EP2906773B1 - System and method for circumferentially aligning a downhole latch subsystem - Google Patents
System and method for circumferentially aligning a downhole latch subsystem Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- EP2906773B1 EP2906773B1 EP12886400.6A EP12886400A EP2906773B1 EP 2906773 B1 EP2906773 B1 EP 2906773B1 EP 12886400 A EP12886400 A EP 12886400A EP 2906773 B1 EP2906773 B1 EP 2906773B1
- Authority
- EP
- European Patent Office
- Prior art keywords
- latch
- orienting
- profile
- keys
- subassembly
- 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.)
- Active
Links
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 title claims description 14
- 230000008878 coupling Effects 0.000 claims description 77
- 238000010168 coupling process Methods 0.000 claims description 77
- 238000005859 coupling reaction Methods 0.000 claims description 77
- 238000004873 anchoring Methods 0.000 claims description 5
- 230000013011 mating Effects 0.000 description 7
- 238000009434 installation Methods 0.000 description 4
- 230000008901 benefit Effects 0.000 description 3
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 description 3
- 230000015572 biosynthetic process Effects 0.000 description 2
- 238000005553 drilling Methods 0.000 description 2
- 230000004048 modification Effects 0.000 description 2
- 238000012986 modification Methods 0.000 description 2
- 229910000831 Steel Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- XAGFODPZIPBFFR-UHFFFAOYSA-N aluminium Chemical compound [Al] XAGFODPZIPBFFR-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 229910052782 aluminium Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 230000000712 assembly Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000000429 assembly Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000004323 axial length Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000002131 composite material Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000010276 construction Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000012530 fluid Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000003801 milling Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000037361 pathway Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000010959 steel Substances 0.000 description 1
Images
Classifications
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E21—EARTH OR ROCK DRILLING; MINING
- E21B—EARTH OR ROCK DRILLING; OBTAINING OIL, GAS, WATER, SOLUBLE OR MELTABLE MATERIALS OR A SLURRY OF MINERALS FROM WELLS
- E21B7/00—Special methods or apparatus for drilling
- E21B7/04—Directional drilling
- E21B7/06—Deflecting the direction of boreholes
- E21B7/061—Deflecting the direction of boreholes the tool shaft advancing relative to a guide, e.g. a curved tube or a whipstock
-
- 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
- This invention relates, in general, to equipment utilized in conjunction with operations performed in subterranean wells and, in particular, to a system for circumferentially aligning a latch assembly with a latch coupling in a subterranean well and a method for use of same.
- a deflection assembly such as a whipstock is positioned in the casing string at the desired intersection and then one or more mills are deflected laterally off of the whipstock to form a window through the casing sidewall.
- a latch assembly associated with the whipstock is anchored into and rotationally oriented within a latch coupling interconnected in the casing string.
- the latch assembly typically includes a plurality of spring operated latch keys, each of which having an anchoring and orienting profile that is received in a latch profile formed internally within the latch coupling. In this manner, when the latch keys of the latch assembly are operatively engaged with the latch profile of the latch coupling, the latch assembly and the equipment associate therewith are axially and circumferentially anchored and rotationally oriented in the desired direction within the casing string.
- a need has arisen for an improved system for circumferentially aligning a downhole latch subsystem in a subterranean well.
- a need has arisen for such an improved system that is operable for use in deep or extended reach wells.
- a need has arisen for such an improved system that does not risk over stressing the latch keys or releasing the latch assembly from the latch coupling during circumferential orientation.
- WO 99/49178 relates to a prior art system for locating a tool in a wellbore, said system comprising a profile disposed in a tubular such as casing or a coupling and a device for engaging said profile, wherein, in use said device locates or engages said profile and is held in relation therewith, said device being connectable or integral with a tool.
- WO 99/49178 relates also to a prior art method for locating a tool in a wellbore using the system, the method comprising the step of lowering said device in a wellbore and engaging said profile, whereupon a tool is located.
- the present invention disclosed herein is directed to a system for circumferentially aligning a downhole latch subsystem in a subterranean well.
- the system of the present invention is operable for use in deep and extended reach wells.
- the system of the present invention does not risk over stressing the latch keys or releasing the latch assembly from the latch coupling during circumferential orientation.
- the present invention is directed to a system for circumferentially aligning a downhole latch subsystem in a wellbore according to the features of claim 1 and a method of circumferentially aligning a downhole latch according to claim 4.
- the system includes a casing string position in the wellbore.
- a latch coupling is interconnected in the casing string and has a latch profile.
- a slot subassembly is also interconnected in the casing string and has an axially extending slot profile.
- a tool string is run downhole and positioned within the casing string.
- a latch assembly is interconnected in the tool string and has a plurality of latch keys.
- An orienting subassembly is also interconnected in the tool string and has a plurality orienting keys.
- the plurality of latch keys are circumferentially distributed about the latch assembly.
- each of the latch keys has axial anchor elements and circumferential anchor elements.
- the circumferential anchor elements of each latch key may be different from the circumferential anchor elements of the other latch keys.
- the plurality of orienting keys may be axially distributed along the orienting subassembly.
- the orienting keys may become progressively circumferentially wider from the downhole end to the uphole end of the orienting subassembly.
- the orienting keys may have a tapered leading edge, a tapered trailing edge or both.
- the present invention is directed to a system for circumferentially aligning a downhole latch subsystem in a wellbore.
- the system includes an outer tool assembly including a latch coupling having a latch profile and a slot subassembly having an axially extending slot profile.
- An inner tool assembly is positionable within the outer tool assembly and includes a latch assembly having a plurality of latch keys and an orienting subassembly having a plurality orienting keys.
- the latch coupling and the slot subassembly are coupled together. In another embodiment, the latch assembly and the orienting subassembly are coupled together. In certain embodiments, the inner tool assembly includes a deflection assembly.
- the present invention is directed to a method for circumferentially aligning a downhole latch subsystem in a wellbore.
- the method includes positioning a casing string in the wellbore, the casing string including a latch coupling having a latch profile and a slot subassembly having an axially extending slot profile; running a tool string into the casing string, the tool string including a latch assembly having a plurality of latch keys and an orienting subassembly having a plurality orienting keys; axially aligning the orienting subassembly with the slot subassembly; rotating the tool string within the casing string to rotate the orienting subassembly relative to the slot subassembly; operably engaging at least one orienting key with the slot profile; and axially aligning the latch assembly with the latch coupling, thereby operably engaging the latch keys with the latch profile.
- the method may also include providing coarse circumferential prealignment of the latch keys with the latch profile by operably engaging at least one orienting key with the slot profile; axially sliding at least some of the orienting key through the slot profile; providing fine circumferential prealignment of the latch keys with the latch profile and/or axially and circumferentially anchoring the latch keys within the latch profile.
- a system for circumferentially aligning a downhole latch subsystem in a subterranean well is schematically illustrated and generally designated 10.
- a semi-submersible platform 12 is centered over submerged oil and gas formation 14 located below sea floor 16.
- a subsea conduit 18 extends from deck 20 of platform 12 to wellhead installation 22, including blowout preventers 24.
- Platform 12 has a hoisting apparatus 26 and a derrick 28 for raising and lowering pipe strings such as drill string 30.
- a main wellbore 32 has been drilled through the various earth strata including formation 14.
- the terms "parent” and "main” wellbore are used herein to designate a wellbore from which another wellbore is drilled.
- casing string 34 is cemented within main wellbore 32.
- the term "casing” is used herein to designate a tubular string used in a wellbore or to line a wellbore.
- the casing may be of the type known to those skilled in the art as a "liner” and may be made of any material, such as steel or a composite material and may be segmented or continuous, such as coiled tubing.
- Casing string 34 includes a window joint 36 interconnected therein.
- casing string 34 includes a latch coupling 38 and a slot assembly 40.
- Latch coupling 38 has a latch profile that is operably engagable with latch keys of a latch assembly (not visible in figure 1 ) such that the latch assembly may be axially anchored and rotationally oriented in latch coupling 38.
- Slot assembly 40 has a slot profile that is operably engagable with orienting keys of an orienting subassembly (not visible in figure 1 ). Operating the orienting subassembly such that the orienting keys operably engage the slot profile of slot assembly 40, prealigns the latch keys of latch assembly with the latch profile of latch coupling 38. Thereafter, axial shifting of the latch assembly into latch coupling 38 operably engages the latch keys of the latch assembly with the latch profile of latch coupling 38.
- a deflection assembly depicted as whipstock 42 is positioned in a desired circumferential orientation relative to window joint 36 such that a window 44 can be milled, drilled or otherwise formed in window joint 36 in the desired circumferential direction.
- window joint 36 is positioned at a desired intersection between main wellbore 32 and a branch or lateral wellbore 46.
- branch and lateral wellbore are used herein to designate a wellbore that is drilled outwardly from its intersection with another wellbore, such as a parent or main wellbore.
- a branch or lateral wellbore may have another branch or lateral wellbore drilled outwardly therefrom.
- figure 1 depicts the system for circumferentially aligning a downhole latch subsystem of the present invention in a vertical section of a main wellbore
- system of the present invention is equally well suited for use in wellbores having other directional configurations including horizontal wellbores, deviated wellbores, slanted wells, lateral wells and the like.
- system for circumferentially aligning a downhole latch subsystem of the present invention is depicted in a main wellbore having a single lateral wellbore extending therefrom, it should be understood by those skilled in the art that the system of the present invention can be used in main wellbores having multiple lateral wellbores each of which may utilize a system of the present invention for positioning and orienting a deflection assembly as each system of the present invention has a non restrictive inner diameter that enables non mating or non aligned latch assemblies to pass through a latch coupling.
- a system for circumferentially aligning a downhole latch subsystem is depicted and generally designated 100.
- a portion of system 100 is constructed as part of casing string 102.
- Casing string 102 includes a window joint 104 that is preferably formed from an easily millable or drillable material such as aluminum.
- window joint 104 has been described as being formed from an easily millable or drillable material, those skilled in the art will understand that window joint 104 could alternatively be formed from standard casing or could have a pre-milled window formed therein.
- window joint 104 has a window 106 formed therethrough.
- casing string 102 includes a latch coupling 108 having a latch profile 110.
- casing string 102 includes a slot subassembly 112 having a slot profile 114. Downhole thereof, casing string 102 includes any number of downhole tubulars, such as tubular 116, or other downhole tools.
- window joint 104, latch coupling 108 and slot subassembly 112 are depicted as being interconnected within casing string 34 proximate one another, however, those skilled in the art will recognize that other tools or tubulars may alternatively be interconnected within casing string 102 between window joint 104, latch coupling 108 and slot subassembly 112.
- latch coupling 108 and slot subassembly 112 may be referred to as an outer tool string that is operable to receive another tool string in the central pathway therethrough.
- latch profile 110 preferably includes a plurality of circumferential alignment elements that are operable to receive latch keys of a latch assembly therein to locate the latch assembly in a particular circumferential orientation and axial position.
- the inner tool string Disposed within casing string 102 is an inner tool string that is operable to be run into the outer tool string.
- the inner tool string includes a deflection assembly depicted as whipstock 118 having a deflector surface 120 operable to direct a milling or drilling tool into the sidewall of window joint 104 to create a window 106 therethrough.
- the deflection assembly would be a completion deflector operably to direct the desired completion equipment into the branch wellbore while allowing the desired equipment or fluid to travel in the main wellbore.
- the inner tool string Positioned downhole of whipstock 118, the inner tool string includes a latch assembly 122 having a plurality of latch keys 124 that are depicted as being operably engaged with latch profile 110 of latch coupling 108, as best seen in figure 2F . Positioned downhole of latch assembly 122, the inner tool string includes an orienting subassembly 126 having a plurality of orienting keys 128, the upper two of which are depicted as being operably engaged with slot profile 114 of slot subassembly 112, as best seen in figure 2G .
- deflector surface 120 of whipstock 118 is positioned in the desired circumferential orientation relative to window joint 104 allowing window 106 to be milled, drilled or otherwise formed in window joint 104 in a drilling embodiment.
- latch coupling 200 is representative of latch coupling 108 discussed above. It is noted that each latch coupling may have a unique latch profile that is different from the latch profile of another latch coupling. This enables selective engagement with a matching or mating set of latch keys in a desired latch assembly. Accordingly, latch coupling 200 is described herein to illustrate the type of elements and combination of elements that can be used to create any number of unique latch profiles as contemplated by the present invention.
- Latch coupling 200 has a generally tubular body 202 having an upper connector 204 and a lower connector 206 suitable for connecting latch coupling 200 to other tools or tubulars via a threaded connection, a pinned connection or the like.
- Latch coupling 200 includes an internal latch profile 208 including a plurality of axially spaced apart recessed grooves 210a-210h that extend circumferentially about the inner surface of latch coupling 200.
- recessed grooves 210a-210h extend about the entire circumferential internal surface of latch coupling 200.
- Latch profile 208 also includes an upper groove 212 having a lower square shoulder 214 and an upper angled shoulder 216.
- Latch profile 208 further includes a lower groove 218 having a lower angled shoulder 220 and an upper angled shoulder 222.
- Latch profile 208 also has a plurality of circumferential alignment elements depicted as a plurality of recesses disposed within the inner surface of latch coupling 200.
- a first set of two recesses 224a, 224b are disposed within the inner surface of latch coupling 200 at substantially the same circumferential positions and different axial positions.
- a second set of two recesses 226a, 226b are disposed within the inner surface of latch coupling 200 at substantially the same circumferential positions and different axial positions.
- a third set of two recesses 228a, 228b are disposed within the inner surface of latch coupling 200 at substantially the same circumferential positions and different axial positions.
- a fourth set of two recesses 230a, 230b are disposed within the inner surface of latch coupling 200 at substantially the same circumferential positions and different axial positions.
- recesses 226 are disposed within the inner surface of latch coupling 200 at a ninety degree circumferentially interval from recesses 224.
- recesses 228 are disposed within the inner surface of latch coupling 200 at a ninety degree circumferentially interval from recesses 226.
- recesses 230 are disposed within the inner surface of latch coupling 200 at a ninety degree circumferentially interval from recesses 228.
- recesses 224, 226, 228, 230 only partially extend circumferentially about the internal surface of latch coupling 200.
- Latch profile 208 including the circumferential alignment elements creates a unique mating pattern operable to cooperate with the latch key profile associated with a desired latch assembly to axially and circumferentially anchor and orient, for example, a whipstock assembly in a particular desired circumferential orientation relative to the latch coupling.
- the specific profile of each latch coupling can be created by varying one or more of the elements or parameters thereof. For example, the thickness, number and relative spacing of the recesses can be altered.
- slot subassembly 250 for use in a system for circumferentially aligning a downhole latch subsystem of the present invention is depicted and generally designated 250.
- Slot subassembly 250 has a generally tubular body 252 including an upper connector 254 and a lower connector 256 suitable for connecting slot subassembly 250 to other tools or tubulars via a threaded connection, a pinned connection or the like.
- Slot subassembly 250 includes an axially extending internal slot profile 258.
- slot profile 258 includes a tapered upper entry 260 and tapered lower entry 262.
- the circumferentially width of slot profile 258 will substantially match that of the widest orienting key as described in greater detail hereinbelow.
- the length of slot profile 258 is preferably at least long enough such that at least one of the orienting keys remains within slot profile 258 during alignment operations as described in greater detail hereinbelow.
- Latch assembly 300 has an outer housing 302 including an upper housing 304 having an upper connector 306 suitable for coupling latch assembly 300 to other tools or tubulars via a threaded connection, a pinned connection or the like.
- Outer housing 302 includes a key housing 308 having four circumferentially distributed, axially extending key windows 310.
- Outer housing 302 also including a lower housing 312 having a lower connector 314 suitable for coupling latch assembly 300 to other tools or tubulars via a threaded connection, a pinned connection or the like.
- Latch keys 316 Disposed within key housing 308 is a plurality of spring operated latch keys 316 that are operable to partially extend through key windows 310.
- Latch keys 316 are radially outwardly biased by upper and lower Belleville springs 318, 320 that urge upper and lower conical wedges 322, 324 under latch keys 316.
- Each of the latch keys 316 has a unique key profile, such as key profile 326, that enables the anchoring and orienting functions of latch assembly 300 with a mating latch coupling having the appropriate latch profile.
- key profile 326 includes a plurality of radial variations that must correspond with mating radial portions of a latch profile in order for a latch key 316 to operably engage with or snap into that latch profile.
- the latch assembly 300 In order for each of the latch keys 316 to operably engage with a latch profile, the latch assembly 300 must be properly axially positioned within the mating latch coupling and properly circumferentially oriented within the mating latch coupling.
- key profile 326 may mate with the portion of latch profile 208 having recesses 230, described above. In this manner, the axial location and circumferential orientation of a device, such as a deflection assembly, that is coupled to or operably associated with latch assembly 300 can be established.
- Orienting subassembly 350 has an outer housing 352 including an upper connector 354 suitable for coupling orienting subassembly 350 to other tools or tubulars via a threaded connection, a pinned connection or the like.
- Outer housing 352 includes an upper key housing 356 having a key window 358, a middle key housing 360 having a key window 362 and three lower key housings 364, 368, 372 having, respectively, key windows 366, 370, 374.
- Outer housing 352 also including a lower connector 376 suitable for coupling orienting subassembly 350 to other tools or tubulars via a threaded connection, a pinned connection or the like.
- Operably associated with upper key housing 356 is a spring operated orienting key 378 that is operable to partially extend through key window 358. Orienting key 378 is radially outwardly biased by a plurality of springs 380 disposed between upper key housing 356 and orienting key 378.
- Operably associated with middle key housing 360 is a spring operated orienting key 382 that is operable to partially extend through key window 362. Orienting key 382 is radially outwardly biased by a plurality of springs 384 disposed between middle key housing 360 and orienting key 382.
- Operably associated with lower key housing 364 is a spring operated orienting key 386 that is operable to partially extend through key window 366.
- Orienting key 386 is radially outwardly biased by a plurality of springs 388 disposed between lower key housing 364 and orienting key 386.
- Operably associated with lower key housing 368 is a spring operated orienting key 390 that is operable to partially extend through key window 370.
- Orienting key 390 is radially outwardly biased by a plurality of springs 392 disposed between lower key housing 368 and orienting key 390.
- Operably associated with lower key housing 372 is a spring operated orienting key 394 that is operable to partially extend through key window 374.
- Orienting key 394 is radially outwardly biased by a plurality of springs 396 disposed between lower key housing 372 and orienting key 394.
- each of the lower orienting keys 386, 390, 394 has a first circumferential width
- middle orienting key 382 has a second circumferential width
- upper orienting key 378 has a third circumferential width.
- the first circumferential width is less than the second circumferential width
- the second circumferential width is less than the third circumferential width.
- each of the orienting keys 378, 382, 386, 390, 394 has a tapered leading and trailing edge, the benefit of which will be described hereinbelow.
- An outer tool string including a window joint, a latch coupling and a slot subassembly are interconnected in a casing string and the casing string is run into, for example, the main wellbore.
- an inner tool string including a deflection assembly, a latch assembly and an orienting subassembly is run into the casing string.
- the orienting keys of the orienting subassembly are circumferentially aligned with a specific and known latch key of the latch assembly such as the first latch key of the latch assembly.
- the inner tool string is moved downhole via a conveyance such as a jointed tubing string until the latch assembly is on depth with the latch coupling. This operation is indicated by a weight signal on the surface.
- the inner tool string is then picked up a predetermined distance such that at least one of the lower orienting keys is axially aligned with the slot profile of the slot subassembly.
- the inner tool string is rotated within the casing string to rotate the orienting subassembly relative to the slot subassembly until at least one lower orienting key operably engages or snaps into the slot profile.
- the at least one lower orienting key axially aligned with the slot profile easily enters the slot profile without interference with the sides of the slot profile even as the inner tool string is rotated.
- a torque signal is received at the surface. Due to the relatively long axial length of the orienting keys, the allowable torque between the orienting key or keys of the orienting subassembly and the slot profile of the slot subassembly is much greater than the previously allowable torque between the latch keys of a latch assembly and the latch profile of a latch coupling. As such, the risk of over stressing the latch keys or releasing the latch assembly from the latch coupling during circumferential orientation is alleviated.
- the inner tool string may be moved downhole.
- the middle orienting key enters the slot profile.
- improved circumferential prealignment of the latch keys with the latch profile is achieved.
- the upper orienting key enters the slot profile.
- fine circumferential prealignment of the latch keys with the latch profile is achieved.
- the tapered leading and trailing edges of the orienting keys as well as the tapered upper entry and lower entry of the slot profile aid in the axial movement of the orienting keys through the slot profile.
- the latch keys operably engage the latch profile with little or no rotation of the inner tool string.
- the latch keys axially and circumferentially anchor the latch assembly within the latch coupling.
- the latch keys may axially anchor the latch assembly within the latch coupling while the upper orienting key in the slot profile may provide circumferential anchoring.
- the deflection assembly is positioned in a desired circumferential orientation relative to the window joint such that a window can be milled, drilled or otherwise formed in window joint in the desired circumferential direction.
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)
- Earth Drilling (AREA)
- Clamps And Clips (AREA)
- Snaps, Bayonet Connections, Set Pins, And Snap Rings (AREA)
Description
- This invention relates, in general, to equipment utilized in conjunction with operations performed in subterranean wells and, in particular, to a system for circumferentially aligning a latch assembly with a latch coupling in a subterranean well and a method for use of same.
- Without limiting the scope of the present invention, its background will be described in relation to forming a window in a casing string for a multilateral well, as an example.
- In multilateral wells, it is common practice to drill a branch or lateral wellbore extending laterally from an intersection with a main or parent wellbore. Typically, once the casing string is installed and the parent wellbore has been completed, a deflection assembly such as a whipstock is positioned in the casing string at the desired intersection and then one or more mills are deflected laterally off of the whipstock to form a window through the casing sidewall.
- In certain installations, it is desirable to drill the lateral wellbore in a predetermined direction from the parent wellbore such as out of the high side of the parent wellbore. In such installations, it is necessary to form the window at a predetermined circumferential orientation relative to the parent casing. In order to properly position and rotationally orient the whipstock such that the window is milled in the desired direction, a latch assembly associated with the whipstock is anchored into and rotationally oriented within a latch coupling interconnected in the casing string. The latch assembly typically includes a plurality of spring operated latch keys, each of which having an anchoring and orienting profile that is received in a latch profile formed internally within the latch coupling. In this manner, when the latch keys of the latch assembly are operatively engaged with the latch profile of the latch coupling, the latch assembly and the equipment associate therewith are axially and circumferentially anchored and rotationally oriented in the desired direction within the casing string.
- It has been found, however, that in certain well installations such as deep or extended reach wells, rotationally securing a latch assembly within a latch coupling may be difficult. In typically practice, once the latch assembly is substantially on depth, the tool string carrying the latch assembly is slowly rotated and lowered into the well. This operation is intended to axially positioned the latch assembly in the latch coupling and rotationally align the latch assembly in the latch coupling in the desired circumferential orientation as indicated by a torque signal at the surface. In the aforementioned deep or extended reach wells, however, delay in the torque signal reaching the surface due to torsional flexibility and wind up of the worksting, for example, may result in over stressing the latch keys, release of the latch assembly from the latch coupling or other failure.
- Accordingly, a need has arisen for an improved system for circumferentially aligning a downhole latch subsystem in a subterranean well. In addition, a need has arisen for such an improved system that is operable for use in deep or extended reach wells. Further, a need has arisen for such an improved system that does not risk over stressing the latch keys or releasing the latch assembly from the latch coupling during circumferential orientation.
-
WO 99/49178 WO 99/49178 - The present invention disclosed herein is directed to a system for circumferentially aligning a downhole latch subsystem in a subterranean well. The system of the present invention is operable for use in deep and extended reach wells. In addition, the system of the present invention does not risk over stressing the latch keys or releasing the latch assembly from the latch coupling during circumferential orientation.
- In one aspect, the present invention is directed to a system for circumferentially aligning a downhole latch subsystem in a wellbore according to the features of claim 1 and a method of circumferentially aligning a downhole latch according to claim 4. The system includes a casing string position in the wellbore. A latch coupling is interconnected in the casing string and has a latch profile. A slot subassembly is also interconnected in the casing string and has an axially extending slot profile. A tool string is run downhole and positioned within the casing string. A latch assembly is interconnected in the tool string and has a plurality of latch keys. An orienting subassembly is also interconnected in the tool string and has a plurality orienting keys. After axial alignment of the orienting subassembly with the slot subassembly, rotation of the orienting subassembly causes operable engagement of at least one orienting key with the slot profile and, thereafter, axial alignment of the latch assembly with the latch coupling causes operable engagement of the latch keys with the latch profile.
- In one embodiment, the plurality of latch keys are circumferentially distributed about the latch assembly. In certain embodiments, each of the latch keys has axial anchor elements and circumferential anchor elements. In these embodiments, the circumferential anchor elements of each latch key may be different from the circumferential anchor elements of the other latch keys. In some embodiments, the plurality of orienting keys may be axially distributed along the orienting subassembly. In these embodiments, the orienting keys may become progressively circumferentially wider from the downhole end to the uphole end of the orienting subassembly. Also, in these embodiments, the orienting keys may have a tapered leading edge, a tapered trailing edge or both.
- In another aspect, the present invention is directed to a system for circumferentially aligning a downhole latch subsystem in a wellbore. The system includes an outer tool assembly including a latch coupling having a latch profile and a slot subassembly having an axially extending slot profile. An inner tool assembly is positionable within the outer tool assembly and includes a latch assembly having a plurality of latch keys and an orienting subassembly having a plurality orienting keys. After axial alignment of the orienting subassembly with the slot subassembly, rotation of the orienting subassembly causes operable engagement of at least one orienting key with the slot profile and, thereafter, axial alignment of the latch assembly with the latch coupling causes operable engagement of the latch keys with the latch profile.
- In one embodiment, the latch coupling and the slot subassembly are coupled together. In another embodiment, the latch assembly and the orienting subassembly are coupled together. In certain embodiments, the inner tool assembly includes a deflection assembly.
- In a further aspect, the present invention is directed to a method for circumferentially aligning a downhole latch subsystem in a wellbore. The method includes positioning a casing string in the wellbore, the casing string including a latch coupling having a latch profile and a slot subassembly having an axially extending slot profile; running a tool string into the casing string, the tool string including a latch assembly having a plurality of latch keys and an orienting subassembly having a plurality orienting keys; axially aligning the orienting subassembly with the slot subassembly; rotating the tool string within the casing string to rotate the orienting subassembly relative to the slot subassembly; operably engaging at least one orienting key with the slot profile; and axially aligning the latch assembly with the latch coupling, thereby operably engaging the latch keys with the latch profile.
- The method may also include providing coarse circumferential prealignment of the latch keys with the latch profile by operably engaging at least one orienting key with the slot profile; axially sliding at least some of the orienting key through the slot profile; providing fine circumferential prealignment of the latch keys with the latch profile and/or axially and circumferentially anchoring the latch keys within the latch profile.
- For a more complete understanding of the features and advantages of the present invention, reference is now made to the detailed description of the invention along with the accompanying figures in which corresponding numerals in the different figures refer to corresponding parts and in which:
-
Figure 1 is a schematic illustration of an offshore platform during multilateral wellbore construction following the operation of a system for circumferentially aligning a downhole latch subsystem in a subterranean well according to an embodiment of the present invention; -
Figures 2A-2H are cross sectional views of consecutive axial sections of a system for circumferentially aligning a downhole latch subsystem in a subterranean well according to an embodiment of the present invention; -
Figure 3 is a quarter sectional view of a latch coupling for use in a system for circumferentially aligning a downhole latch subsystem in a subterranean well according to an embodiment of the present invention; -
Figure 4 is a cross sectional view of a slot subassembly for use in a system for circumferentially aligning a downhole latch subsystem in a subterranean well according to an embodiment of the present invention; -
Figure 5 is a side view of a latch assembly for use in a system for circumferentially aligning a downhole latch subsystem in a subterranean well according to an embodiment of the present invention; -
Figure 6 is a cross sectional view of a latch assembly for use in a system for circumferentially aligning a downhole latch subsystem in a subterranean well according to an embodiment of the present invention; -
Figures 7A-7B are side views of an orienting subassembly for use in a system for circumferentially aligning a downhole latch subsystem in a subterranean well according to an embodiment of the present invention; and -
Figures 8A-8B are cross sectional views of an orienting subassembly for use in a system for circumferentially aligning a downhole latch subsystem in a subterranean well according to an embodiment of the present invention. - While the making and using of various embodiments of the present invention are discussed in detail below, it should be appreciated that the present invention provides many applicable inventive concepts which can be embodied in a wide variety of specific contexts. The specific embodiments discussed herein are merely illustrative of specific ways to make and use the invention, and do not delimit the scope of the present invention.
- Referring to
figure 1 , a system for circumferentially aligning a downhole latch subsystem in a subterranean well is schematically illustrated and generally designated 10. Asemi-submersible platform 12 is centered over submerged oil andgas formation 14 located belowsea floor 16. Asubsea conduit 18 extends fromdeck 20 ofplatform 12 towellhead installation 22, includingblowout preventers 24.Platform 12 has ahoisting apparatus 26 and aderrick 28 for raising and lowering pipe strings such as drill string 30. Amain wellbore 32 has been drilled through the various earthstrata including formation 14. The terms "parent" and "main" wellbore are used herein to designate a wellbore from which another wellbore is drilled. It is to be noted, however, that a parent or main wellbore does not necessarily extend directly to the earth's surface, but could instead be a branch of yet another wellbore. A casing string 34 is cemented withinmain wellbore 32. The term "casing" is used herein to designate a tubular string used in a wellbore or to line a wellbore. The casing may be of the type known to those skilled in the art as a "liner" and may be made of any material, such as steel or a composite material and may be segmented or continuous, such as coiled tubing. - Casing string 34 includes a window joint 36 interconnected therein. In addition, casing string 34 includes a
latch coupling 38 and a slot assembly 40.Latch coupling 38 has a latch profile that is operably engagable with latch keys of a latch assembly (not visible infigure 1 ) such that the latch assembly may be axially anchored and rotationally oriented inlatch coupling 38. Slot assembly 40 has a slot profile that is operably engagable with orienting keys of an orienting subassembly (not visible infigure 1 ). Operating the orienting subassembly such that the orienting keys operably engage the slot profile of slot assembly 40, prealigns the latch keys of latch assembly with the latch profile oflatch coupling 38. Thereafter, axial shifting of the latch assembly intolatch coupling 38 operably engages the latch keys of the latch assembly with the latch profile oflatch coupling 38. - In the illustrated embodiment, when the orienting keys of the orienting subassembly have operably engaged the slot profile of slot assembly 40 and the latch keys of the latch assembly have operably engaged the latch profile of
latch coupling 38, a deflection assembly depicted as whipstock 42 is positioned in a desired circumferential orientation relative to window joint 36 such that awindow 44 can be milled, drilled or otherwise formed in window joint 36 in the desired circumferential direction. As illustrated, window joint 36 is positioned at a desired intersection betweenmain wellbore 32 and a branch orlateral wellbore 46. The terms "branch" and "lateral" wellbore are used herein to designate a wellbore that is drilled outwardly from its intersection with another wellbore, such as a parent or main wellbore. A branch or lateral wellbore may have another branch or lateral wellbore drilled outwardly therefrom. - Even though
figure 1 depicts the system for circumferentially aligning a downhole latch subsystem of the present invention in a vertical section of a main wellbore, it should be understood by those skilled in the art that the system of the present invention is equally well suited for use in wellbores having other directional configurations including horizontal wellbores, deviated wellbores, slanted wells, lateral wells and the like. Accordingly, it should be understood by those skilled in the art that the use of directional terms such as above, below, upper, lower, upward, downward, uphole, downhole and the like are used in relation to the illustrative embodiments as they are depicted in the figures, the upward direction being toward the top of the corresponding figure and the downward direction being toward the bottom of the corresponding figure, the uphole direction being toward the surface of the well and the downhole direction being toward the toe of the well. - Also, even though the system for circumferentially aligning a downhole latch subsystem of the present invention is depicted in a main wellbore having a single lateral wellbore extending therefrom, it should be understood by those skilled in the art that the system of the present invention can be used in main wellbores having multiple lateral wellbores each of which may utilize a system of the present invention for positioning and orienting a deflection assembly as each system of the present invention has a non restrictive inner diameter that enables non mating or non aligned latch assemblies to pass through a latch coupling.
- Referring now to
figure 2 , a system for circumferentially aligning a downhole latch subsystem is depicted and generally designated 100. In the illustrated embodiment, a portion ofsystem 100 is constructed as part ofcasing string 102.Casing string 102 includes a window joint 104 that is preferably formed from an easily millable or drillable material such as aluminum. Even though window joint 104 has been described as being formed from an easily millable or drillable material, those skilled in the art will understand that window joint 104 could alternatively be formed from standard casing or could have a pre-milled window formed therein. As illustrated, window joint 104 has awindow 106 formed therethrough. - As best seen in
figure 2F ,casing string 102 includes alatch coupling 108 having alatch profile 110. As best seen infigure 2G ,casing string 102 includes aslot subassembly 112 having aslot profile 114. Downhole thereof,casing string 102 includes any number of downhole tubulars, such astubular 116, or other downhole tools. In the illustrated embodiment, window joint 104,latch coupling 108 andslot subassembly 112 are depicted as being interconnected within casing string 34 proximate one another, however, those skilled in the art will recognize that other tools or tubulars may alternatively be interconnected withincasing string 102 between window joint 104,latch coupling 108 andslot subassembly 112. Together,latch coupling 108 andslot subassembly 112 may be referred to as an outer tool string that is operable to receive another tool string in the central pathway therethrough. As explained in further detail below,latch profile 110 preferably includes a plurality of circumferential alignment elements that are operable to receive latch keys of a latch assembly therein to locate the latch assembly in a particular circumferential orientation and axial position. - Disposed within
casing string 102 is an inner tool string that is operable to be run into the outer tool string. In the illustrated embodiment, the inner tool string includes a deflection assembly depicted aswhipstock 118 having adeflector surface 120 operable to direct a milling or drilling tool into the sidewall of window joint 104 to create awindow 106 therethrough. Alternatively, in a completion embodiment, the deflection assembly would be a completion deflector operably to direct the desired completion equipment into the branch wellbore while allowing the desired equipment or fluid to travel in the main wellbore. Positioned downhole ofwhipstock 118, the inner tool string includes alatch assembly 122 having a plurality oflatch keys 124 that are depicted as being operably engaged withlatch profile 110 oflatch coupling 108, as best seen infigure 2F . Positioned downhole oflatch assembly 122, the inner tool string includes an orientingsubassembly 126 having a plurality of orientingkeys 128, the upper two of which are depicted as being operably engaged withslot profile 114 ofslot subassembly 112, as best seen infigure 2G . In this configuration when orientingkeys 128 of orientingsubassembly 126 have operably engagedslot profile 114 ofslot assembly 112 and latchkeys 124 oflatch assembly 122 have operably engagedlatch profile 110 oflatch coupling 108,deflector surface 120 ofwhipstock 118 is positioned in the desired circumferential orientation relative to window joint 104 allowingwindow 106 to be milled, drilled or otherwise formed in window joint 104 in a drilling embodiment. - Referring next to
figure 3 , one embodiment of a latch coupling for use in a system for circumferentially aligning a downhole latch subsystem of the present invention is depicted and generally designated 200.Latch coupling 200 is representative oflatch coupling 108 discussed above. It is noted that each latch coupling may have a unique latch profile that is different from the latch profile of another latch coupling. This enables selective engagement with a matching or mating set of latch keys in a desired latch assembly. Accordingly,latch coupling 200 is described herein to illustrate the type of elements and combination of elements that can be used to create any number of unique latch profiles as contemplated by the present invention. -
Latch coupling 200 has a generallytubular body 202 having anupper connector 204 and alower connector 206 suitable for connectinglatch coupling 200 to other tools or tubulars via a threaded connection, a pinned connection or the like.Latch coupling 200 includes aninternal latch profile 208 including a plurality of axially spaced apart recessedgrooves 210a-210h that extend circumferentially about the inner surface oflatch coupling 200. Preferably, recessedgrooves 210a-210h extend about the entire circumferential internal surface oflatch coupling 200.Latch profile 208 also includes anupper groove 212 having a lowersquare shoulder 214 and an upperangled shoulder 216.Latch profile 208 further includes alower groove 218 having a lower angled shoulder 220 and an upperangled shoulder 222. -
Latch profile 208 also has a plurality of circumferential alignment elements depicted as a plurality of recesses disposed within the inner surface oflatch coupling 200. In the illustrated embodiment, there are four sets of two recesses that are disposed in different axial and circumferential positions or locations within the inner surface oflatch coupling 200. For example, a first set of tworecesses latch coupling 200 at substantially the same circumferential positions and different axial positions. A second set of tworecesses latch coupling 200 at substantially the same circumferential positions and different axial positions. A third set of tworecesses latch coupling 200 at substantially the same circumferential positions and different axial positions. A fourth set of tworecesses latch coupling 200 at substantially the same circumferential positions and different axial positions. - As shown, recesses 226 are disposed within the inner surface of
latch coupling 200 at a ninety degree circumferentially interval from recesses 224. Likewise, recesses 228 are disposed within the inner surface oflatch coupling 200 at a ninety degree circumferentially interval from recesses 226. Finally, recesses 230 are disposed within the inner surface oflatch coupling 200 at a ninety degree circumferentially interval from recesses 228. Preferably, recesses 224, 226, 228, 230 only partially extend circumferentially about the internal surface oflatch coupling 200. -
Latch profile 208 including the circumferential alignment elements creates a unique mating pattern operable to cooperate with the latch key profile associated with a desired latch assembly to axially and circumferentially anchor and orient, for example, a whipstock assembly in a particular desired circumferential orientation relative to the latch coupling. The specific profile of each latch coupling can be created by varying one or more of the elements or parameters thereof. For example, the thickness, number and relative spacing of the recesses can be altered. - Referring next to
figure 4 , one embodiment of a slot subassembly for use in a system for circumferentially aligning a downhole latch subsystem of the present invention is depicted and generally designated 250.Slot subassembly 250 has a generallytubular body 252 including anupper connector 254 and alower connector 256 suitable for connectingslot subassembly 250 to other tools or tubulars via a threaded connection, a pinned connection or the like.Slot subassembly 250 includes an axially extendinginternal slot profile 258. In the illustrated embodiment,slot profile 258 includes a taperedupper entry 260 and taperedlower entry 262. Preferably, the circumferentially width ofslot profile 258 will substantially match that of the widest orienting key as described in greater detail hereinbelow. The length ofslot profile 258 is preferably at least long enough such that at least one of the orienting keys remains withinslot profile 258 during alignment operations as described in greater detail hereinbelow. - Referring next to
figures 5-6 , one embodiment of a latch assembly for use in a system for circumferentially aligning a downhole latch subsystem of the present invention is depicted and generally designated 300.Latch assembly 300 has anouter housing 302 including anupper housing 304 having anupper connector 306 suitable forcoupling latch assembly 300 to other tools or tubulars via a threaded connection, a pinned connection or the like.Outer housing 302 includes akey housing 308 having four circumferentially distributed, axially extendingkey windows 310.Outer housing 302 also including alower housing 312 having alower connector 314 suitable forcoupling latch assembly 300 to other tools or tubulars via a threaded connection, a pinned connection or the like. Disposed withinkey housing 308 is a plurality of spring operatedlatch keys 316 that are operable to partially extend throughkey windows 310.Latch keys 316 are radially outwardly biased by upper and lower Belleville springs 318, 320 that urge upper and lowerconical wedges latch keys 316. - Each of the
latch keys 316 has a unique key profile, such askey profile 326, that enables the anchoring and orienting functions oflatch assembly 300 with a mating latch coupling having the appropriate latch profile. As illustrated,key profile 326 includes a plurality of radial variations that must correspond with mating radial portions of a latch profile in order for alatch key 316 to operably engage with or snap into that latch profile. In order for each of thelatch keys 316 to operably engage with a latch profile, thelatch assembly 300 must be properly axially positioned within the mating latch coupling and properly circumferentially oriented within the mating latch coupling. For example,key profile 326 may mate with the portion oflatch profile 208 having recesses 230, described above. In this manner, the axial location and circumferential orientation of a device, such as a deflection assembly, that is coupled to or operably associated withlatch assembly 300 can be established. - Referring next to
figures 7A-8B , one embodiment of an orienting subassembly for use in a system for circumferentially aligning a downhole latch subsystem of the present invention is depicted and generally designated 350. Orientingsubassembly 350 has anouter housing 352 including anupper connector 354 suitable forcoupling orienting subassembly 350 to other tools or tubulars via a threaded connection, a pinned connection or the like.Outer housing 352 includes an upperkey housing 356 having akey window 358, a middlekey housing 360 having akey window 362 and three lowerkey housings key windows Outer housing 352 also including alower connector 376 suitable forcoupling orienting subassembly 350 to other tools or tubulars via a threaded connection, a pinned connection or the like. - Operably associated with upper
key housing 356 is a spring operated orienting key 378 that is operable to partially extend throughkey window 358. Orienting key 378 is radially outwardly biased by a plurality ofsprings 380 disposed between upperkey housing 356 and orientingkey 378. Operably associated with middlekey housing 360 is a spring operated orienting key 382 that is operable to partially extend throughkey window 362. Orienting key 382 is radially outwardly biased by a plurality ofsprings 384 disposed between middlekey housing 360 and orientingkey 382. Operably associated with lowerkey housing 364 is a spring operated orienting key 386 that is operable to partially extend throughkey window 366. Orienting key 386 is radially outwardly biased by a plurality ofsprings 388 disposed between lowerkey housing 364 and orientingkey 386. Operably associated with lowerkey housing 368 is a spring operated orienting key 390 that is operable to partially extend throughkey window 370. Orienting key 390 is radially outwardly biased by a plurality ofsprings 392 disposed between lowerkey housing 368 and orientingkey 390. Operably associated with lowerkey housing 372 is a spring operated orienting key 394 that is operable to partially extend throughkey window 374. Orienting key 394 is radially outwardly biased by a plurality ofsprings 396 disposed between lowerkey housing 372 and orientingkey 394. - In the illustrated embodiment, each of the
lower orienting keys key 378 has a third circumferential width. The first circumferential width is less than the second circumferential width and the second circumferential width is less than the third circumferential width. In this manner, the width of the orienting keys becomes progressively larger fromlower orienting keys key 378. The benefit of this configuration will be described hereinbelow. In addition, each of the orientingkeys - The operation of a system for circumferentially aligning a downhole latch subsystem of the present invention will now be described. An outer tool string including a window joint, a latch coupling and a slot subassembly are interconnected in a casing string and the casing string is run into, for example, the main wellbore. Following completion, if desired, of any zones downhole of the window joint, an inner tool string including a deflection assembly, a latch assembly and an orienting subassembly is run into the casing string. Preferably, the orienting keys of the orienting subassembly are circumferentially aligned with a specific and known latch key of the latch assembly such as the first latch key of the latch assembly. The inner tool string is moved downhole via a conveyance such as a jointed tubing string until the latch assembly is on depth with the latch coupling. This operation is indicated by a weight signal on the surface. The inner tool string is then picked up a predetermined distance such that at least one of the lower orienting keys is axially aligned with the slot profile of the slot subassembly. In this configuration, the inner tool string is rotated within the casing string to rotate the orienting subassembly relative to the slot subassembly until at least one lower orienting key operably engages or snaps into the slot profile.
- As described above, as the lower orienting keys have a relatively narrow circumferential width, the at least one lower orienting key axially aligned with the slot profile easily enters the slot profile without interference with the sides of the slot profile even as the inner tool string is rotated. Once at least one of the lower orienting key has operably engaged the slot profile, a torque signal is received at the surface. Due to the relatively long axial length of the orienting keys, the allowable torque between the orienting key or keys of the orienting subassembly and the slot profile of the slot subassembly is much greater than the previously allowable torque between the latch keys of a latch assembly and the latch profile of a latch coupling. As such, the risk of over stressing the latch keys or releasing the latch assembly from the latch coupling during circumferential orientation is alleviated.
- When at least one of the lower orienting key has operably engaged the slot profile, coarse circumferential prealignment of the latch keys with the latch profile is achieved and the inner tool string may be moved downhole. As this downhole movement occurs, the middle orienting key enters the slot profile. As the middle orienting key has a circumferential width greater than that of the lower orienting keys, improved circumferential prealignment of the latch keys with the latch profile is achieved. As further downhole movement occurs, the upper orienting key enters the slot profile. As the upper orienting key has a circumferential width greater than that of the middle orienting keys, fine circumferential prealignment of the latch keys with the latch profile is achieved. The tapered leading and trailing edges of the orienting keys as well as the tapered upper entry and lower entry of the slot profile aid in the axial movement of the orienting keys through the slot profile.
- Further downhole movement of the inner tool string within the outer tools string axially aligns the latch assembly with the latch coupling. Due to the circumferential prealignment of the latch keys with the latch profile and particularly the fine circumferential prealignment of the latch keys with the latch profile achieved by the upper orienting key in the slot profile, the latch keys operably engage the latch profile with little or no rotation of the inner tool string. In this configuration, the latch keys axially and circumferentially anchor the latch assembly within the latch coupling. Alternatively, the latch keys may axially anchor the latch assembly within the latch coupling while the upper orienting key in the slot profile may provide circumferential anchoring. In either case, when the latch keys of the latch assembly have operably engaged the latch profile of the latch coupling, the deflection assembly is positioned in a desired circumferential orientation relative to the window joint such that a window can be milled, drilled or otherwise formed in window joint in the desired circumferential direction.
- While this invention has been described with reference to illustrative embodiments, this description is not intended to be construed in a limiting sense. Various modifications and combinations of the illustrative embodiments as well as other embodiments of the invention will be apparent to persons skilled in the art upon reference to the description. It is, therefore, intended that the appended claims encompass any such modifications or embodiments.
Claims (8)
- A system for circumferentially aligning a downhole latch subsystem (100) in a wellbore, the system comprising:a casing string (102) positionable in the wellbore;a latch coupling (108) interconnected in the casing string (102), the latch coupling having a latch profile (110);a slot subassembly (112) interconnected in the casing string, the slot subassembly having an axially extending slot profile (114);a tool string positionable within the casing string;a latch assembly (122) interconnected in the tool string, the latch assembly having a plurality of latch keys (124); andan orienting subassembly (126) interconnected in the tool string, the orienting subassembly having a plurality of orienting keys (128) distributed axially along the orienting subassembly (126),wherein, after axial alignment of the orienting subassembly (126) with the slot subassembly (112), rotation of the orienting subassembly (126) causes operable engagement of at least one orienting key (128) with the slot profile (114) and, thereafter, axial alignment of the latch assembly (122) with the latch coupling (108) causes operable engagement of the latch keys (124) with the latch profile (110).
- A system as recited in claim 1, wherein the plurality of latch keys (124) further comprises a plurality of circumferentially distributed latch keys; and optionally wherein each of the latch keys further comprises axial anchor elements and circumferential anchor elements and wherein the circumferential anchor elements of each latch key are different from the circumferential anchor elements of the other latch keys.
- A system as recited in claim 1, wherein at least some of the plurality of axially distributed orienting keys (128):(i) become progressively circumferentially wider from the downhole end to the uphole end of the orienting subassembly (126); or(ii) have a tapered leading edge or a tapered trailing edge.
- A method for circumferentially aligning a downhole latch subsystem (100) in a wellbore, the method comprising:positioning a casing string (102) in the wellbore, the casing string including a latch coupling (108) having a latch profile (110) and a slot subassembly (112) having an axially extending slot profile (114);running a tool string into the casing string, the tool string including a latch assembly (122) having a plurality of latch keys (124) and an orienting subassembly (126) having a plurality of orienting keys (128) distributed axially along the orienting subassembly (126);axially aligning the orienting subassembly (126) with the slot subassembly (112);rotating the tool string within the casing string to rotate the orienting subassembly (126) relative to the slot subassembly (112);operably engaging at least one orienting key (128) with the slot profile (114); andaxially aligning the latch assembly (122) with the latch coupling (108), thereby operably engaging the latch keys (124) with the latch profile (110).
- A method as recited in claim 4, wherein operably engaging at least one orienting key (128) with the slot profile (114) further comprises providing coarse circumferential prealignment of the latch keys (124) with the latch profile (110).
- A method as recited in claim 5, wherein axially aligning the latch assembly (122) with the latch coupling (108) further comprises axially sliding at least some of the orienting key (128) through the slot profile (114).
- A method as recited in claim 6, wherein sliding at least some of the orienting key (128) through the slot profile (114) further comprises providing fine circumferential prealignment of the latch keys (124) with the latch profile (110).
- A method as recited in claim 4, wherein operably engaging the latch keys (124) with the latch profile (110) further comprising axially and circumferentially anchoring the latch keys (124) within the latch profile (110).
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
EP17186957.1A EP3299574B1 (en) | 2012-10-09 | 2012-10-09 | System and method for circumferentially aligning a downhole latch subsystem |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
PCT/US2012/059308 WO2014058412A1 (en) | 2012-10-09 | 2012-10-09 | System and method for circumferentially aligning a downhole latch subsystem |
Related Child Applications (2)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
EP17186957.1A Division EP3299574B1 (en) | 2012-10-09 | 2012-10-09 | System and method for circumferentially aligning a downhole latch subsystem |
EP17186957.1A Division-Into EP3299574B1 (en) | 2012-10-09 | 2012-10-09 | System and method for circumferentially aligning a downhole latch subsystem |
Publications (3)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
EP2906773A1 EP2906773A1 (en) | 2015-08-19 |
EP2906773A4 EP2906773A4 (en) | 2016-06-15 |
EP2906773B1 true EP2906773B1 (en) | 2017-09-27 |
Family
ID=50477726
Family Applications (2)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
EP17186957.1A Active EP3299574B1 (en) | 2012-10-09 | 2012-10-09 | System and method for circumferentially aligning a downhole latch subsystem |
EP12886400.6A Active EP2906773B1 (en) | 2012-10-09 | 2012-10-09 | System and method for circumferentially aligning a downhole latch subsystem |
Family Applications Before (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
EP17186957.1A Active EP3299574B1 (en) | 2012-10-09 | 2012-10-09 | System and method for circumferentially aligning a downhole latch subsystem |
Country Status (8)
Country | Link |
---|---|
EP (2) | EP3299574B1 (en) |
AU (1) | AU2012392158B2 (en) |
BR (2) | BR112015008001B1 (en) |
CA (1) | CA2887587C (en) |
EA (1) | EA035445B1 (en) |
MX (1) | MX357190B (en) |
NO (1) | NO2906773T3 (en) |
WO (1) | WO2014058412A1 (en) |
Families Citing this family (2)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
AU2012395856B2 (en) * | 2012-11-29 | 2016-10-06 | Halliburton Energy Services, Inc. | Apparatus, system and method for circumferentially orienting a downhole latch subsystem |
WO2017086936A1 (en) | 2015-11-17 | 2017-05-26 | Halliburton Energy Services, Inc. | One-trip multilateral tool |
Family Cites Families (9)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US5425417A (en) * | 1993-09-10 | 1995-06-20 | Weatherford U.S., Inc. | Wellbore tool setting system |
NO311265B1 (en) * | 1994-01-25 | 2001-11-05 | Halliburton Co | The invention device |
US6019173A (en) * | 1997-04-04 | 2000-02-01 | Dresser Industries, Inc. | Multilateral whipstock and tools for installing and retrieving |
US6283208B1 (en) * | 1997-09-05 | 2001-09-04 | Schlumberger Technology Corp. | Orienting tool and method |
US6089319A (en) * | 1998-03-23 | 2000-07-18 | Weatherford/Lamb, Inc. | Whipstock |
CA2248287C (en) * | 1998-09-22 | 2002-05-21 | Laurier E. Comeau | Fail-safe coupling for a latch assembly |
US6935428B2 (en) * | 2002-08-12 | 2005-08-30 | Halliburton Energy Services, Inc. | Apparatus and methods for anchoring and orienting equipment in well casing |
US7207390B1 (en) * | 2004-02-05 | 2007-04-24 | Cdx Gas, Llc | Method and system for lining multilateral wells |
US8393402B2 (en) * | 2010-11-01 | 2013-03-12 | Halliburton Energy Services, Inc. | Redundant position reference system for multilateral exit construction and method for use of same |
-
2012
- 2012-10-09 WO PCT/US2012/059308 patent/WO2014058412A1/en active Application Filing
- 2012-10-09 CA CA2887587A patent/CA2887587C/en active Active
- 2012-10-09 EA EA201590560A patent/EA035445B1/en not_active IP Right Cessation
- 2012-10-09 NO NO12886400A patent/NO2906773T3/no unknown
- 2012-10-09 MX MX2015004499A patent/MX357190B/en active IP Right Grant
- 2012-10-09 BR BR112015008001-4A patent/BR112015008001B1/en active IP Right Grant
- 2012-10-09 EP EP17186957.1A patent/EP3299574B1/en active Active
- 2012-10-09 EP EP12886400.6A patent/EP2906773B1/en active Active
- 2012-10-09 AU AU2012392158A patent/AU2012392158B2/en active Active
- 2012-10-09 BR BR122020005433-6A patent/BR122020005433B1/en active IP Right Grant
Non-Patent Citations (1)
Title |
---|
None * |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
WO2014058412A1 (en) | 2014-04-17 |
EP2906773A4 (en) | 2016-06-15 |
EA201590560A1 (en) | 2015-07-30 |
EA035445B1 (en) | 2020-06-17 |
BR122020005433B1 (en) | 2020-12-29 |
CA2887587A1 (en) | 2014-04-17 |
MX357190B (en) | 2018-06-29 |
AU2012392158B2 (en) | 2016-01-14 |
EP2906773A1 (en) | 2015-08-19 |
NO2906773T3 (en) | 2018-02-24 |
CA2887587C (en) | 2017-08-01 |
EP3299574A1 (en) | 2018-03-28 |
EP3299574B1 (en) | 2019-07-24 |
BR112015008001B1 (en) | 2020-12-01 |
BR112015008001A2 (en) | 2017-07-04 |
MX2015004499A (en) | 2015-12-01 |
AU2012392158A1 (en) | 2015-04-16 |
Similar Documents
Publication | Publication Date | Title |
---|---|---|
CA2812352C (en) | Redundant position reference system for multilateral exit construction and method for use of same | |
US9140081B2 (en) | System for circumferentially aligning a downhole latch subsystem | |
US9062496B2 (en) | Systems and methods for rotationally orienting a whipstock assembly | |
US9127520B2 (en) | Apparatus, system and method for circumferentially orienting a downhole latch subsystem | |
AU2013377914A1 (en) | Systems and methods for rotationally orienting a whipstock assembly | |
US20180258701A1 (en) | Downhole tool orienting subassembly | |
EP2906773B1 (en) | System and method for circumferentially aligning a downhole latch subsystem | |
EP3696370B1 (en) | Apparatus, system and method for circumferentially orienting a downhole latch subsystem | |
AU2018444147B2 (en) | Aligning two parts of a tubular assembly | |
EA039909B1 (en) | System for circumferentially aligning a downhole latch subsystem in a downhole |
Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
---|---|---|---|
PUAI | Public reference made under article 153(3) epc to a published international application that has entered the european phase |
Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009012 |
|
17P | Request for examination filed |
Effective date: 20150407 |
|
AK | Designated contracting states |
Kind code of ref document: A1 Designated state(s): AL AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HR HU IE IS IT LI LT LU LV MC MK MT NL NO PL PT RO RS SE SI SK SM TR |
|
AX | Request for extension of the european patent |
Extension state: BA ME |
|
DAX | Request for extension of the european patent (deleted) | ||
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: DE Ref legal event code: R079 Ref document number: 602012038004 Country of ref document: DE Free format text: PREVIOUS MAIN CLASS: E21B0017046000 Ipc: E21B0023020000 |
|
RA4 | Supplementary search report drawn up and despatched (corrected) |
Effective date: 20160512 |
|
RIC1 | Information provided on ipc code assigned before grant |
Ipc: E21B 7/06 20060101ALI20160506BHEP Ipc: E21B 23/02 20060101AFI20160506BHEP |
|
GRAP | Despatch of communication of intention to grant a patent |
Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNIGR1 |
|
STAA | Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent |
Free format text: STATUS: GRANT OF PATENT IS INTENDED |
|
INTG | Intention to grant announced |
Effective date: 20170412 |
|
GRAS | Grant fee paid |
Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNIGR3 |
|
GRAA | (expected) grant |
Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009210 |
|
STAA | Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent |
Free format text: STATUS: THE PATENT HAS BEEN GRANTED |
|
AK | Designated contracting states |
Kind code of ref document: B1 Designated state(s): AL AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HR HU IE IS IT LI LT LU LV MC MK MT NL NO PL PT RO RS SE SI SK SM TR |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: GB Ref legal event code: FG4D |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: CH Ref legal event code: EP |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: AT Ref legal event code: REF Ref document number: 932150 Country of ref document: AT Kind code of ref document: T Effective date: 20171015 |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: IE Ref legal event code: FG4D |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: DE Ref legal event code: R096 Ref document number: 602012038004 Country of ref document: DE |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: NO Ref legal event code: T2 Effective date: 20170927 |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: SE Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20170927 Ref country code: LT Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20170927 Ref country code: FI Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20170927 Ref country code: HR Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20170927 |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: NL Ref legal event code: MP Effective date: 20170927 |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: LT Ref legal event code: MG4D |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: AT Ref legal event code: MK05 Ref document number: 932150 Country of ref document: AT Kind code of ref document: T Effective date: 20170927 |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: LV Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20170927 Ref country code: RS Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20170927 Ref country code: BG Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20171227 Ref country code: GR Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20171228 |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: NL Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20170927 |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: CZ Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20170927 Ref country code: RO Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20170927 Ref country code: ES Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20170927 |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: DE Ref legal event code: R119 Ref document number: 602012038004 Country of ref document: DE |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: IT Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20170927 Ref country code: SK Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20170927 Ref country code: IS Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20180127 Ref country code: EE Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20170927 Ref country code: SM Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20170927 Ref country code: AT Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20170927 |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: CH Ref legal event code: PL |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: MC Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20170927 |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: IE Ref legal event code: MM4A |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: FR Ref legal event code: ST Effective date: 20180629 |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: CH Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES Effective date: 20171031 Ref country code: DK Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20170927 Ref country code: LU Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES Effective date: 20171009 Ref country code: DE Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES Effective date: 20180501 Ref country code: LI Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES Effective date: 20171031 |
|
PLBE | No opposition filed within time limit |
Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009261 |
|
STAA | Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent |
Free format text: STATUS: NO OPPOSITION FILED WITHIN TIME LIMIT |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: BE Ref legal event code: MM Effective date: 20171031 |
|
GBPC | Gb: european patent ceased through non-payment of renewal fee |
Effective date: 20171227 |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: BE Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES Effective date: 20171031 Ref country code: FR Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES Effective date: 20171127 Ref country code: PL Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20170927 |
|
26N | No opposition filed |
Effective date: 20180628 |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: MT Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES Effective date: 20171009 |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: IE Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES Effective date: 20171009 |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: SI Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20170927 Ref country code: GB Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES Effective date: 20171227 |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: HU Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT; INVALID AB INITIO Effective date: 20121009 |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: CY Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20170927 |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: MK Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20170927 |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: TR Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20170927 |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: PT Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20170927 |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: AL Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20170927 |
|
PGFP | Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: NO Payment date: 20230921 Year of fee payment: 12 |