular housing and a second stop shoulder that moves with the inner mandrel;
shear screws securing the inner mandrel to the tubular housing, such that upon the shear screws being sheared by an axial force exerted via a mechanical setting tool, the second end of the mandrel moves toward the second end of the housing thereby compressing the elastomer packing elements between the first stop shoulder and the second stop shoulder causing the elastomer packing elements to expand outwardly beyond the exterior surface of the housing, and thereby causing the movable gripper ramp to move toward the fixed gripper ramp the movable gripper ramp and the fixed gripper ramp acting against the ramp surfaces of the gripper elements, thereby forcing the gripper elements to move outwardly beyond the exterior surface of the housing;
a ratchet engagement being provided between a first ratchet profile on the interior surface of the housing and a second ratchet profile on the exterior surface of the inner mandrel to maintain the relative telescopic position of the inner mandrel and the housing; and a sliding ratchet release sleeve positioned behind the first ratchet profile, the ratchet release sleeve being secured to the housing by shear screws, such that when a selected axial force is exerted upon the mandrel, the shear screws shear causing movement of the ratchet release sleeve, movement of the ratchet release sleeve allowing the first ratchet profile to move outwardly such that the relative telescopic position of the inner mandrel and the housing is not maintained and such that the elastomer packing elements are allowed to retract inwardly and the gripper elements are allowed to move inwardly.
a tubular housing having a first end, a second end, an exterior surface and an interior surface defining an interior bore, the first end of the tubular housing being positioned adjacent to the second end of the tubular housing of the mechanical setting tool, the second end of the housing being attached to a gripper cage, the gripper cage having circumferentially spaced windows in which radially movable gripping elements are positioned, each gripping element having a pair of inwardly converging opposed ramp surfaces, the housing having a fixed gripper ramp protruding into the gripper cage;
an inner mandrel extending through the tubular housing, the inner mandrel having an external surface, a first end, and a second end extending past the second end of the housing, the first end adapted to connect to the second end connection of the mechanical setting tool;
a movable gripper ramp having a ramp portion facing and in spaced relation to the fixed gripper ramp, the movable gripper ramp being movable with the inner mandrel, the movable gripper ramp being axially movable in relation to the gripper cage along a track;
elastomer packing elements positioned at the second end of the inner mandrel between a first stop shoulder that remains with the tubular housing and a second stop shoulder that moves with the inner mandrel;
shear screws securing the inner mandrel to the tubular housing, such that upon the shear screws being sheared by an axial force exerted via a mechanical setting tool, the second end of the mandrel moves toward the second end of the housing thereby compressing the elastomer packing elements between the first stop shoulder and the second stop shoulder causing the elastomer packing elements to expand outwardly beyond the exterior surface of the housing, and thereby causing the movable gripper ramp to move toward the fixed gripper ramp the movable gripper ramp and the fixed gripper ramp acting against the ramp surfaces of the gripper elements, thereby forcing the gripper elements to move outwardly beyond the exterior surface of the housing;
a ratchet engagement being provided between a first ratchet profile on the interior surface of the housing and a second ratchet profile on the exterior surface of the inner mandrel to maintain the relative telescopic position of the inner mandrel and the housing; and a sliding ratchet release sleeve positioned behind the first ratchet profile, the ratchet release sleeve being secured to the housing by shear screws, such that when a selected axial force is exerted upon the mandrel, the shear screws shear causing movement of the ratchet release sleeve, movement of the ratchet release sleeve allowing the first ratchet profile to move outwardly such that the relative telescopic position of the inner mandrel and the housing is not maintained and such that the elastomer packing elements are allowed to retract inwardly and the gripper elements are allowed to move inwardly.
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA2558115A CA2558115C (en) | 2006-08-23 | 2006-08-23 | Mechanical setting tool for an expandable packer |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA2558115A CA2558115C (en) | 2006-08-23 | 2006-08-23 | Mechanical setting tool for an expandable packer |
Publications (2)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2558115A1 true CA2558115A1 (en) | 2008-02-23 |
| CA2558115C CA2558115C (en) | 2014-03-18 |
Family
ID=39103106
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA2558115A Active CA2558115C (en) | 2006-08-23 | 2006-08-23 | Mechanical setting tool for an expandable packer |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA2558115C (en) |
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2006
- 2006-08-23 CA CA2558115A patent/CA2558115C/en active Active
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| CA2558115C (en) | 2014-03-18 |
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