EP2443307A1

EP2443307A1 - Intermediate disconnection tool to be placed in a shuttle lowered into a well for exploiting a fluid, and related shuttle and method

Info

Publication number: EP2443307A1
Application number: EP10734246A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Bruno Le Briere; Clément LAPLANE; Abdelkader Didi; Vincent Chatelet
Original assignee: Geoservices Equipements SAS
Current assignee: Geoservices Equipements SAS
Priority date: 2009-06-17
Filing date: 2010-06-16
Publication date: 2012-04-25
Also published as: US20120186826A1; WO2010146305A1; US8887817B2; CA2765929C; FR2946998A1; AR077107A1; CA2765929A1

Abstract

The invention relates to a tool including a top portion (64) and a bottom portion (62) which are movably mounted relative to each other between a connected position and a totally disconnected position. The tool includes an immobilization member (140) that is releasable from the top portion (64) relative to the bottom portion (62), a member (142) for releasing the immobilization member (140), and a mechanism (144) for moving the release member (142) housed in the tool (54). The moving mechanism (144) includes an actuator (184) and a means for receiving a control signal. The moving mechanism (144) includes a member (180) for resiliently urging the release member (142) into the release position thereof and also includes a member (182) for retaining the release member (142) in an activation position contacting the urging member. The actuator (184) is suitable for releasing the retaining member (182) after receiving the control signal.

Description

An intermediate disconnect tool for placement in a shuttle lowered into a fluid operating well, shuttle and associated method.

The present invention relates to an intermediate disconnection tool intended to be placed in a shuttle lowered into a fluid operating well, of the type comprising:

an upper part intended to be connected to a working line to the cable, and a lower part intended to be connected to a bottom tool, the upper part and the lower part being mounted movable relative to one another; another between a position connected to one another and a fully disconnected position, in which the upper part can be raised to the surface independently of the lower part, one of the upper part and the lower part delimiting a head, the other of the upper part and the lower part delimiting a receiving cavity receiving the head sealingly in the connected position;

at least one releasable immobilizer of the upper part relative to the lower part in the connected position;

- A release member of the immobilizer, movably mounted between an activation position of the immobilizing member and a release position of the immobilizing member;

a mechanism for moving the release member housed in the tool, the mechanism for displacing comprising an actuator comprising a power source, and means for receiving a control signal capable of supplying the actuator by the power source when receiving the control signal.

In order to carry out interventions and / or measurements in a fluid operating well, it is known to dismount intervention and / or measurement tools by placing them in a shuttle placed at the lower end of a well. line of work to the cable. The shuttle was lowered into the well by means of the cable working line to the point of intervention and / or measurement.

The cable working line is for example a slickline, an electric line stranded cable, or a coiled tubing coiled hollow flexible tube.

The descent of the tool by means of such a line is easier to implement than with drill pipes, especially when this line is a smooth cable.

However, once introduced into the well, it happens in certain circumstances, that the shuttle remains locked at the bottom of the well. This blockage may arise, for example, misalignment of the shuttle, a local inclination too low well, or a malfunction of an anchoring system or sealing the shuttle. In this case, the surface operator tries, for example, to exert a large traction force on the shuttle using the cable working line to try to unblock the shuttle. However, this maneuver is risky, since it can lead to the breaking of the line of work to the cable. The subsequent recovery of the shuttle remained at the bottom of the well is then very complicated and the cable work line must be replaced, which can be expensive.

In some cases, the shuttle is equipped with a slider to perform shuffling in an attempt to loosen the shuttle. However, shocks caused by threshing can damage some tools, including some measuring tools with sensors sensitive to shocks.

To overcome these problems, intermediate disconnect tools have been designed to perform a controlled disconnection of the shuttle from the cable work line. These tools make it possible to go up the line of work to the cable independently of the shuttle and to descend later a recovery tool more adapted to loosen the part of the shuttle remaining at the bottom.

For this purpose, for example, a disconnection tool is known which is activated mechanically by dropping a sliding object along the line of work to the cable to a release member of the line at the upper end of the shuttle . Such a device is not entirely satisfactory, especially in inclined wells. No. 5,984,006 discloses an intermediate disconnecting tool comprising an explosive charge that can be triggered by a control signal transmitted from the surface via the stranded electrical cable. The explosive charge installed in a shuttle tool provides the energy required for a piston actuator that moves in the tool to release the line of work to the cable. Other systems without explosive charge exist but with the necessary energy transported from the surface via the electric cable.

Such a tool is not entirely satisfactory. It is indeed necessary to convey sufficient electrical power to the shuttle to operate the system or cause the explosion of the load that will operate the system, which is not possible especially when a smooth cable is used. In addition, the explosive charge that is required to move the piston can damage the tool.

An object of the invention is therefore to obtain a disconnection tool for a shuttle stuck in the bottom of a well, which is simple to operate from the surface without risk of damage to the tool. To this end, the subject of the invention is a disconnection tool of the aforementioned type, characterized in that the displacement mechanism comprises at least one request member. an elastic member of the release member towards its release position and at least one retaining member of the release member in its activation position against the biasing member, the actuator being adapted to release the retainer after receiving the control signal. The tool according to the invention may comprise one or more of the following characteristics, taken separately or according to any combination (s) technically possible ^):

the tool delimits at least one pressure equalization orifice, advantageously at least two, in particular two or three, connecting the internal cavity and the outside of the tool, the tool comprising a mobile mounted pressure equalization device in the or each pressure equalization port between a shutter configuration of the pressure equalization port and a pressure equalization configuration through the pressure equalization port, the release member in its activation position maintaining the or each pressure equalizing member in its shutter configuration, the release member in its release position allowing the displacement of the or each pressure equalization member from its configuration of shutter to its pressure equalization configuration; the pressure equalization member being movable independently of the release member, in particular when the release member occupies its release position; - The pressure equalizing member comprises a rod defining an inner channel, the inner channel being released in the pressure equalization configuration, the inner channel being closed in the closure configuration;

the release member delimits a housing for receiving the pressure equalization member opening into a peripheral surface of the release member, the pressure equalization member being arranged in the receiving housing in the position liberation;

the actuator comprises an electric motor, advantageously of power less than 5 Watts, the energy source comprising a battery for powering the electric motor; - The actuator comprises a rotary cam, the retaining member cooperating with the rotary cam so that the rotation of the rotary cam disengages the retaining member of the release member;

the retaining member comprises at least one pivoting hook having a free end engaged against the rotating cam; - The control signal receiving means are adapted to receive an electric signal, electromagnetic, magnetic, mechanical or acoustic control transmitted from the surface when the tool is disposed in the well; and

the upper part comprises a first electrical section, the lower part comprising a second electrical section intended to be connected to an electrical line of the downhole tool, the tool comprising at least one intermediate electrical section connecting the first section to the second section; , the intermediate electrical section being disconnectable during the passage of the tool from its connected position to its disconnected position. The invention also relates to a shuttle intended to be lowered into a fluid production well, characterized in that it comprises:

- means of connection to a line of work to the cable;

- at least one basic tool; and

an intermediate disconnection tool as defined above, and in that, at least in the disconnected position, the connecting means to the working line to the cable are connected to the upper part, the bottom tool being connected to the bottom part.

The shuttle according to the invention may comprise one or more of the following characteristics taken separately or according to any combination (s) technically possible:

- It comprises at least one measuring tool interposed between the upper part and the connecting means to the cable working line, the shuttle comprising at least one intervention and / or measurement tool disposed under the lower part.

The invention also relates to a method of disconnecting a shuttle as defined above, characterized in that it comprises the following steps:

receiving a command signal from the actuator from the surface by the receiving means;

activation of the actuator by the energy source housed in the tool;

- Disengagement by the actuator of the retaining member away from the release member;

- Passage of the release member between its position of activation of the immobilizing member and its position of release of the immobilizing member under the effect of the biasing member and release of the body of the immobilization;

- moving the upper part via the working line to the cable, without moving the lower part to move from the connected position to the fully disconnected position. The method according to the invention may comprise one or more of the following characteristics, taken separately or according to any combination (s) technically possible:

the tool delimits at least one pressure equalization orifice connecting the internal cavity and the outside of the tool, the tool comprising a pressure equalization member movably mounted in the pressure equalization orifice between a shutter configuration of the pressure equalization port and a pressure equalization configuration through the pressure equalization port, the method comprising the passage of the pressure equalization member from its configuration shutter towards its pressure equalization configuration when the release member reaches its release position;

the pressure equalization member passes from its closure configuration to its pressure equalization configuration under the effect of the pressure of the external fluid applied to the tool.

The invention will be better understood on reading the description which follows, given solely by way of example and with reference to the appended drawings, in which:

- Figure 1 is a schematic partial sectional view of a fluid operating system according to the invention comprising a first shuttle according to the invention introduced into a fluid operating well; - Figure 2 is an elevational view of the shuttle of Figure 1 comprising a first disconnecting tool according to the invention occupying a connected position;

FIG. 3 is a view taken in section along a median axial plane of the relevant parts of the tool of FIG. 2;

Figure 4 is a side view of the connecting mechanism between the upper and lower parts of the tool of Figure 2 in the connected position;

- Figure 5 is a view similar to Figure 2 in a disconnected position of the tool;

- Figure 6 is a view similar to Figure 3 in the disconnected position;

- Figure 7 is a view similar to Figure 4 in the disconnected position; Figure 8 is a view of a marked detail VIII in Figure 3;

Fig. 9 is a view of a marked detail IX in Fig. 6; and

- Figure 10 is a view of the actuating cam of the actuating mechanism of the tool shown in Figure 3.

A first intervention device 10 according to the invention is shown in FIG. This device 10 is intended to be lowered into a well 12 of an installation 14 hydrocarbons, including an oil well. The well 12 is formed in the basement 16 to lead to the surface 18 of the ground.

The well 12 comprises, in a known way, at least a first pull-out conduit called "casing" and, located in the center of the well 12, a last central duct or tube 22 called "production tube" wedged substantially in the center of the or each first conduit 20.

The conduit 22 defines a central passage capable of conveying a production fluid from the bottom of the well 12 to the surface 18. It has a length less than that of the conduit 20 of smaller diameter so that it opens at its lower end towards down in a lower section of the duct 20.

The well 12 further comprises a wellhead 24 at the surface for selectively closing and controlling the or each first conduit 20 and the second conduit 22, as well as the annular spaces defined between the conduits 20, 22.

The intervention device 10 comprises a shuttle 30 according to the invention intended to be introduced into a conduit 20, 22 to carry out an intervention and / or measurement operation, means 32 for deploying the shuttle 30 in the well. , means 34 for controlling the device 10 placed outside the conduit 22 at a first point 36 situated in the vicinity of the wellhead 24 at the surface 18 of the ground, and means 38 for transmitting between the control means 34 and the shuttle 30. The shuttle 30 can be placed indifferently in the second conduit 22 or in the lower section of the conduit 20 of smaller diameter, below the lower end of the conduit 22. In the following, only the placement of the shuttle in line 22 will be described by way of example.

In the example illustrated in FIG. 1, the deployment means 32 comprise a cable working line 40, a surface winch 42 enabling the line 40 to be deployed in the well 12 or withdrawing it from the well, and return pulleys 44 of line 40, mounted on the wellhead 24.

Line 40 is for example formed by a smooth single-strand cable type "piano wire", commonly referred to by the term "slickline", with advantageously an electrical insulation coating on its outer surface, as described in the patent application FR- A-2,848,363 of the Applicant.

As a variant, a smooth standard slickline cable is used with other transmission means 38 than those described in FR-A-2 848 363, such as: acoustic, vibratory.

In another variant, the line 40 is a mechanically reinforced electrical cable, commonly referred to by the term "electric line" or a hollow tube commonly referred to as "coiled tubing". The winch 42 is connected to the control means 34. Under the action of the control means 34, the winch 42 and the pulleys 44 are able to deploy the working line 40 in the second duct 22 through the wellhead 24 or to retract it to the surface. The shuttle 30 is of generally elongated tubular shape with an axis XX 'substantially parallel to or coincident with the local axis of the duct 22. In the example shown in FIG. 1, the axis XX' is vertical but could be inclined in the case of a deviated well.

With reference to FIG. 2, the shuttle 30 comprises from top to bottom in this figure, an upper assembly 50 connected to the line of work to the cable 40, a lower assembly 52 of intervention and / or measurement, and a intermediate disconnect tool 54 according to the invention placed between the lower assembly 52 and the upper assembly 50.

The upper assembly 50 comprises, with reference to FIG. 2, means 56 for connecting the line of work to the cable 40 and, advantageously, an instrumentation 58 comprising, for example, a sensor for measuring the local voltage applied on the line 40 shuttle positioning detection sensors 30 such as a "collar collar locator" or a gamma ray detection sensor emitted by the formation. All these sensors, which can be fragile and are relatively expensive are located above the disconnection tool 54 to be recovered in case of blocking the lower assembly 52. The lower assembly 52 comprises at least one tool The tool 60 is, for example, a mechanical actuator, a perforation tool, or a measurement assembly intended to be used at a given point of the well 12.

The intermediate tool 54 is advantageously mounted at any point on the shuttle 30. It comprises, with reference to FIGS. 2 and 3, a lower portion 62 connected to the lower assembly 52, an upper portion 64 connected to the upper assembly 50 the lower portion 62 and the upper portion 64 being movable relative to each other between a connected position, shown in Figure 2, and a fully disconnected position, shown in Figure 5.

With reference to FIGS. 3 and 4, the intermediate tool 54 further comprises a releasable immobilization assembly 66 of the lower portion 62 relative to the portion 64 in their connected position, a pressure equalization assembly 68 for allow the removal of the upper portion 64 relative to the lower portion 62 in the disconnected position, and a disconnectable electrical path 70 through the intermediate tool 54 for electrically connecting the upper assembly 50 to the lower assembly 52. The upper part 64 comprises a lower sleeve 72 and a connecting head 74 mounted at a lower end of the sleeve 72. The lower sleeve 72 has a cylindrical tubular shape of axis X-X '. It is fixed under the upper assembly 50.

The head 74 is generally elongate along X-X '. It is mounted in an interior lumen delimited at the lower end of the sleeve 72. The head 74 comprises an upper region 76 inserted into the sleeve 72, an intermediate region 78 of closing down the sleeve 72 and a lower region 80 which protrudes out of the sleeve 72 to be received in the lower portion 62. The head 74 further comprises a central rod 82 for passage of the electrical path 70.

The head 74 defines an upper passage 84 for receiving the releasable immobilization assembly 66 extending along the axis X-X 'over its entire length and opens at the upper end 85 of the head.

The upper region 76 delimits, in the vicinity of its upper end 85, two lateral slots 86 for passage of the retaining hooks of the immobilization assembly 66, as will be seen below. The slots 86 open transversely outward facing the sleeve

72 and open internally into the receiving passage 84.

The upper region 76 comprises facing slots 86 around the axis X-X ', a cylindrical core 88 disposed in the passage 84 along the axis X-X'. The core 88 has an outer diameter smaller than the diameter of the passage 84. The upper region 76 is sealingly mounted in the upper sleeve 72 through annular top seals 90 distributed along its length. Thus, the penetration of external fluid to the intermediate tool 54 between the upper region 76 and the sleeve 72 is prevented.

The intermediate region 78 extends in abutment on the lower edge 91 of the sleeve 72. It has an outer diameter substantially equal to that of the sleeve 72. It delimits two radial pressure equalizing orifices 92 which connect the central passage 84 and the The exterior of the tool 54. Each orifice 92 has an outer portion of larger diameter than its inner portion.

The lower region 80 has a diameter smaller than the diameter of the intermediate region 78. The lower region 80 thus delimits with the intermediate region 78 a lower annular support shoulder 94 intended to receive the upper edge of the lower portion 62.

The lower region 80 has a substantially cylindrical outer surface 96 of constant diameter and axis X-X '. It defines annular cavities 98 for receiving intermediate annular sealing joints 100 intended to be applied against an inner surface of the lower part 62 of the tool 54, as will be described below. The lower region 80 further delimits, below the cavities 98, radial windows 102 for the passage of locking dogs of the releasable immobilization assembly 66. The windows 102 open out into the receiving passage 84.

The lower region 80 further comprises an annular abutment 104 for axial wedging of the dogs. The abutment 104 extends below the windows 102 projecting radially towards the X-X 'axis in the receiving passage 84.

The central rod 82 comprises a tubular member 106 for routing and a connection head 108.

The tubular member 106 is attached, at its upper end, to the cylindrical core 88. It extends along the axis XX 'in the receiving passage 84, successively facing the upper region 76, of the intermediate region 78 and the lower region 80, beyond which it projects downwards.

It delimits at its periphery in the receiving passage 84 an annular space for circulation of the releasable immobilization assembly 66. The head 108 axially closes the lower end 1 10 of the tubular member 106.

It has, at its free end, a tip 1 12 of electrical connection to the lower portion 62 of the tool.

The lower portion 62 includes a lower sleeve 120, a hollow upper jacket 122 for receiving the connection head 74, and an electrical connection core 124 coaxially mounted in the lower sleeve 120 to protrude into the jacket 122.

The sleeve 120, the jacket 122 and the core 124 internally define a lower passage 126 for receiving the head 74 opening upwards.

The jacket 122 is of substantially cylindrical shape. It is sealingly mounted in an upper cavity of the sleeve 120 with the interposition of lower sealing joints 128.

The jacket 122 has an inner diameter, externally defining the lower passage 126, of diameter substantially equal to the outer diameter of the surface 96 of the lower region 80. It defines, in the vicinity of its upper edge 130, an annular groove 132 for receiving the dogs of the releasable immobilization assembly 86 which has a diameter greater than that of the lower passage 126. The groove 132 extends opposite the windows 102 in the connected position.

The core 124 protrudes into the underpass 126 along the X-X 'axis. It defines an axial housing 134 for receiving the tip 1 12. form substantially complementary to that of the tip 1 12 to ensure electrical continuity when the tip 1 12 is inserted into the core 124.

The electrical path 70 has a lower section (not shown) extending through the core to the axial housing 134, an intermediate section extending through the connection head 108 and through the tubular member 106 and a section upper (not shown) extending through the upper portion 64. It has at least one frangible region or disconnectable. In this example, the disconnectable region is formed by the tip 1 12.

When the upper part 64 and the lower part 62 occupy their connected position, the tip 1 12 being received in the core 124, an electrical signal can be transmitted through the path 70 from an upper part of the shuttle 30 to the tools arranged in the lower part of the shuttle 30.

In the disconnected position, the path 70 is broken and the electrical circuit is open. As seen above, the lower portion 62 and the upper portion 64 are movable relative to each other between a connected position, shown in Figures 2 and 3, and the fully disconnected position shown in part in Figures 5 and 6.

In the connected position shown in Figures 2 and 3, the head 74 has been inserted into the lower receiving passage 126 defined by the liner 122 and the lower sleeve 120 of the lower portion 62.

The upper edge 130 of the liner 122 is disposed in abutment on the lower annular shoulder 94. The intermediate seals 98 bear radially against an inner surface of the liner 122 around the lower edge 94 below the windows 102.

Thus, the upper receiving passage 84 and the lower receiving passage 126 communicate with each other and form a sealed cavity 136 opening outward exclusively through the pressure equalizing orifices 92.

The connection head 108 protrudes into the underpass 126, and the tip 1 12 is received in the housing 134.

In the disconnected position, the upper portion 64 has been axially offset relative to the lower portion 62.

The upper edge 130 of the jacket 122 has been placed away from the lower shoulder 94. The tip 1 12 has been extracted out of the housing 134. The upper part 64 is then able to be moved completely away from the lower part 62 to be out of contact with it. In this position, the cavity inner 136 has been fully opened and the assembly formed by the upper assembly 50 and the upper portion 64 is adapted to be raised to the surface by the working line to the cable 40, regardless of the assembly formed by the part 62 and the lower assembly 52. As shown in FIGS. 4 and 7, the releasable immobilization assembly 66 comprises releasable members 140 for axially immobilizing the lower portion 62 with respect to the upper portion 64, an element 142 in this example, the immobilizing members 140 are formed by radial dogs 146 mounted radially movable in the windows 102.

Each dog 146 comprises a head 148 capable of protruding radially beyond the outer surface 96 of the head 74 in the groove 132 and the feet 150 for actuating the deployment of the dogs 146.

Each dog 146 is movable between a radially expanded position of axial locking of the lower portion 62 relative to the upper portion 64, and a retracted radially release position of the upper portion 64 relative to the lower portion 62.

In the radially expanded position, the head 148 of each dog 146 projects outwardly beyond the outer surface 96 to be received in the groove 132. The feet 150 are then placed in abutment against an inner surface of the head 74 around the window 102.

In the retracted position, the head 148 is radially outcropping the outer surface 96. The feet 150 then protrude radially towards the axis X-X '.

The release member 142 is received in the upper passage 84. It has a substantially cylindrical perforated body 152, a lower flange 154 and two upper legs 156 of axial retention.

The perforated body 152 delimits a plurality of axial lumens 158, a circumferential restriction 160 for receiving the pressure equalization assembly 68 and two circumferential constrictions 162 for receiving the dogs 146. The perforated body 152 thus has a peripheral surface. 164 substantially cylindrical outer and a substantially cylindrical inner peripheral surface 166.

The outer surface 164 is disposed in abutment against the intermediate region 78 and the lower region 80 of the head 74 in the receiving passage 84, away from the constrictions 160, 162. The inner surface 166 is disposed in abutment against the rod central 82 facing the constrictions 160, 162. The upper legs 156 define, in the vicinity of their upper edge, lateral openings 168 for receiving locking hooks. The lateral orifices 168 are delimited upwards by a transverse retaining surface 170.

The flange 154 protrudes radially from the perforated body 152 at the lower end of the perforated body 152.

The release member 42 is slidably mounted in the annular space defined in the receiving passage 84 by the central rod 82 and the head 74, between an upper position of activation of the immobilizing members, shown in FIGS. and 4, and a lower release position of the immobilizing members, shown in Figures 6 and 7.

The displacement mechanism 144 comprises a biasing spring 180 of the release member 142 to the release position, hooks 182 of axial retention of the release member 142 in the activation position against the spring 180, and an actuator 184 capable of releasing the hooks 182 on receipt of a control signal transmitted by the transmission means 38. The mechanism 144 also comprises receiving means 186 of the control signal coming from the surface for controlling the actuator 184.

The biasing spring 180 is mounted in abutment between the flange 154 and the annular abutment 104. It exerts an axial biasing force to move the flange 154 away from the abutment 104 at least in the activation position.

The hooks 182 are pivotally mounted in the slots 86. Each hook 182 is thus articulated on the upper part 76 of the head 74 by its lower end about an axis 188 perpendicular to the axis X-X '.

Each hook 182 comprises a radial retaining projection 190, disposed in the vicinity and away from its free end, and an actuating finger 192 which projects radially towards the X-X 'axis at its free end.

The hook 182 is pivotally movable about the axis 188 between an engagement position in the release member 142 and a disengaged position of the release member 142 located radially away from the X-X axis. In the engagement position, the finger 192 extends substantially perpendicular to the X-X 'axis. The radial abutment 190 is disposed in the orifice 168 in contact with the transverse retaining surface 170.

In the disengaged position, the hook 182 has been pivoted about its upper end 188 in a slot 86. The radial stop 190 has been extracted out of the opening 168 and the finger 192 has been shifted transversely to the deviation from the X-X 'axis. The actuator 184 is received entirely in the intermediate tool 54, in the upper part 64. It is housed in the lower sleeve 72 and is attached below the upper region 76 of the head 74.

The actuator 184 comprises an electric motor 200, a battery 202 for supplying the electric motor 200 and a cam 204 for actuating the hooks 182 rotated by the motor 200.

The actuator 184 further comprises an intermediate bearing assembly 206 for mounting the cam 204 on the engine 200.

The motor 200 is of low power, especially of power less than 5 Watts, preferably less than or substantially equal to 1 Watt. It has an output shaft 206 of axis X-X 'mechanically connected to the cam 204 via the assembly 206.

Referring to Figure 10, the cam 204 includes an input shaft 210, a head 212, and a peripheral cam surface 214 extending circumferentially about the X-X 'axis.

The head 212 is received in a hole provided at the upper end of the cylindrical core 88. The input shaft 210 is mechanically secured to the output shaft 206 of the motor 200 to be rotated together with the shaft 206, possibly using a decoupling mechanism, such as a reducer. The cam surface 214 comprises a first half-moon shaped peripheral region 215A intended to be placed in contact with a first hook 182 and a second half-moon-shaped opposed peripheral region 215B intended to be engaged with a second hook. 182.

The regions 215A, 215B are shaped such that the distance between the axis XX 'of rotation of the cam 204 of the point of contact between each peripheral region 215A, 215B of the cam surface 214 and the associated hook 182 increases progressively during the pivoting of the cam 204 about the axis XX 'in a first direction.

The cam 204 is thus rotatably mounted around the axis XX 'under the action of the motor 200 to move the hooks 182 from their engagement position in the release member 142 to their disengaged position outside the body 142 progressively spreading the fingers 192 of the axis X-X '.

The reception means 186 of the control signal are coupled to the transmission means 38 for receiving the control signal transmitted by the transmission means 38. They are adapted to supply the electric motor 200 with the battery 202 to rotate the cam 204 in the first direction on receipt of a control signal from the surface.

With reference to Figures 8 and 9, the pressure equalization assembly 68 includes a pressure equalization member 220 for each pressure equalization port 92.

The pressure equalizing member 220 comprises a pierced rod 222, an annular seal 224 disposed around the pierced rod 222, an inner washer 226 for supporting the gasket 224, and a shut-off plug 227 closing outwardly. orifice 92. The rod 222 extends longitudinally in the inner part of the orifice 92. It has an internal channel 228 of axis YY 'transverse to the axis X-X'.

The channel 228 opens outwardly along the transverse axis YY 'facing the plug 227 through an upstream opening 230. It opens downstream through downstream apertures 232 disposed perpendicular to the axis YY' of the rod 222 substantially in a portion median of the stem 222.

The washer 226 and the seal 224 are arranged around the rod 222 in its upper part. An annular space exists below the washer 226 towards the internal cavity between the rod 222 and the intermediate portion 78 defining the orifice 92.

The rod 222 is movable radially with respect to the axis XX 'along its axis YY' between an outer closure configuration to maintain the seal in the inner cavity 136 shown in FIG. 8 and an internal equalization configuration. pressure, shown in Figure 9.

In the outer configuration, the rod 222 is extended outside of the inner cavity 136 and the receiving passage 84. It projects partially into the plug 227.

The downstream apertures 232 then open opposite the annular seal 224, and the channel 228 is closed from the outside towards the inside. The pressure equalization orifice 92 is then closed sealingly by the pressure equalizing member 220.

In the interior configuration, the rod 222 has been moved radially towards the X-X 'axis under the effect of the external fluid pressure. It projects partially into the receiving passage 84 into the inner cavity 136.

The openings 232 extend at least partially under the washer 226 facing the annular space defined between the rod 222 and the intermediate region 78 of the head 74. A continuous fluid path is formed from the outside of the tool 54 through the plug 227, the upstream inlet 230 of the channel 228, the channel 228, the downstream opening, the space annular and the receiving passage 84 to allow to equalize the pressure between the inner cavity 146 and the outside of the tool 54.

The transmission means 38 are capable of transmitting each control signal, (for each of the tools present in the shuttle 30, including the intermediate tool 54 from the control means 34 on the surface to the receiving means 186 in the second embodiment. actuator 122.

In the example shown in Figures 1 to 10, the transmission means 38 are of the type described in the French application FR-A-2,848,363 of the Applicant. They operate by circulating each control signal between the control means 34 and the reception means 186, along the line of work to the cable 40 and the second conduit 22.

In a variant, transmission means 38 of electrical, magnetic, mechanical or electromagnetic acoustic type are used.

The operation of the intermediate disconnection tool 54 during a descent of the shuttle 30 will now be described.

Initially, the shuttle 30 is assembled to the surface 18 of the well 12. The intermediate tool 54 is placed in its connected position, with the lower part 62 connected to the upper part 64.

In this position, as specified above, the head 74 has been inserted into the lower receiving passage 126 delimited by the upper liner 122 and the lower sleeve 120. The lower shoulder 94 is disposed in abutment against the upper edge 130 of the shirt 122.

The connection head 108 is inserted into the housing 134 to electrically connect the upper portion 64 of the tool 54 with the lower portion 62 of the tool 54 through the central rod 82.

The release member 142 is placed in its upper activation position. For this purpose, its upper edge extends relatively to the vicinity of the cam 204.

The retaining hooks 182 occupy their engagement position, inserted into the receiving ports 168 and the radial stops 190 are applied against the upper transverse retaining surface 170. The hooks 182 then extend substantially parallel to the axis X-X '.

The fingers 192 are applied against the outer cam surface 214, closest to the axis X-X '.

In this position, the biasing spring 180 is held in compression between the flange 154 and the annular abutment 104, the flange 154 being located closest to the stop 104. In this connected position, the intermediate annular constriction 160 is axially offset relative to each pressure equalizing port 92. The outer peripheral surface 164 of the release member 142 internally seals the pressure equalizing orifices 92. pressure equalizing members 220 are then mounted. Each rod 222 is introduced into an orifice 92 by placing the washer 226 and the annular seal 224 around it. The inner end of the rod 222 is brought into abutment against the outer peripheral surface 164 of the release member 142. to maintain the rod 222 in its outer sealing position. Likewise, the lower constrictions 162 are axially offset along the axis XX 'with respect to the feet 150 of the dogs 146. The feet 150 therefore apply externally to the outer peripheral surface 164 away from the constrictions 162, which which keeps the dogs 146 in their deployed position externally through the windows 102. The dog head 146 is received in the annular groove 132, which blocks axially along the axis XX 'the upper portion 62 relative to the upper part 64.

The lower seals 128, the intermediate seals 102 and the upper seals 90 sealingly seal, with the annular seals 224 of the pressure equalizing members 220, the cavity 136 formed by the upper receiving passage 84 and the receiving passage. lower 126.

Thus, all the instrumentation received in the cavity 136 as well as the electrical devices and paths 70 received in this cavity 136 are kept isolated from the fluid present outside the tool 54. Then, the lower assembly 52 is mounted under the lower portion 62 of the tool 54, and the upper assembly 50 comprising the instrumentation 58 and the connecting means 56 is mounted above the upper portion 64.

Then, the connection means 56 are connected to the line of work at the cable 40 and the shuttle 30 thus formed is introduced into the well 12 with the aid of an airlock mounted on the wellhead 24.

The shuttle 30 is then lowered to the bottom of the well 12 by the working line to the cable 40 to a point chosen to perform an intervention and / or measurements.

If there is a problem in moving the shuttle 30 before or after the intervention, and especially if the lower intervention and / or measuring assembly 52 remains blocked, preventing the return of the shuttle 30 towards the surface, the line working cable 40 is immobilized. Under the control of the operator at the surface, the transmission means 38 transmit a control signal to the actuator 184. This control signal is sufficiently secure to avoid a disconnection by mistake.

When the control signal is received by the reception means 186, the reception means 186 activate the electric motor 200 by means of the battery 202 present in the disconnection tool 54.

It is therefore not necessary to have a power line transferring electrical power between the surface and the bottom to perform the disconnection.

Thus, it is possible to proceed to a disconnection even when the shuttle 30 is lowered by means of a working line to the cable type isolated smooth cable as described in the application FR-A-2848363 of the Applicant.

Under the effect of the activation of the motor 200, the cam 204 rotates about the axis X-X ', which moves the cam surface 214 about the axis XX' with respect to the fingers 192. fingers 192 then pass over the region of the cam surface 214 located furthest from the axis X-X ', which causes them to pivot about the axis 188.

During this pivoting, the radial stops 190 deviate outwardly from the transverse retaining surfaces 170 and out of the receiving orifices 168.

The radial stops 190 being disengaged, the spring 180 is free to deploy axially to move the flange 154 axially spaced from the abutment 104.

During this movement, and under the effect of the spring 180, the release member 142 moves from its upper activation position to its lower release position. It descends axially with respect to the upper part 64 by sliding along the axis X-X 'in the annular space defined in the upper receiving passage 84 between the intermediate portion 74 and the central rod 82.

This displacement is guided by the sliding of the inner peripheral surface 166 on the rod 82 and by the sliding of the outer peripheral surface 164 against the intermediate region 74.

When the release member 142 is in its release position, its upper edge 167 has moved relatively away from the cam 204.

The lower constrictions 162 are then placed opposite the feet 150 of the dogs 146, which allows a radial movement of the dogs 146 from their deployed position to their retracted position.

The dogs 146 retract away from the groove 132 by being received in the lower constrictions 162. Simultaneously, the upper throat 160 is located opposite the pressure equalization orifices 92. The rods 222 are then free to move radially inwards, under the effect of the external pressure, to their internal configuration in support against the bottom of the lower throat 160. The pressure between the outside of the tool 54 and the inner cavity 136 is then equalized by circulation of fluid through successively the plug 227, the channel 228 and the orifice of equalizing the pressure 92 around the rod 222 to the inner cavity 136.

The lower portion 62 is then no longer mechanically retained relative to the upper portion 64. In addition, there is no longer a pressure difference between the inner cavity 146 and the outside of the tool 54 that can retain axially the upper portion 64 relative to the lower portion 62.

The working line to the cable 40 is thus activated to raise upward the assembly formed by the upper assembly 50 and the upper portion 64 of the disconnection tool 54. During this movement, the head 74 is extracted out the lower receiving passage

126 and the electrical path 70 disconnects by extraction of the connecting tip 1 12 out of the housing 126 and possibly by breaking a breakable wire.

This being done, the assembly formed by the upper assembly 50 and the lower part 62 of the tool, which notably comprises the fragile and expensive instrumentation, is recovered without risk of breaking the line of work to the cable 40 , and without it being necessary to move the assembly formed by the lower assembly 52 and the lower part 62 of the disconnection tool 54.

Later, a repechage of the assembly formed by the lower assembly 52 and the lower portion 62 of the intermediate tool 54 can be performed, with appropriate means such as a line of greater mechanical strength.

Note that the liner 122 of the lower portion 62 is internally profiled to engage a retrieval tool disposed for example at the lower end of a high strength cable such as a coiled tubing, or at the lower end of a drill string. The emergency disconnection tool 54 is therefore particularly simple to implement, since it is completely autonomous in terms of energy.

It does not require the exercise of a large force on the cable working line to allow the disconnection, since this disconnection is controlled directly in the tool 54 by the actuator 184 under a command transmitted by transmission means. mission of a control signal between the bottom and the surface. In addition, the pressure equalization being performed simultaneously with the mechanical release of the lower portion 62 relative to the upper portion 64, there is no risk of locking the tool 54 in its connected position.

The tool 54 is also of short length. It is very resistant to the environment in which it is immersed, because of the tightness achieved between the upper part 64 and the lower part 62. It is thus possible to circulate an electrical path 70 through the disconnection tool. 54 without risk of contamination by the external environment.

In a variant, the tool 54 comprises a switch adapted to open the electrical path 70 to break the electrical continuity and the power supply from the upper part of the shuttle 30 to the lower part of the shuttle 30, to avoid any short -circuit with the well fluid. This switch is activated on receipt of the control signal by the reception means 186.

The presence of at least one pressure equalizing member 220 received in a pressure equalization orifice 92 and distinct from the release member 142, to be maintained in a closure configuration of the orifice 92 of pressure equalization before disconnection, then to move into the pressure equalization configuration when the release member 142 moves into its activation position, improves the reliability of the tool, since it ensures that the pressure equalization occurs well.

In addition, as indicated above, the intermediate tool 54 advantageously delimits a plurality of pressure equalization orifices 92 opening radially outside the tool 54, which further strengthens the reliability of its opening.

It will be noted that the presence of the pressure equalization orifices 92, which open radially outside the tool 54 and which connect the central passage 84 to the outside of the tool 54 allow easy assembly and disassembly of the pressure equalizing members 220 and plugs 227. It is thus easy to mount these members 220, without completely disassembling the tool 54, and in particular the upper part of the tool 54.

In a variant, the shuttle 30 comprises a device for controlling the disconnection of the intermediate tool 54.

This device is for example formed by a retarder advantageously housed in the upper part 64 of the intermediate tool 54.

The retarder is electrically connected to the receiving means 186 by transmission means 38 received in the tool 50.

The self-timer is programmed on the surface to emit a control signal beyond a given duration of intervention from its activation. The shuttle 30 is then introduced into the well, the tool 54 having its upper portion 64 and lower portion 62 in their position connected to one another. The self-timer is then activated.

When the preset intervention time in the self-timer is reached, the timer outputs a control signal which is received by the reception means 186 to actuate the actuator 184 and cause the upper portion 64 to disconnect from the lower portion 62, as previously described.

In all of the above, the actuator 184 comprising the electric motor, the battery 202, and the receiving means 186 of the control signal are received totally in the upper part 64 of the intermediate tool 54.

As a result, all the sensitive electrical or electronic parts are raised out of the well 12 with the upper part 64, when the upper part 64 is disconnected from the lower part 62 which remains in the well 12.

It is not necessary in some cases to have a battery or electronics present in the lower part 62 or below the lower part 62.

Thus, the shuttle 30 may comprise a lower assembly 52 purely mechanical intervention, without electrical path connected under the intermediate tool 54.

Claims

1. Intermediate disconnecting tool (54), intended to be placed in a shuttle (30) lowered into a fluid operating well (12), of the type comprising:

an upper part (64) intended to be connected to a working line (40) to the cable, and a lower part (62), intended to be connected to a bottom tool, the upper part (64) and the part lower part (62) being mounted movable relative to each other between a position connected to one another and a fully disconnected position, in which the upper part (64) can be raised to the surface independently of the part lower part (62), one of the upper part (64) and the lower part (62) delimiting a head (74), the other of the upper part (64) and the lower part (62) delimiting a receiving cavity (146) receiving the head (74) sealingly in the connected position;

at least one releasable immobilization member (140) of the upper part (64) relative to the lower part (62) in the connected position; a release member (142) for the immobilizing member (140), mounted movably between an activation position of the immobilizing member (140) and a release position of the immobilizing member ( 140);

a mechanism (144) for moving the release member (142) housed in the tool (54), the displacement mechanism (144) comprising an actuator (184) comprising a power source (202) , and means for receiving a control signal adapted to feed the actuator (184) by the energy source (202) upon receipt of the control signal; characterized in that the displacement mechanism (144) comprises at least one resilient biasing member (180) of the release member (142) to its release position and at least one member (182) for retaining the organ release (142) in its activation position against the biasing member (180), the actuator (184) being adapted to release the retaining member (182) after receiving the control signal.

2. Tool (54) according to claim 1, characterized in that it defines at least one orifice (92) of pressure equalization connecting the inner cavity (146) and the outside of the tool, the tool Apparatus (54) comprising a pressure equalizing member (220) movably mounted in the pressure equalization port (92) between a shutter configuration of the pressure equalization port (92) and a pressure equalization configuration (92) equalizing pressure across the pressure equalization port (92), the pressure equalizing member (220) being distinct from the releasing member (142), the releasing member (142) in its activation position holding the pressure equalizing member (220) in its shutter configuration, the release member (142) in its release position allowing movement surround the pressure equalizer (220) from its shutter configuration to its pressure equalization configuration.

3. Tool (54) according to claim 2, characterized in that the pressure equalizing member (220) comprises a rod delimiting an inner channel (228), the inner channel (228) being released in the configuration d pressure equalization, the inner channel (228) being closed in the shutter configuration.

4. Tool (54) according to any one of claims 2 or 3, characterized in that the release member (142) defines a housing (160) for receiving the pressure equalizing member (220). opening into a peripheral surface (164) of the release member (142), the pressure equalizing member (220) being disposed in the receiving housing (160) in the release position.

5. Tool (54) according to any one of claims 2 to 4, characterized in that the or each pressure equalization orifice (92) extends radially relative to an axis (X-X ') d elongation of the tool (54).

6. Tool (54) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the actuator (184) comprises an electric motor (200), preferably of less than 5 Watts power, the energy source (202) comprising a power supply battery of the electric motor (220).

7. Tool (54) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the actuator (184) comprises a rotary cam (204), the retaining member (182) cooperating with the rotary cam (204) for rotation of the rotating cam (204) disengages the retaining member (182) from the release member (142).

8. Tool (54) according to claim 7, characterized in that the retaining member comprises at least one hook (182) pivoting having a free end engaged against the rotary cam (204).

9. Tool (54) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the receiving means (186) of the control signal are adapted to receive an electric signal, electromagnetic, magnetic, mechanical or acoustic control issued from the surface when the tool (54) is disposed in the well (12), or a control signal received from a retarder carried by the tool (54).

10. Tool (54) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the upper part (64) comprises a first electrical section, the lower part (62) comprising a second electrical section intended to be connected to a line. electric tool of the downhole tool, the tool (54) comprising at least an intermediate electrical section connecting the first section to the second section, the electrical section intermediate being disconnectable during the passage of the tool (54) from its connected position to its disconnected position.

1 1 .- Tool (54) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the actuator (184) is received entirely in the upper part (64).

12. Shuttle (30) intended to be lowered into a well (12) for producing fluid, characterized in that it comprises:

- means (56) for connecting to a working line (40) to the cable;

- at least one basic tool; and

an intermediate disconnecting tool (54) according to any one of the preceding claims, and in that, at least in the disconnected position, the connection means (56) to the cable working line (40) is connected to the upper part (64), the bottom tool being connected to the lower part (62).

13.- Shuttle (30) according to claim 12, characterized in that it comprises at least one measuring tool (58) interposed between the upper part (64) and the connection means (56) to the working line at cable (40), the shuttle (30) comprising at least one intervention and / or measurement tool disposed under the lower part (62).

14. A method of disconnecting a shuttle (30) according to any one of claims 12 or 13, characterized in that it comprises the following steps: - receiving a control signal of the actuator (84) since the surface by the receiving means (186);

activation of the actuator (184) by the energy source (202) housed in the tool (54);

- disengagement by the actuator (184) of the retaining member (182) away from the release member (142);

- passage of the release member (142) between its position of activation of the immobilizing member (140) and its release position of the immobilizing member (140) under the effect of the organ biasing (180) and releasing the immobilizer (140);

- moving the upper part (64) through the working line to the cable (40), without moving the lower part (62) to move from the connected position to the fully disconnected position.

15.- Method according to claim 14, characterized in that the tool defines at least one orifice (92) of pressure equalization connecting the inner cavity (146) and the outside of the tool, the tool (54). ) comprising a pressure equalization member (220) movably mounted in the pressure equalization port (92) between a closure configuration of the pressure equalization port (92) and an equalization configuration of pressure through the pressure equalization port (92), the method comprising passing the pressure equalizing member (220) from its closure configuration to its pressure equalization configuration when the organ release (142) reaches its release position.

16. A process according to claim 15, characterized in that the pressure equalization member (220) moves from its closure configuration to its pressure equalization configuration under the effect of the external fluid pressure s applying to the tool (54).