EP0687801A2 - Bouchon posé au cable avec étanchéité métallique - Google Patents

Bouchon posé au cable avec étanchéité métallique Download PDF

Info

Publication number
EP0687801A2
EP0687801A2 EP95304034A EP95304034A EP0687801A2 EP 0687801 A2 EP0687801 A2 EP 0687801A2 EP 95304034 A EP95304034 A EP 95304034A EP 95304034 A EP95304034 A EP 95304034A EP 0687801 A2 EP0687801 A2 EP 0687801A2
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
plug
well
seal
actuating member
sealing barrier
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
Application number
EP95304034A
Other languages
German (de)
English (en)
Other versions
EP0687801B1 (fr
EP0687801A3 (fr
Inventor
Colin S. Boyle
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
National Oilwell Varco UK Ltd
Original Assignee
SSR (International) Ltd
SSR INTERNATIONAL Ltd
Priority date (The priority date 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 date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by SSR (International) Ltd, SSR INTERNATIONAL Ltd filed Critical SSR (International) Ltd
Publication of EP0687801A2 publication Critical patent/EP0687801A2/fr
Publication of EP0687801A3 publication Critical patent/EP0687801A3/fr
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP0687801B1 publication Critical patent/EP0687801B1/fr
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Expired - Lifetime legal-status Critical Current

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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
    • E21B33/00—Sealing or packing boreholes or wells
    • E21B33/10—Sealing or packing boreholes or wells in the borehole
    • E21B33/12—Packers; Plugs
    • E21B33/1208—Packers; Plugs characterised by the construction of the sealing or packing means
    • E21B33/1212—Packers; Plugs characterised by the construction of the sealing or packing means including a metal-to-metal seal element
    • 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
    • E21B23/00—Apparatus for displacing, setting, locking, releasing or removing tools, packers or the like in boreholes or wells
    • E21B23/02—Apparatus for displacing, setting, locking, releasing or removing tools, packers or the like in boreholes or wells for locking the tools or the like in landing nipples or in recesses between adjacent sections of 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
    • E21B33/00—Sealing or packing boreholes or wells
    • E21B33/10—Sealing or packing boreholes or wells in the borehole
    • E21B33/12—Packers; Plugs

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a plug device which finds application in creating a pressure barrier within a gas or oil well, or the like, by locating within a section of well conduit having an internal profile corresponding to the external profile of the plug.
  • the plug When installed, the plug creates a metal-to-metal seal between the tool and the well profile which is capable of withstanding high differential pressures. Once installed, the plug can be retrieved and re-installed repeatedly.
  • wireline activated plugs which can be installed within a well in a corresponding well profile and subsequently retrieved.
  • plugs use elastomeric and/or polymeric seal elements as the primary sealing barrier, with a secondary barrier provided by a metal lip seal which is energised by differential pressure across the seal.
  • the primary seal is provided by a metal-to-metal seal, using an elastomeric/polymeric seal as an optional secondary seal barrier.
  • the metal seal geometry creates a large contact area between the mating seal faces. This greatly improves the sealing capability of the plug at low and high pressures when exposed to liquids or gases.
  • the metal seal is pre-energised prior to locking the plug in the well profile. The stresses trapped by the subsequent locking of the plug provide an effective seal prior to the application of differential pressure. The metal seal is re-usable over many installations and tests.
  • a plug for use in an oil or gas well for creation of a pressure barrier within a profiled well conduit comprising a plug body including a primary sealing barrier formed of a metal material and holding means for holding the body in place in a well.
  • said primary sealing barrier is adapted to be energised by pressure applied above said plug body once located in said well conduit.
  • said holding means is adapted to be operable by means of a running tool so as to lock said plug body against axial movement within said well conduit, following energisation of said primary sealing barrier.
  • said primary sealing barrier comprises a frusto-conical seal surface located at the forward end of said plug body, adapted sealingly to engage a corresponding frusto-conical surface of the well profile.
  • said sealing barrier further includes a no-go shoulder located rearwardly of said seal surface and adapted to engage a corresponding shoulder of said well profile so as to limit downward movement of said seal surface relative to said corresponding surface of said well profile.
  • said primary sealing barrier is provided by a metal seal element secured to the forward end of said plug body.
  • said holding means comprises a plurality of radially movable locking members each having a shoulder adapted to lock against a corresponding shoulder in the well profile.
  • said plug body is generally cylindrical and includes a blind bore extending from its rearward end towards its forward end, and said locking members are located in a corresponding plurality of apertures extending between the interior surface of said blind bore and the exterior surface of said plug body.
  • said holding means further comprises an actuating member which is axially slidable within said blind bore of said plug body between a rearward position in which said locking members may be retracted into said apertures and a forward position in which said actuating member urges said locking members radially outwardly to project beyond the outer surface of said plug body.
  • an actuating member which is axially slidable within said blind bore of said plug body between a rearward position in which said locking members may be retracted into said apertures and a forward position in which said actuating member urges said locking members radially outwardly to project beyond the outer surface of said plug body.
  • said actuating member is adapted to be engaged by a running tool for setting said plug and by a pulling tool for retrieving said plug after it has been set.
  • said plug further includes hold down means for retaining said actuating member in its forward position after the plug has been set.
  • said hold down means comprises an annular member surrounding said actuating member and including a plurality of resiliently biased locking members adapted to engage an exterior surface of said actuating member.
  • said annular member is removably attached to said plug body and is detachable therefrom by means of an upward jar force applied to said actuating member, whereby said actuating member may return to its rearward position allowing the plug to be retrieved from the well.
  • said plug further includes a secondary sealing barrier formed of an elastomeric or polymeric material.
  • said secondary sealing barrier comprises a seal stack surrounding said plug body rearwardly of said primary sealing barrier.
  • a method of providing a plug in a well for creation of a pressure barrier comprising providing a plug on a running tool, operating the retraction of a holding means attached to the plug by interaction of the holding means with operating means disposed on the running tool, operating the holding means when the plug is in position, and locking the holding means in place until the plug is to be withdrawn.
  • the thickness of the sealing barrier can be altered to vary the amount of preload of the plug and improve the sealing barrier's integrity.
  • FIG. 1 shows a wireline plug in accordance with the invention, in which the plug is shown in its "set" position.
  • the main component of the plug is a key-retainer mandrel 5, to which all of the other components are attached.
  • the mandrel 5 is generally cylindrical, having an internal blind bore, closed at the forward end of the mandrel 5.
  • a plurality of radially displaceable locking keys 4 are located within the bore of the mandrel 5, extending through a corresponding plurality of milled windows or apertures 10 formed in the sides of the mandrel 5.
  • the locking keys 4 are shown extending out of the windows 11 beyond the external, cylindrical surface of the mandrel 5, in their radially outermost, "locked" position.
  • Each of the keys 4 includes a shoulder 4A which engages a corresponding shoulder 12 on the inner surface of the mandrel 5, so as to limit the radially outward movement of the keys 5 and prevent them from falling out of the windows 10.
  • An actuating member comprising an expander sleeve 3 is slidably mounted within the mandrel 5 and supports the inner surfaces of the locking keys 4.
  • the expander sleeve 3 is axially slidable between a rearward position and a forward position as illustrated. In its forward position, the expander sleeve 3 urges the locking keys 4 into their outermost, locked position, as shown.
  • a retainer cap 2 is attached to the rear end of the mandrel 5 by any suitable means such as a screw thread 2A. The rear end of the expander sleeve 3 extends through an aperture 14 in the retainer cap 2.
  • a generally annular hold down mechanism 1 is slidably mounted around the rearmost end of the expander sleeve 3, and is located in a counter-bore 16 formed in the rearmost end of the retainer cap 2.
  • the hold down mechanism 1 is retained within the counter-bore 16 by means of a plurality of shear screws 2B or the like extending radially through the retainer cap 2 and spaced around the circumference thereof.
  • a metal primary seal element 7 is attached to the forward end of the mandrel 5, suitably by a screw thread 7A, and has a frusto-conical sealing face 7A.
  • the metal seal element 7 is preferably formed from an alloy having an ultra-high yield strength, most preferably a titanium alloy. The ultra-high yield strength of the element 7 prevents the element from being deformed in use, allowing the plug to be re-used repeatedly without refurbishment of the primary seal.
  • the other components of the plug are formed from a suitable alloy, such as inconel.
  • a secondary elastomeric or polymeric seal barrier is provided by a seal stack 6, which is located around the body of the mandrel 5 and is retained in position between a shoulder 18 formed on the outer surface of the mandrel 5 and the metal seal element 7.
  • the seal stack 6 includes an o-ring which seals against the inner surface of the well conduit, in use.
  • Fig. 2 illustrates a length of well conduit profiled for use with the plug of Fig. 1.
  • the plug is attached to a dedicated running tool (not shown) on a string of well servicing tools (not shown).
  • Running tools of this general type are well known in the art and their structure and operation will not be described in detail herein.
  • dogs on the running tool engage a fishneck 3A on the interior surface of the expander sleeve 3.
  • a bearing shoulder 3A on the exterior surface of the expander sleeve 3 is brought into contact with the retainer cap 2 by sliding the expander sleeve 3 towards its rearmost position. This allows the locking keys 4 to be retracted into the mandrel 5.
  • the running tool is then pinned, using shear pins (not shown), to hold the plug components in this position.
  • the plug is lowered into the well conduit on the string of well servicing tools until the sealing face 7A of the metal seal 7 is brought into contact with a corresponding seal face 30 of the well profile. Hydraulic pressure is then applied above the plug, generating a force which energises the metal seal 7 until a no-go shoulder 7B, extending around the metal seal 7 rearwardly of the seal face 7A, bottoms out on a corresponding shoulder 32 of the well profile.
  • each locking key 4 locks against a corresponding shoulder 36 of the well profile. This maintains the plug completely static within the well profile, preventing fretting or wear of the plug components.
  • the hold down mechanism includes a plurality of balls 1A located in drilled holes 20 which break through into the bore of the hold down mechanism 1.
  • the balls 1A are held in place by springs and grubscrews 1B.
  • the surfaces of the balls 1A touch the exterior surface of the expander sleeve 3.
  • the balls 1A move backwards into the drilled holes 20 against spring pressure. Any attempt to pull the expander sleeve 3 upwards (rearwards) traps the balls 1A between the expander sleeve 3 and the drilled holes 20. This locks the expander sleeve 3 in place behind the locking keys 4, preventing inadvertent release or release by vibration.
  • a pulling tool (not shown) on the string of well servicing tools is latched into the fishneck 3A of the expander sleeve 3.
  • Upward jarring applied by means of the pulling tool shears the shear screws 2A securing the hold down mechanism 1 to the retainer cap 2.
  • the expander sleeve 3 is pulled upwards (rearwards) from beneath the locking keys 4, until the bearing shoulder 3A reaches the retainer cap 2.
  • the unsupported keys 4 are then free to move inwards, pushed by the chamfers 4B on the upper edges of the keys 4, which mate with the corresponding shoulder 36 of the well profile as previously described.

Landscapes

  • Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Geology (AREA)
  • Mining & Mineral Resources (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Environmental & Geological Engineering (AREA)
  • Fluid Mechanics (AREA)
  • General Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • Geochemistry & Mineralogy (AREA)
  • Pipe Accessories (AREA)
EP19950304034 1994-06-14 1995-06-12 Bouchon posé au cable avec étanchéité métallique Expired - Lifetime EP0687801B1 (fr)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GB9411865A GB9411865D0 (en) 1994-06-14 1994-06-14 Wireline plug
GB9411865 1994-06-14

Publications (3)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP0687801A2 true EP0687801A2 (fr) 1995-12-20
EP0687801A3 EP0687801A3 (fr) 1997-10-01
EP0687801B1 EP0687801B1 (fr) 2001-08-08

Family

ID=10756675

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP19950304034 Expired - Lifetime EP0687801B1 (fr) 1994-06-14 1995-06-12 Bouchon posé au cable avec étanchéité métallique

Country Status (3)

Country Link
EP (1) EP0687801B1 (fr)
DE (1) DE69522048T2 (fr)
GB (1) GB9411865D0 (fr)

Cited By (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
NO332601B1 (no) * 2010-01-07 2012-11-12 Aker Subsea As Havbunnshette
US9464497B2 (en) 2010-01-07 2016-10-11 Aker Subsea As Seal holder and method for sealing a bore

Family Cites Families (15)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3138207A (en) * 1960-06-20 1964-06-23 Halliburton Co Pressure balanced actuating device
US3208531A (en) * 1962-08-21 1965-09-28 Otis Eng Co Inserting tool for locating and anchoring a device in tubing
US4127168A (en) * 1977-03-11 1978-11-28 Exxon Production Research Company Well packers using metal to metal seals
US4178992A (en) * 1978-01-30 1979-12-18 Exxon Production Research Company Metal seal tubing plug
US4302018A (en) * 1980-02-29 1981-11-24 Foster-Miller Associates, Inc. Packer arrangements for oil wells and the like
US4379488A (en) * 1981-02-02 1983-04-12 Otis Engineering Corporation Latch for well tool
FR2519687B1 (fr) * 1982-01-12 1987-10-02 Orszagos Koolaj Gazipari Dispositif reinserable et etanche d'accrochage de filtre de sonde et d'element de tubage
US4651818A (en) * 1986-05-12 1987-03-24 Exxon Production Research Co. Metal seal tubing plug
FR2615897B1 (fr) * 1987-05-25 1989-09-22 Flopetrol Dispositif de verrouillage pour outil dans un puits d'hydrocarbures
US4907651A (en) * 1987-12-21 1990-03-13 Texaco Inc. Metal-to-metal packer seal for downhole disconnectable pipe joint
US4901794A (en) * 1989-01-23 1990-02-20 Baker Hughes Incorporated Subterranean well anchoring apparatus
US4969515A (en) * 1989-12-13 1990-11-13 Otis Engineering Corporation Expendable devices for well lock system
US5066060A (en) * 1990-04-11 1991-11-19 Otis Engineering Corp. Running tool
US5335737A (en) * 1992-11-19 1994-08-09 Smith International, Inc. Retrievable whipstock
GB2285822B (en) * 1994-01-19 1997-07-30 Klaas Johannes Zwart Seal arrangement

Non-Patent Citations (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Title
None

Cited By (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
NO332601B1 (no) * 2010-01-07 2012-11-12 Aker Subsea As Havbunnshette
US8950474B2 (en) 2010-01-07 2015-02-10 Aker Subsea As Subsea cap
US9464497B2 (en) 2010-01-07 2016-10-11 Aker Subsea As Seal holder and method for sealing a bore

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
DE69522048T2 (de) 2002-06-06
EP0687801B1 (fr) 2001-08-08
GB9411865D0 (en) 1994-08-03
DE69522048D1 (de) 2001-09-13
EP0687801A3 (fr) 1997-10-01

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