EP0810348A2 - Mandrin à verouillage par traction et procédé de son opération - Google Patents

Mandrin à verouillage par traction et procédé de son opération Download PDF

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Publication number
EP0810348A2
EP0810348A2 EP97303345A EP97303345A EP0810348A2 EP 0810348 A2 EP0810348 A2 EP 0810348A2 EP 97303345 A EP97303345 A EP 97303345A EP 97303345 A EP97303345 A EP 97303345A EP 0810348 A2 EP0810348 A2 EP 0810348A2
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
locating
profile
locking
key
lock mandrel
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.)
Withdrawn
Application number
EP97303345A
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German (de)
English (en)
Other versions
EP0810348A3 (fr
Inventor
Rennie L. Dickson
David L. Reesing
Michael B. Vinzant
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.)
Halliburton Energy Services Inc
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Halliburton Energy Services Inc
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 Halliburton Energy Services Inc filed Critical Halliburton Energy Services Inc
Publication of EP0810348A2 publication Critical patent/EP0810348A2/fr
Publication of EP0810348A3 publication Critical patent/EP0810348A3/fr
Withdrawn legal-status Critical Current

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    • 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

Definitions

  • the present invention relates generally to well completion apparatus and methods and, more specifically, to an up-to-set-lock mandrel and method of operation thereof.
  • Lock mandrels for use with wireline equipment and methods are well known in the art, and when so used, they offer substantial cost reductions during well completion and servicing.
  • the art includes two basic types of lock mandrels.
  • One type is a down-to-set lock mandrel, and the other is an up-to-set lock mandrel; the names are indicative of the directional force required to set the lock mandrel.
  • a downward force is used to set the lock mandrel
  • an up-to-set lock an upward force is used to set the lock mandrel.
  • U.S. Patent No. 4,396,061 One type of down-to-set lock mandrel is disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 4,396,061.
  • This device is directed to a lock mandrel that has a tubular body mandrel adapted to be used with a running tool and well tool to secure the mandrel in the flow conductor.
  • the locking mandrel is lowered below a landing nipple.
  • the running tool and locking mandrel are then lifted back uphole above the landing and locking recesses of the landing nipple and thereafter lowered again toward the landing nipple.
  • the raising of the running tool and the locking mandrel through the nipple causes the locking sleeve to be moved downhole to an intermediate position, which, in turn deploys spring biased dogs against the wall of the flow conductor.
  • the lowering of the running tool and locking mandrel is continued with the dogs dragging along the flow conductor wall.
  • the dogs arrive at the landing and locking recess of the landing nipple, the dogs are expanded into the landing and locking recesses. Downhole jarring forces are then applied to the locking mandrel to drive a locking sleeve downhole to lock the dogs into position.
  • U.S. Patent No. 4,545,434 One type of an up-to-set lock mandrel is disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 4,545,434.
  • This patent teaches the use of a running tool in a wireline tool string for driving a lock mandrel having a safety valve connected to it into a landing nipple disposed in the flow conductor of a well.
  • the safety valve and lock mandrel are driven downhole into the landing nipple until a fixed no-go ring on the outer surface of the lock mandrel contacts an opposing no-go shoulder in the landing nipple.
  • the locking keys in the lock mandrel are engaged by jarring uphole on the running tool.
  • the running tool is not releasable from the lock mandrel until the safety valve has been pressured open, which activates the running tool, and until the locking sleeve is pulled fully under the locking keys, thus securing the lock in the landing nipple.
  • U.S. Patent No. 4,962,813 Another type of up-to-set lock mandrel is disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 4,962,813.
  • This device comprises a collapsible, slidably engaged no-go ring and locating dogs that are coupled to a locking sleeve to pre-prop locking keys in the annular recesses of a landing nipple prior to applying control line pressure to the safety valve.
  • the lock mandrel and the safety valve are driven into the landing nipple to the point where the no-go locating dogs contact an inwardly facing annular no-go shoulder.
  • the no-go locating dogs and the no-go ring are caused to slide upwardly until an external no-go shoulder on the locking key retainer sleeve stops against the annular no-go shoulder in the landing nipple.
  • the locating dogs and the no-go ring cause the locking sleeve to travel uphole the same distance, which ultimately causes the locking keys to be forced radially outward to partially engage cooperating recesses in the landing nipple.
  • U.S. Patent No. 5,066,060 Yet another up-to-set lock mandrel is disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 5,066,060.
  • the lock mandrel has a shoulder that contacts a no-go of a landing nipple, thereby preventing further downhole travel. Once the shoulder is seated against the no-go, the top sub of a running tool to which the lock mandrel is coupled is jarred downhole to shear a shearing pin.
  • the top sub is jarred uphole to lock the locking keys of the lock mandrel in the annular recesses of the profile of the landing nipple to thereby restrict further axial movement between the lock mandrel and the landing nipple until such time as the locking keys are again withdrawn.
  • the up-to-set lock mandrels are designed to prevent the lock mandrel and the safety valve from being forced from the well by the fluid flow, they are typically used in conjunction with a no-go on a landing nipple, which is an inside diameter restriction within the interior bore of the landing nipple.
  • the no-go is used to locate and engage the up-to-set lock mandrel.
  • certain disadvantages can arise with the use of such no-goes. For example, if successive landing nipples are located in the well, the interior diameter of the well bore is restricted because the no-go extends into the interior of the nipple's bore. Further, if other no-goes are used within the same well, the interior diameter can become more restricted with each successive landing nipple. Thus, larger equipment cannot be used downhole if so desired.
  • an up-to-set lock mandrel that is easily activated, such as a lock mandrel with a key having a locating profile with a no-go shoulder thereon.
  • the lock mandrel key could be used to engage a recessed locating profile, to thereby function as a no-go for the up-to-set lock mandrel.
  • Such a device could be used in existing wells that do not have landing nipples with no-goes, and moreover, landing nipples with no-goes would not be necessary in new wells because the up-to-set lock mandrel could be activated via the recessed locating profiles in the production tubing.
  • the inside diameter of a well having multiple landing nipples would not have to be restricted by each successive no-go shoulder that is located further downhole.
  • This no-go shoulder free well bore would provide a well with a larger inside diameter so that larger downhole tools could be used below the deepest landing nipple, if so desired or required.
  • the prior art devices comprise complicated locking devices that require more difficult operating procedures to deploy the dogs and engage them in the locking profile. Consequently, these devices can be prematurely locked into position.
  • a device that automatically engages the locating keys when the appropriate locating profile it would be highly advantageous to have a lock mandrel that is an up-to-set lock mandrel such that inadvertent unlocking due to well flow does not occur.
  • the present invention provides such a device and addresses the disadvantages associated with the prior art devices.
  • the well conduit is a landing nipple that is made up either within a production tubing string or within the well casing.
  • the well conduit is desirably free of an interior diameter reducing no-go shoulder proximate the locating profile, thereby providing a well conduit that does not have a restricted inside diameter proximate the locating profile.
  • the lock mandrel includes a locating key with a no-go profile that preferably includes a square shoulder contoured to engage a corresponding square shoulder of the locating profile.
  • an up-to-set lock mandrel for registering with a locating profile recessed in an interior sidewall of a well conduit portion, comprising: a generally cylindrical body; and a locating key coupled to said body and biased to be urged from a seeking position toward a no-go position, said locating key having a no-go profile thereon contoured to engage said locating profile when said locating key is in said no-go position, to thereby function as a no-go for said mandrel, said locating key being lockable in a set position.
  • the locating key is coupled to the body to allow radial translation of the locating key with respect to the body as said up-to-set lock mandrel and said locating key traverse the sidewall of the well conduit. More particularly, the locating key is preferably coupled to the body to allow radial translation of the locating key with respect to the body as (1) the lock mandrel is run downhole and the locating key contacts the interior sidewall of the well conduit and (2) the locating key moves between the seeking position and the no-go position.
  • the locating key functions as a no-go for the lock mandrel, there is no need for providing a no-go in the nipple that restricts the inner diameter of the well conduit. Thus, larger tools can be used in downhole operations below the nipple.
  • the up-to-set lock mandrel cannot be inadvertently or prematurely set because the locating key engages only the locating profile that matches the contour of the locating key's no-go profile. When the locating key engages the locating profile, the up-to-set lock mandrel can be locked in place to maintain the locating key in the set position.
  • the no-go profile includes a square shoulder contoured to engage a corresponding square shoulder of said locating profile.
  • the lock mandrel further includes a locking mechanism located proximate the locating key.
  • the locking mechanism is displaceable with respect to the body between a running position wherein the locating key is maintained in the seeking position and a set position wherein the locking sleeve maintains the locating key in the no-go position.
  • an uphole force is applied to the locking mechanism to move it from the seeking position to the set position.
  • the locking mechanism is preferably a locking sleeve having a detent with an increased outer diameter; that is, the detent, or annular boss, protrudes beyond the diameter of the adjacent sections of the locking sleeve.
  • the up-to-set lock mandrel further comprises a locking ring captured between the body and the locking sleeve.
  • the annular boss traverses the locking ring as the locking sleeve is moved from the running position to the set position, to thereby maintain the locking sleeve in the set position.
  • the locking sleeve has a recessed portion with a decreased outer diameter.
  • the up-to-set lock mandrel further comprises a locking ring captured between the body and the locking sleeve.
  • the locking ring is received in the recessed portion as the locking sleeve is moved from the running position to the set position, to thereby maintain the locking sleeve in the set position.
  • the locking mechanism is located radially inward of the locating key and the up-to-set lock mandrel further comprises a running tool profile on an inner surface of the locking mechanism.
  • the running tool profile allows a running tool to engage the locking mechanism to move the locking mechanism between the running position and the set position.
  • the well conduit may have a plurality of locating profiles recessed in the sidewall with each of the locating profiles having a unique configuration or shape.
  • the no-go profile of the locating key can be configured to engage a selective one of the plurality of the unique locating profiles. This provides a simple yet efficient up-to-set lock mandrel that allows selective engagement with different locating profiles within the same well conduit.
  • the no-go profile of the locating key can be contoured for engagement with a specific locating profile, thereby allowing the lock mandrel to bypass other locating profiles that may be above that specific locating profile within the well conduit.
  • a downhole well system comprising a downhole nipple having a locating profile recessed in an interior sidewall of the nipple casing disposed within the well and an up-to-set lock mandrel for registering with the locating profile.
  • the production downhole nipple is preferably free of a no-go shoulder proximate the locating profile.
  • the up-to-set lock mandrel includes a generally cylindrical body and a locating key coupled to the body and biased to be urged from a seeking position toward a no-go position.
  • the locating key has a no-go profile thereon contoured to engage the locating profile when the locating key is in the no-go position and to function as a no-go for the up-to-set lock mandrel.
  • the no-go profile includes a square shoulder contoured to engage a corresponding square shoulder of the locating profile.
  • the preferred embodiment of the up-to-set lock mandrel further includes a locking mechanism located proximate the locating key. The locking mechanism is displaceable with respect to the body between a running position wherein the locating key is maintained in the seeking position, and a set position wherein the locking sleeve maintains the locating key in the no-go position.
  • This aspect of the present invention may further include a flow control device coupled to the body to prevent a force applied to the flow control device by a production fluid within the production tubing from displacing the up-to-set lock mandrel within the production tubing.
  • the locking mechanism is preferably a locking sleeve having a detent with an increased outer diameter; that is, the detent, or annular boss, protrudes beyond the diameter of the adjacent sections of the locking sleeve.
  • the up-to-set lock mandrel further comprises a locking ring captured between the body and the locking sleeve.
  • the annular boss traverses the locking ring as the locking sleeve is moved from the running position to the set position, to thereby maintain the locking sleeve in the set position.
  • the locking sleeve has a recessed portion with a decreased outer diameter.
  • the up-to-set lock mandrel further comprises a locking ring captured between the body and the locking sleeve.
  • the locking ring is received in the recessed portion as the locking sleeve is moved from the running position to the set position, to thereby maintain the locking sleeve in the set position.
  • the locking mechanism is located radially inward of the locating key and the up-to-set lock mandrel further comprises a running tool profile on an inner surface of the locking mechanism.
  • the running tool profile allows a running tool to engage the locking mechanism to move the locking mechanism between the running position and the set position.
  • the well conduit has a plurality of locating profiles recessed in the sidewall
  • the up-to-set lock mandrel further comprises a plurality of locating keys coupled to the body at positions radially about the body, each of the plurality of locating keys contoured to engage a selective one of the plurality of locating profiles.
  • the well conduit may have a plurality of locating profiles recessed in the sidewall. In such instances the no-go profile on the locating key can be contoured to allow the lock mandrel to engage a selective one of the plurality of the locating profiles.
  • a method of operating an up-to-set lock mandrel within a well conduit portion having a locating profile recessed in an interior sidewall of said well conduit portion comprising the steps of: moving a generally cylindrical body within said well conduit portion; urging a locating key coupled to said body from a seeking position toward a no-go position, said locating key having a no-go profile thereon contoured to engage said locating profile when said locating key is in said no-go position; and locking said locating key in a set position using an upward force.
  • the step of locking preferably includes the step of displacing a locking mechanism located proximate said locating key between: a running position wherein said locating key is maintained in said seeking position, and a set position wherein said locking mechanism maintains said locating key in said set position.
  • the well conduit portion is preferably free of an interior diameter reducing no-go shoulder proximate said locating profile.
  • the locking mechanism is a locking sleeve having an annular boss of increased outer diameter and said up-to-set lock mandrel further comprises a locking ring captured between said body and said locking sleeve, and the method further comprises the step of traversing said annular boss across said locking ring as said locking sleeve is moved from said running position to said set position, to thereby maintain said locking sleeve in said set position.
  • the locking mechanism is a locking sleeve having a recessed portion with a decreased outer diameter and said up-to-set lock mandrel further comprises a locking ring captured between said body and said locking sleeve, and the method further comprises the step of positioning said locking ring in said recessed portion as said locking sleeve is moved from said running position to said set position, to thereby maintain said locking sleeve in said set position.
  • the step of displacing preferably includes the step of applying an uphole force to said locking sleeve to position said locking sleeve and maintain said locking key in said set position.
  • the locking mechanism may be located radially inward of said locating key, said up-to-set lock mandrel may further comprise a running tool profile on an inner surface of said locking mechanism.
  • the step of displacing may further comprise the step of engaging said running tool profile of said locking mechanism with a running tool to move said locking mechanism between said running position and said set position.
  • the method preferably further includes the step of positioning said locating key in a selected one of a plurality of locating profiles recessed in said interior sidewall, said locating key being contoured to engage a selective one of said plurality of locating profiles; preferably it is the no-go profile of the locating key that is contoured to engage a selective one of said plurality of locating profiles.
  • the well conduit portion is preferably free of an interior diameter reducing no-go shoulder proximate said locating profile.
  • the locating key is preferably coupled to said body to allow radial translation of said locating key relative to said body as said up-to-set lock mandrel and said locating key traverse the interior sidewall of said well conduit.
  • the well conduit may have a plurality of locating profiles recessed in said sidewall, said no-go profile being contoured to engage a selective one of said plurality of locating profiles.
  • the no-go profile includes a square shoulder contoured to engage a corresponding square shoulder of said locating profile.
  • FIG. 1 there is illustrated, in a preferred embodiment thereof, a cross-sectional view of a up-to-set lock mandrel 10 of the present invention within a portion of a well conduit 12.
  • the well conduit 12 may include casing, tubing, well heads, trees, risers, liners; or downhole accessories, including landing nipples, packers, valves, sleeves, mandrels, hangers, and seal bore extensions; or any combination of these devices used with respect to a well.
  • any given well may have multiple conduits therein.
  • a well may include casing, production tubing, and a packer, with the packer made up within the tubing string, and the tubing string being positioned within and concentric to the casing.
  • the up-to-set lock mandrel 10 is set by application of an uphole force.
  • the application of an uphole force to set the up-to-set lock mandrel 10 is particularly advantageous when the up-to-set lock mandrel 10 is coupled to a flow control device, such as a safety valve, a plug, an injection valve, a choke, a pressure-temperature recording device, a testing tool or a standing valve, just to name a few.
  • the up-to-set lock mandrel 10 is advantageous is that: since an up-to-set lock mandrel is set by the application of an uphole force, a counter downhole force is typically required to unlock the up-to-set lock mandrel. As such, the requirement of the downhole force prevents the up-to-set lock mandrel 10 from being inadvertently removed from the well conduit 12 by the uphole directional force created by the fluid flow within the well conduit 12.
  • the up-to-set lock mandrel 10 may have a number of applications and can be used with a variety of downhole tools, including those mentioned above.
  • the portion of well conduit 12 has a locating profile 14 recessed or indented in an interior sidewall 16 of the well conduit 12.
  • the locating profile 14 may be positioned anywhere along the length of the well conduit 12 where a no-go is desired, and there may be a plurality of such profiles. As used herein, a no-go is a point below which a tool with a predetermined diameter cannot be moved. As illustrated, the interior sidewall 16 is next to the passageway 17 of the well conduit 12. Since the locating profile 14 is recessed or indented in the interior sidewall 16, it does not protrude into the interior passageway 17 of the well conduit 12, and thus, does not restrict the interior diameter passageway 17, as does a convention no-go shoulder.
  • no-go shoulders are shoulders that extend into the interior passageway of the well conduit to provide a stop point for a tool. To pass any tool below the no-go shoulder, it must, therefore, have an outer diameter that is less than the diameter of the well conduit passageway as restricted by the no-go shoulder. Because the up-to-set lock mandrel 10 cooperatively engages the recessed locating profile 14 to function as a no-go for the up-to-set lock mandrel 10, a conventional no-go, which restricts the diameter of well conduit's passageway 17, is not necessary. The present invention, therefore, provides a distinct advantage over the prior art because the present invention can be operated in a well conduit 12 that does not have a conventional no-go shoulder anywhere along its length.
  • the locating profile 14 may be any type of recessed profile, however, in preferred cases, the locating profile 14 is an "X®" or "R®” type of profile.
  • the locating profile 14 may include a square shoulder 18 or the profile may have varying degrees of slope. Preferably, the varying degrees of slope may range from about 45° to about 120° from the longitudinal axis of the well flow conduit 12, and the slope is such that it effectively functions as a no-go when the up-to-set lock mandrel 10 engages the locating profile 14.
  • the profiles designated as X® and R® are well known and understood by those skilled in the art.
  • the well conduit 12 may be various tools.
  • the well conduit 12 is preferably a nipple either within a production tubing string or within the well casing. Furthermore, the well conduit 12 is preferably free of a no-go shoulder proximate the locating profile 14, thereby providing a well conduit 12 that does not have a restricted passageway 17 proximate the locating profile 14. As such, the present invention is ideally suited to be used in a well conduit 12 that does not have a conventional no-go shoulder anywhere along its length.
  • the up-to-set lock mandrel 10 preferably comprises a generally cylindrical body 20 and a locating key 22 coupled to the body 20.
  • a locating key 22 is biased to be urged from a seeking position toward a no-go position.
  • the locating key 22 is held in position with respect to the body 20 by a key retainer 22a and is coupled to the body 20 to allow radial translation relative thereto as the locating key moves between the seeking position and the no-go position.
  • Radial translation means that the locating key 22 moves in a radial direction with respect to the body 20. As illustrated, the locating key 22 is in a seeking position, which is its normal operating position as it is passed downhole through the well conduit 12.
  • the locating key 22 is in constant contact with the sidewall 16 as it is being lowered through the well conduit 12. This allows the locating key 22 to automatically engage the matching locating profile 14 when the locating key 22 encounters the locating profile 14. This can be advantageous because the locating key 22 cannot be prematurely or inadvertently deployed.
  • the locating key 22 may be biased in any manner known to those skilled in the art, however, it is preferably biased by a spring 24 that is coupled to the locking mandrel 10 by a screw 24a. In a preferred embodiment, there are at least two locating keys 22 that are positioned radially around the body 20.
  • the locating key 22 has a no-go profile 26 thereon contoured to engage the locating profile 14 when the locating key 22 is in the no-go position.
  • the no-go profile 26 includes a square shoulder 26a that is contoured to engage the square shoulder 18 of the locating profile 14.
  • the no-go profile 26 may also have the same varying degrees of slope that cooperatively correspond to the slope of the locating profile 14 as previously mentioned above.
  • the no-go profile 26 engages the locating key 22 to thus uniquely function as a no-go for the up-to-set lock mandrel 10; that is, the no-go profile 26 prevents the up-to-set lock mandrel 10 from moving any further downhole when the no-go profile 26 engages the locating profile 14.
  • This unique aspect offers the distinct advantage of providing a lock mandrel that does not need to be set in a conventional landing nipple having a no-go shoulder that restricts the interior diameter or the passageway 17 of the well conduit 12.
  • the up-to-set lock mandrel 10 further includes a locking mechanism 28, located proximate the locating key 22.
  • the locking mechanism 28 is displaceable with respect to the body 20 between (1) a running position, wherein the locating key 22 is maintained in the seeking position, and (2) a set position, wherein the locking mechanism 28 maintains the locating key 22 in the set position.
  • the locking mechanism 28 may be displaced by a sliding action, a rotating action, or an expanding action, such as that used in a collapsible sleeve.
  • the locking mechanism 28 may be any type of locking mechanism known to those skilled in the art such as a locking sleeve or expander sleeve, including a piston actuated collapsible sleeve. In a preferred embodiment, however, the locking mechanism 28 is a locking sleeve and is located radially inward of the locating key 22.
  • the up-to-set lock mandrel 10 may further comprise a running tool profile 30 formed on an inner surface of the locking mechanism next to the passageway 17.
  • the running tool profile 30 allows a running tool to engage the locking mechanism 28 to move it between the running position and the set position.
  • the locking mechanism 28 preferably includes a shifting profile 32 that has a beveled running portion 34 and a beveled setting portion 36 that extend outwardly past the running portion 34 and toward the locating key 22.
  • the shifting profile 32 and the locating key 22 are separated by a locating key pocket 38 in which the locating key 22 may be at least partially retracted so that the locating key 22 can traverse irregularities on the interior sidewall 16 in the well conduit 12.
  • the locating key 22 is coupled to the body 20 to allow radial translation of the locating key 22 relative to the body 20 as the locating key 22 transverses the interior sidewall 16 of the well conduit 12.
  • a lock retainer ring 40 which is preferably a snap ring or "C" ring, cooperatively works with the locking mechanism 28 to maintain the locating key 22 in the set position.
  • the locking mechanism 28 includes a detent or annular boss 42 formed on the outer surface of the locking mechanism 28, wherein the annular boss 42 has an increased outer diameter. While the annular boss 42 is illustrated, it will be appreciated that alternative embodiments may include a recessed portion 43 (See FIG. 2) having a decreased outer diameter, as opposed to the raised annular boss 42. In such embodiments, the locking retainer ring 40 may contact or collapse into the recessed portion 43 as the locking mechanism 28 is moved from the seeking position to the set position. Once the locking mechanism 28 is in the set position, it maintains the locating key 22 in the set position.
  • the annular boss 42 extends outwardly, a certain amount of force is required to traverse the annular boss 42 across the lock retainer ring 40.
  • the lock retainer ring 40 When the locking mechanism 28 is in the seeking position, the lock retainer ring 40 is positioned uphole from the annular boss 42, as illustrated in FIG. 1. Conversely, when the locking mechanism 28 is in the set position, the lock retainer ring 40 is positioned downhole from the annular boss 42, as illustrated in FIG. 3.
  • the cooperation of the lock retainer ring 40 and the annular boss 42 provide a preferred mechanism through which the locking mechanism 28 maintains the locating key 22 in the set position.
  • other locking mechanisms may be used as well to accomplish the same result.
  • the locking mechanism 28 may also have vibration dampers 44, such as "o" rings, positioned on its opposite ends.
  • vibration dampers 44 such as "o" rings
  • the flow control device 46 may be one of the types listed above that are well known in the art. One such device is a safety valve that is described in detail in the references that are incorporated herein by reference. Therefore, only a partial schematic of the flow control device 46 is shown.
  • FIG. 2 the lock mandrel of FIG. 1 is shown with the locating key 22 engaged with the locating profile 14 of the well conduit and in the no-go position.
  • the locating key 22 is not yet set in the set position as illustrated by the fact that the recessed portion 43 is positioned downhole from the lock retainer ring 40.
  • the no-go profile 26 of the locating key 22 is firmly engaged with the locating profile 14 of the well conduit 12. With the no-go profile 26 so engaged, the up-to-set lock mandrel 10 cannot be moved downhole any further.
  • the up-to-set lock mandrel 10 of FIG. 1 is shown with the locking mechanism 28 moved uphole and held in place by the lock retainer ring 40 to thereby maintain the locating keys 22 in the set position.
  • sufficient uphole force was exerted on the locking mechanism 28 to traverse the detent or annular boss 42 across the lock retainer ring 40, thereby capturing the retainer ring 40 between the annular boss 42 and the beveled running profile 34.
  • the beveled setting profile 36 is firmly engaged against the locating key 22.
  • the capturing of the lock retainer ring 40 causes the locking mechanism 28 to maintain the locating key 22 in the set position.
  • the up-to-set lock mandrel 10 cannot be moved either uphole or downhole because the lock mechanism 28 prevents the locating key 22 from disengaging from the locating profile 14.
  • FIG. 4 there is illustrated the lock mandrel of FIG. 1 with the locking mechanism 28 moved back downhole to thereby allow the locating keys 22 to move inwardly and disengage from the set position.
  • sufficient downhole force was exerted on the locking mechanism 28 to traverse the annular boss 42 back across the lock retainer ring 40, thereby releasing the retainer ring 40 from its previous captured position as shown in FIG. 3.
  • annular boss 42 is again downhole from the lock retainer ring 40.
  • the beveled setting profile 36 has been shifted downhole and is no longer engaged against the locating key 22, thereby allowing the locating key 22 to move inwardly and release from the no-go position.
  • the no-go profile 26 is contoured such that the beveled faces that comprise the no-go profile 26 allow the up-to-set lock mandrel 10 to disengage from the locating profile 14 and be moved uphole only but the no-go profile prevents the up-to-set lock mandrel 10 from being moved downhole any further.
  • the well conduit 12 may have a plurality of locating profiles 14 and 54 recessed in its sidewall 16.
  • the locating key 22 can be configured to have a no-go profile 26 that is contoured to engage a selective one of the plurality of the locating profiles 14 and 54.
  • the no-go profile 26 can be contoured for engagement with a specific locating profile 14, thereby allowing the no-go profile 26 to bypass the other locating profile 54 that is located above that specific locating profile 14 within the well conduit 12.
  • a conventional flow control device 46 can be coupled to the downhole end of up-to-set lock mandrel 10 if so desired.
  • the locating keys 22 are urged outwardly to a seeking position against the sidewall 16 as the up-to-set lock mandrel 10 is moved downhole. If the locating keys 22 encounter an irregularity in the sidewall 16 of the well conduit 12, the locating keys 22 can retract radially into the locating key pocket 38 slightly to allow them to bypass the irregularity.
  • the locating key 22 When the locating keys 22 reach the locating profile 14 that is recessed in the sidewall 16, the locating key 22 is urged into the locating profile 14, and the no-go profile 26 engages the locating profile 14, which stops the downhole movement of the up-to-set lock mandrel 10.
  • a conventional running tool is then used to engage the running tool profile 30 on the interior sidewall of the locking mechanism 28, and an uphole force is exerted against the locking mechanism 28 via the running tool.
  • An uphole force sufficient to slide the annular boss 42 across the lock retainer ring 40 is exerted such that the lock retainer ring 40 is positioned between the annular boss 42 and the beveled running profile 34 of the locking mechanism 28.
  • the beveled setting profile 36 engages the locating key 22 and maintains the locating key 22 in the set position.
  • the locking mechanism 28 is held in this set position by the lock retainer ring 40, which is captured between the annular boss 42 and the beveled running profile 34.
  • the lock retainer ring prevents the locking mechanism 28 from shifting downhole to the running position.
  • a conventional pulling tool is used to exert a downhole force on the locking mechanism 28 sufficient to cause the annular boss 42 to traverse the lock retainer ring 40 and thereby position the annular boss 42 downhole from the lock retainer ring 40.
  • the beveled setting profile 36 is shifted downhole from the locating key 22, which allows the locating key 22 to be urged inward into the locating key pocket 38 when the lock mandrel is lifted out of the nipple.
  • the conventional pulling tool lifts the lock mandrel by engaging the fish neck 55 of the lock mandrel.
  • the no-go profile 26 is then allowed to disengage from the locating profile 14.
  • the up-to-set lock mandrel 10 can then be removed from the well conduit 12.
  • the present invention provides a lock mandrel for registering with the locating profile in a well conduit.
  • the well conduit is preferably either a nipple within the production tubing or a nipple within the well casing.
  • the well conduit is free of a no-go shoulder proximate the locating profile.
  • the well conduit does not have a restricted inside diameter proximate the locating profile.
  • the no-go profile preferably includes a square shoulder contoured to engage a corresponding square shoulder of the locating profile.
  • the lock mandrel is an up-to-set lock mandrel that comprises a generally cylindrical body and a locating key coupled to the body and biased to be urged from a seeking position toward a no-go position.
  • the locating key has a no-go profile thereon contoured to engage the locating profile when the locating key is in the no-go position, to thereby function as a no-go for the up-to-set lock mandrel.
  • the locating key is coupled to the body to allow radial translation of the locating key relative to the body as the locating key (1) contacts the interior side wall of the well conduit as the lock mandrel is run in the well and (2) moves between the seeking position and the no-go position.
  • the lock mandrel further includes a locking mechanism located adjacent the locating key and displaceable with respect to the body between a running position wherein the locating key is maintained in the seeking position and a set position, wherein the locking sleeve sustains the locating key in the set position.

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)
  • Quick-Acting Or Multi-Walled Pipe Joints (AREA)
  • Automatic Assembly (AREA)
  • Bending Of Plates, Rods, And Pipes (AREA)
EP97303345A 1996-05-29 1997-05-16 Mandrin à verouillage par traction et procédé de son opération Withdrawn EP0810348A3 (fr)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US65494496A 1996-05-29 1996-05-29
US654944 1996-05-29

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP0810348A2 true EP0810348A2 (fr) 1997-12-03
EP0810348A3 EP0810348A3 (fr) 2000-08-09

Family

ID=24626859

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP97303345A Withdrawn EP0810348A3 (fr) 1996-05-29 1997-05-16 Mandrin à verouillage par traction et procédé de son opération

Country Status (5)

Country Link
EP (1) EP0810348A3 (fr)
AU (1) AU2003997A (fr)
CA (1) CA2206170A1 (fr)
ID (1) ID17369A (fr)
NO (1) NO972284L (fr)

Cited By (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB2371317A (en) * 2001-01-19 2002-07-24 Schlumberger Holdings Apparatus and method for spacing out components and tubular strings within a wellbore
US6758272B2 (en) 2002-01-29 2004-07-06 Schlumberger Technology Corporation Apparatus and method for obtaining proper space-out in a well
EP2088280A1 (fr) * 2008-02-07 2009-08-12 Gérard Arsonnet Système pour positionner un corps dans un tube
WO2017079823A1 (fr) 2015-11-10 2017-05-18 Ncs Multistage Inc. Appareils et procédés de localisation à l'intérieur d'un puits de forage
US10151162B2 (en) 2014-09-26 2018-12-11 Ncs Multistage Inc. Hydraulic locator
US10689950B2 (en) 2016-04-22 2020-06-23 Ncs Multistage Inc. Apparatus, systems and methods for controlling flow communication with a subterranean formation

Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3593784A (en) * 1969-09-11 1971-07-20 Brown Oil Tools Anchor assembly for well tools such as packers and the like
US3670815A (en) * 1971-01-22 1972-06-20 Cicero C Brown Well packer
US4896721A (en) * 1989-03-14 1990-01-30 Otis Engineering Corporation Locator shifter tool
EP0701042A2 (fr) * 1994-08-26 1996-03-13 Halliburton Company Procédé et dispositif de décentrage, notamment pour puits avec plusieurs forages latéraux

Patent Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3593784A (en) * 1969-09-11 1971-07-20 Brown Oil Tools Anchor assembly for well tools such as packers and the like
US3670815A (en) * 1971-01-22 1972-06-20 Cicero C Brown Well packer
US4896721A (en) * 1989-03-14 1990-01-30 Otis Engineering Corporation Locator shifter tool
EP0701042A2 (fr) * 1994-08-26 1996-03-13 Halliburton Company Procédé et dispositif de décentrage, notamment pour puits avec plusieurs forages latéraux

Cited By (10)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB2371317A (en) * 2001-01-19 2002-07-24 Schlumberger Holdings Apparatus and method for spacing out components and tubular strings within a wellbore
GB2371317B (en) * 2001-01-19 2003-05-28 Schlumberger Holdings Apparatus and method for spacing out of offshore wells
US6758272B2 (en) 2002-01-29 2004-07-06 Schlumberger Technology Corporation Apparatus and method for obtaining proper space-out in a well
EP2088280A1 (fr) * 2008-02-07 2009-08-12 Gérard Arsonnet Système pour positionner un corps dans un tube
FR2927355A1 (fr) * 2008-02-07 2009-08-14 Gerard Arsonnet Systeme pour positionner un corps dans un tube
US10151162B2 (en) 2014-09-26 2018-12-11 Ncs Multistage Inc. Hydraulic locator
WO2017079823A1 (fr) 2015-11-10 2017-05-18 Ncs Multistage Inc. Appareils et procédés de localisation à l'intérieur d'un puits de forage
EP3374592A4 (fr) * 2015-11-10 2019-10-02 NCS Multistage Inc. Appareils et procédés de localisation à l'intérieur d'un puits de forage
US10745987B2 (en) 2015-11-10 2020-08-18 Ncs Multistage Inc. Apparatuses and methods for locating within a wellbore
US10689950B2 (en) 2016-04-22 2020-06-23 Ncs Multistage Inc. Apparatus, systems and methods for controlling flow communication with a subterranean formation

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
AU2003997A (en) 1997-12-04
CA2206170A1 (fr) 1997-11-29
NO972284L (no) 1997-12-01
ID17369A (id) 1997-12-24
EP0810348A3 (fr) 2000-08-09
NO972284D0 (no) 1997-05-20

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