MXPA06007125A - Hydraulically releaseable inflation tool for permanent bridge plug - Google Patents

Abstract

Various embodiments of an improved downhole disconnect tool are provided, some of which may include a first housing releasably connected to a second housing, a first piston releasably connected to the first housing, and a second piston releasably connected to the second housing. Various fluid communication ports and ball seats may be provided in various combinations in the first and second pistons and in the second housing to enable remote control of the tool by circulating one or more balls into engagement with one or more of the ball seats to disconnect the first housing from the second housing, and thereby disconnect any structures connected to the first and second housings, respectively. Other features and aspects of the invention are also provided.

Description

INFLATION TOOL THAT CAN BE RELEASED HYDRAULICALLY FOR PERMANENT BRIDGE PLUG BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to equipment for underground wells and, more particularly, to an apparatus for remotely disconnecting tools and / or ducts for downhole boreholes. 2. Description of the Related Art The present invention was developed in response to a problem that exists with the current manner in which "an inflatable shutter located downhole is disconnected remotely from a production line, such as a coiled tubing, to which the shutter is connected. , such as in a permanent bridge plug application A current proposal to remotely disconnect the pipe plug is through a mechanical release joint that is placed between the plug and the pipe. usually of two tubular members, one of which is partially placed inside the other.The tubular members are connected together by cutting screws.A tubular member is connected to the pipe, and the other is connected to the shutter. Mechanical release is designed in such a way that when you want to disconnect the shutter tubing, a force of sufficient magnitude is applied. d to the pipe so that the cutting screws will cut, thus disconnecting the two tubular members of the mechanical release joint, and also thus disconnecting the shutter pipe. However, a problem with this type of mechanical release joint is that it can be triggered unintentionally by unforeseen downhole conditions. As such, the present invention was developed to provide an improved release jjnta that is not prone to be unintentionally operated by unforeseen downhole conditions.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION In one aspect, the invention can be a disconnecting tool for use in an underground well, comprising: a first housing releasably connected to a second housing, the second housing having a circulation port and an internal bore to through it; a first piston connected releasably to the first housing, and with an internal hole therethrough and a top ball seat; and a second piston releasably connected to the second housing and with an internal hole therethrough and a lower ball seat, the lower ball seat with a diameter smaller than a diameter of the upper ball seat, the second piston with a bearing circulation port, an inflation port, and a secondary circulation port, the bearing circulation port being in fluid communication with the circulation port in the second housing before a lower ball engages the lower ball seat, the inflation port directing fluid flow from the internal bore of the first piston to a portion of the internal bore of the second housing below the lower ball bob when the lower ball engages the lower ball bob; and the secondary circulation port being in fluid communication with the circulation port in the second housing after disconnecting the second piston from the second housing; the first piston disconnecting from the first housing after coupling an upper ball with the upper ball seat in order to disconnect the first housing from the second housing. Another feature of this aspect of the invention may be that the first housing may further include a lower extension that includes at least one closure member adapted for releasable engagement with a locking groove in the second housing, and the first piston includes an external recess arranged to receive that closing member after the first piston has been disconnected from the first housing. Another feature of this aspect of the invention may be that the first piston is positioned to maintain engagement of the closure member with the closure groove before the first piston of the first housing is disconnected. Another feature of this aspect of the invention may be that the second piston is connected so that it can be released to! second housing by at least one cutting member designed to cut at a force corresponding to a maximum established pressure of a plug to which the tool is connected. Another feature of this aspect of the invention may be that the bearing circulation port is below the lower ball seat. Another feature of this aspect of the invention may be that the inflation port is located above the lower ball seat. Another feature of this aspect of the invention may be that the secondary circulation port is between the bearing circulation port and the inflation port. Another feature of this aspect of the invention may be that the inflation port is between the lower ball seat and the secondary circulation port. Another feature of this aspect of the invention may be that the second housing may further include a fluid passageway establishing fluid communication between the inflation port and the internal bore of the second housing below the lower ball seat. Another feature of this aspect of the invention may be that the second housing further includes at least one closure member with an open and a closed position., and adapted to restrict fluid flow through the internal bore of the second housing when in its closed position and allow fluid flow through the internal bore of the second housing when in its open position. Another feature of this aspect of the invention may be that the second piston may further include an inflation re-entry port positioned below the lower ball seat, and a stop is sealedly positioned within the second housing to direct fluid flow through of the inflation reentry port in the internal hole of the second piston. Another feature of this aspect of the invention may be that the tool may further include an orifice pin coupled with a hole in the second piston establishing fluid communication between the inflation port and the circulation port in the second housing. In another aspect, the present invention can be a disconnecting tool for use in an underground well, comprising: a first housing releasably connected to a second housing, the second housing having a first fluid circulation port, a second circulation port and an internal hole through it; a first piston releasably connected to the first housing, and with an internal bore therethrough, an upper ball seat and a lower ball seat, the lower ball seat with a diameter smaller than a seat diameter of upper ball, the first piston with a bearing circulation port and an inflation port, the bearing circulation port being in fluid communication with the first circulation port in the second housing before a lower ball engages with the lower ball seat, the inflation port directing fluid flow from the internal bore of the first piston to a portion of the internal bore of the second housing below the lower ball bob when the lower ball engages the lower ball bob; and a second piston so releasably connected to the second housing, the inflation port being in fluid communication with the second circulation port in the second housing after disconnecting the second piston from the second housing, the first piston disconnecting from the first housing after coupling a second ball with the upper ball seat in order to disconnect the first housing of the second housing. Another feature of this aspect of the invention may be that the tool may further include an orifice pin coupled with a hole in the second piston establishing fluid communication between the inflation port and the circulation port in the second housing. Another feature of this aspect of the invention may be that the first housing may further include a lower extension that includes at least one closure member adapted for releasable engagement with a locking groove in the second housing, and the first piston it includes an external recess arranged to receive that closure member after the first piston has been disconnected from the first housing. Another feature of this aspect of the invention may be that the first piston is positioned to maintain engagement of the closure member with the closure groove before the first piston of the first housing is disconnected. Another feature of this aspect of the invention may be that the second piston is releasably connected to the second housing by at least one cutting screw designed to cut at a force corresponding to a maximum established pressure of a plug to which it is connected. the tool. Another feature of this aspect of the invention may be that the second housing may further include at least one closure member with an open and a closed position, and adapted to restrict fluid flow through an internal bore of the second housing when in its closed position and allowing fluid flow through the internal hole of the second housing when it is in its open position. In still another aspect, the present invention can be a disconnecting tool for use in an underground well, comprising: a first housing releasably connected to a second housing, the second housing having a circulation port and a hole internal through it; a first piston connected releasably to the first housing, and with an internal hole therethrough and a top ball seat; a second piston connected so that it can be released to the second housing and with a bearing circulation port in fluid communication with the circulation port in the second housing before the second piston disconnects from the second housing, and a circulation port secondary in fluid communication with the circulation port in the second housing after disconnecting the second piston from the second housing, the first piston disconnecting from the first housing after coupling an upper ball with the upper ball seat in order to disconnect the first housing from the second accommodation; and an orifice plug fitted with the bearing circulation port. Another feature of this aspect of the invention may be that the first housing may further include a lower extension that includes at least one closure member adapted for releasable engagement with a locking groove in the second housing, and the first piston it includes an external recess arranged to receive that closure member after the first piston has been disconnected from the first housing. Another feature of this aspect of the invention may be that the first piston is positioned to maintain engagement of the closure member with the closure groove before the first piston of the first housing is disconnected. Another feature of this aspect of the invention may be that the second piston is releasably connected to the second housing by at least one cutting screw designed to cut at a force corresponding to a maximum established pressure of a plug to which it is connected. the tool. Another feature of this aspect of the invention may be that the second housing may further include at least one closure member with an open and a closed position, and adapted to restrict fluid flow through an internal bore of the second housing when in its closed position and allowing fluid flow through the internal hole of the second housing when it is in its open position. Still more in another aspect, the present invention can be a disconnecting tool for use in an underground well, comprising: a first housing releasably connected to a second housing, the second housing having a circulation port, a second circulation port, and an internal hole through it; an orifice pin coupled with the first circulation port; a first piston connected in a way that can be released to the first housing, and with an internal hole therethrough, a top ball seat, and bearing circulation port establishing fluid communication between the internal hole of the first piston and the first port traffic; and a second piston so releasably connected to the second housing, the bearing circulation port being in fluid communication with the second circulation port after disconnecting the second piston from the second housing, the first piston disconnecting from the first housing after attach an upper ball with the upper ball seat to disconnect the first housing of the second housing. Another feature of this aspect of the invention may be that the first housing may further include a lower extension that includes at least one closure member adapted for releasable engagement with a locking slot in the second housing, and the first piston includes an external recess arranged to receive that closing member after the first piston has been disconnected from the first housing. Another feature of this aspect of the invention may be that the first piston is positioned to maintain engagement of the closure member with the closure groove before the first piston of the first housing is disconnected. Another feature of this aspect of the invention may be that the second piston is releasably connected to the second housing by at least one cutting screw designed to cut at a force corresponding to a maximum set pressure of a plug to which it is connected. the tool. Another feature of this aspect of the invention may be that the second housing may further include at least one closure member with an open and a closed position, and adapted to restrict fluid flow through the internal bore of the second housing when it is in its closed position and allowing fluid flow through the internal bore of the second housing when it is in its open position. Another feature of this aspect of the invention may be that the second piston is releasably positioned between the second housing and the first piston. Another feature of this aspect of the invention may be that the tool may further include a secondary inflation piston releasably connected to the second housing by at least one cutting screw designed to cut at a force corresponding to a pressure less than a Maximum set pressure of a plug to which the tool is connected, fluid communication between the bearing circulation port and the first circulation port being restricted after disconnecting the secondary inflation piston from the second housing, and fluid communication between the bearing circulation port and the second circulation port established after disconnecting the second piston of the second housing. Another feature of this aspect of the invention may be that the tool may further include a nut with a one-way ratchet mechanism adapted to allow movement of the secondary inflation piston in a single direction. Another feature of this aspect of the invention may be that the tool may further include a spring disposed between the lower support shoulder in the second housing and the secondary inflation piston.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Figure 1 is a cross-sectional view of a first embodiment of the improved release tool of the present invention. Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view of a second embodiment of the improved release tool of the present invention.

Figure 2A is a cross-sectional view taken on line 2A-2A of Figure 2. Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view of a third embodiment of the release tool of the present invention. Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view of a fourth embodiment of the improved release tool of the present invention. Figure 4A is a cross-sectional view taken on line 4A-4A of Figure 4. Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view of a fifth embodiment of the improved release tool of the present invention. Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view of a sixth embodiment of the improved release tool of the present invention. Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view of a seventh embodiment of the improved release tool of the present invention. Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view of an eighth embodiment of the improved release tool of the present invention. Although the invention will be described in connection with preferred embodiments, it will be understood that it is not intended to limit the invention to such embodiments. Otherwise, it is intended to cover all alternatives, modifications and equivalents as may be included within the scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED MODALITIES In the following description, the same or similar parts are marked through the specification and drawings with the same reference numbers, respectively. The figures are not necessarily drawn to scale, and in some cases, have been exaggerated or simplified to clarify certain characteristics of the invention. One skilled in the art will appreciate many applications that differ from the described apparatus. Referring to Figure 1, a first embodiment of the improved release tool 10 of the present invention is shown in a rolling position before being actuated. In this embodiment, the tool 10 includes a first, or upper, housing 12 that is releasably connected to a second, or lower, housing 14. The upper housing 12 is adapted for connection to a production or rolled pipeline or perhaps another tool (not shown), and the lower housing 14 is shown connected to a shutter 15, of which only a top portion is shown. In a specific embodiment, the lower housing 14 may comprise a top member (or fish neck housing) 14a and a lower member 14b. The upper housing 12 may include a lower extension 12a positioned within the lower housing 14. The lower extension 12a may include at least one locking member or pawl 12b adapted for releasable engagement with a locking groove 16 in the lower housing 14. According to how it will be better described later, the lower extension 12a is designed to fold inwardly, away from the lower housing 14, so that one or more locking pawls 12b will disengage from the closing groove 16 when the ratchets 12b are not in engagement with the slot 16. The tool 10 further includes a first, or release, piston 18 that is shown partially positioned within the upper housing 12 and partially positioned within the lower housing 14. The release piston 18 includes a inner hole 20 with a first, or upper, ball seat 22 adapted for engagement with a top ball 24 ( is shown in ghost), the purpose of which will be explained later. The piston of release 18 is releasably connected to the upper housing 12 by at least one cutting screw 26. A lower portion 18a of the release piston 18 is positioned to hold the locking pawls 12b in the upper housing 12 in engagement with the closing groove 16 in the lower housing 14 when the tool 10 is in its rolling position. The release piston 18 further includes an external recess 28 for receiving the locking pawls 12b when the tool 10 is being driven, as will be described later. Other aspects of the release piston 18 will be described later in describing the operation of the tool 10. The tool 10 also includes a second, or inflation, piston 30 placed below the release piston 18 and inside the first housing 14. The piston of inflation 30 includes an inner hole 32 with a second, or lower, ball seat 34 adapted for engagement with a lower ball 36 (shown in phantom), the purpose of which will be described later. The diameter of the lower ball seat 34 is smaller than the diameter of the upper ball seat 22. The inflation piston 30 is releasably connected to the lower housing 14 by at least one cutting screw 38, which is designed to cutting at a predetermined force corresponding to a maximum set pressure previously selected for the shutter 15. The inflation piston 30 includes at least one bearing circulation port 40 positioned below the lower ball seat 34 (i.e., between the lower ball 34 and lower end 30a of inflation piston 30). When the tool 10 is in its rolling position, as shown, the bearing circulation ports 40 are generally aligned and in fluid communication with corresponding circulation ports 42 in the lower housing 14. The inflation piston 30 further includes at least one inflation port 44 above the lower ball seat 34 (ie, between the lower ball seat 34 and a lower end 30b of the piston 30). That inflation port 44 is adapted to direct fluid flow from the internal bore 20 of the release piston 18 to a portion of an internal bore 17 of the lower housing 14 below the lower ball seat 34 when the lower ball 36 engages the lower ball seat 34. The inflation piston 30 further includes at least one secondary circulation port 46 disposed between the lower ball seat 34 and that inflation port 44. The lower housing 14 includes at least one fluid passage 48. through which fluid can flow from the internal bore 32 of the inflation piston 30 and the inflation ports 44 through the internal bore 17 to the shutter 15, as will be described later. The lower end 30a of the inflation piston 30 is loosely positioned within a lower stop 50 which is connected to the lower housing 14. The inflation piston 30 may also include a sleeve section 52 disposed through an assembly or cartridge flapper check valve 54 of the type known to those skilled in the art. In a specific embodiment, the assembly 54 may include a top closure member 56 (e.g., a flap) and a bottom closure member 58, each shown in their closed positions in dotted lines. The inflation piston 30 may also include a lock nut 57 connected to the upper end 30b of the piston 30, the purpose of which will be explained below. In operation, the tool 10 operates in a well (not shown) at its established depth, and fluid is pumped through the pipe (not shown), into the tool 10 and flows into the bearing circulation ports 40 in the inflation piston 30 and exits through the circulation ports 42 in the lower housing 14. The lower ball 36 is placed in the fluid stream and is pumped into engagement with the lower ball seat 34. This will restrict the flow of circulating fluid through the ports 40 and 42, and will divert fluid flow through the inflation ports 44 and the fluid passages 48 toward the inflatable plug 15. The fluid pressure will accumulate to secure the plug 15. This is done in this method when using the "bull head" inflation method, as understood by those skilled in the art. When the predetermined maximum set pressure of the shutter 15 is reached, the cutting screws 38 connecting the inflation piston 30 to the lower housing 14 will cut, thus disconnecting the inflation piston 30 from the lower housing 14. The inflation piston 30 will then move downward by a first distance D1 until a shoulder 60 on the piston 30 engages a ledge 62 in the lower housing 14. This will bring the secondary circulation ports 46 on the inflation piston 30 in fluid communication from the surface of the earth by the tool 10, and will cause the pressure to fall on the piston 30. the pipe (not shown). Having once again established the circulation of fluid through the tool 10, the fluid can be produced at the surface of the earth from the well until it is desired to operate the tool 10 to disconnect the pipe from the shutter 15. At this time, the upper ball 24 (which is larger than lower ball 36) is placed in the fluid stream and borehole is pumped down in engagement with the upper ball seat 22. Pressure is allowed to build up until cutting screws 26 cut, thus disconnecting the release piston 18 from the upper housing 12. The release piston 18 will then move downward by a second distance D2 until a shoulder 64 in the release piston 18 engages a ledge 66 in the upper housing 12. It is preferred that the first distance D1 is greater than the second distance D2 so that there will be some space between the lower end of the release piston 18 and the upper end 30 b of the inflation piston 30 after both the release piston 18 and the inflation piston 30 have been turned downward to their respective release positions (not shown). When the release piston 30 is shifted downward to its released position, the outer recess 28 in the release piston 18 will be placed adjacent the locking pawls 12b will be bent inwardly in the outer recess 28, thus decoupling the upper housing 12 of the lower housing 14. This also disconnects the pipe (not shown) from the shutter 15. The pipe (not shown) can then be removed from the well (not shown) when pulled up. This will pull the upper housing 12, which will engage the shelf 66 of the upper housing 12 in the shoulder 64 of the release piston 18, and thus cause upward movement of the release piston 18. This will cause a shelf 68 in the internal hole 20 of the release piston 18 engage a shoulder 70 on the lock nut 57, and thus cause upward movement of the inflation piston 30. As the inflation piston 30 is pulled upward, the sleeve section 52 of the inflation piston 30 will pass through the flap assembly 54 so that the lower flap 58 will rotate upward to its closed position (shown in dashed lines) and the upper flap 56 will rotate downward to its closed position (also shown in dotted lines). This will prevent any fluid. or contaminant between the shutter 15. The upper housing 12, the release piston 18 and the inflation piston 30 can then be pulled to the surface, leaving the shutter 15 and the lower housing 14 in the well. If it is desired to remove the obturator 15 to the surface, a gripper tool of the type known to those skilled in the art (not shown) can be lowered into the well and coupled with the closure groove 16 in the lower housing 14. Once attached , the gripping tool can pull the lower housing 14 and obturator 15 to the surface of the earth in a known manner. A second embodiment of the present invention is shown in Figures 2 and 2A. The second mode is similar to the first mode shown in Figure 1. The main differences between the first and the second mode are found in the structure of the inflation piston 30 and the lower housing 14. In the second mode, the inflation ports 44 'in the inflation piston 30 are in a generally longitudinal direction, whereas in the first mode the inflation ports 44 are in a generally transverse direction. The longitudinal inflation ports 44 'take the place of the fluid passages 48 in the lower housing 14 in the first embodiment shown in Figure 1. Also, in the second embodiment, the longitudinal inflation ports 44' are between the seat of lower ball 34 and secondary circulation ports 46, while in the first mode the secondary circulation ports 46 are between the lower ball seat 34 and the inflation ports 44. Another difference is that the second mode may also include a filter 80 disposed within the inflation piston 30 above the lower ball seat 34 to prevent contaminants from flowing in the ports 44 'or 46. The operation of the second mode is very similar to that of the first mode. The tool 10 is driven into the hole at its established depth and fluid flow is established through the ports 40 and 42. The lower ball 36 is then allowed to fall in engagement with the lower ball seat 34, and the fluid flow is deflected through the inflation ports 44 'to inflate the shutter 15. When the shutter 15 reaches its maximum pressure, the cutting screws 38 will cut and the piston 30 will then move downward in its released position, at that time the ports secondary circulation 46 will be in fluid communication with the circulation ports 42, thus allowing fluid circulation through the tool 10. To disconnect from the obturator 15, the upper ball 24 is allowed to fall in engagement with the upper ball seat 22, and pressure is allowed to build up until the cutting screws 26 are cut. The release piston 18 then moves downward and the locking pawls 12b retract in the outer recess 28, thus uncoupling the upper housing 12 from the lower housing 14. The upper housing 12, the release piston 18 and the inflation piston 30 then they can be pulled to the surface. A grabbing tool can also be used to pull the lower housing 14 and plug 15 to the surface, if desired, in the manner explained above. A third embodiment of the present invention is shown in Figure 3. The third embodiment is similar to the second embodiment shown in Figure 2. The main differences between the second and third embodiments are in the structure of the inflation piston 30 and the structure and position of the stop 50. With reference to the Figure 3, the inflation piston 30 includes at least one inflation reentry port 45 disposed below the lower ball seat 34 (ie, between the lower ball seat 34 and the lower end 34a of the inflation piston 30). After the lower ball 36 has been dropped, fluid is diverted through the inflation ports 44 'and then back into the internal hole 32 of the inflation piston 30 through at least one inflation reentry port 45, and then to the shutter 15. The other difference between the second and third embodiments is that in the third embodiment the stop 50 'includes an internal seal member 82 and an external seal shoulder 84. When in the rolling position, as shown in FIG. shows, the inner seal member 82 is positioned on said inflation reentry port 45 for closed coupling with the internal hole 32 of the inflation piston 30, and the external seal boss 84 is placed below said inflation reentry port 45. for lockable engagement between the lower housing 14 and the inflation piston 30. It will be understood that the inner seal member 82 and the outer seal boss 84 cooperate to provide a path of f luxury sealed to direct fluids under pressure towards the shutter 15 to inflate it. The operation of this third modality as explained before is for the second modality. A fourth embodiment of the present invention is shown in Figures 4 and 4A, which is similar to the third embodiment shown in Figure 3. The main difference between the two is that the fourth embodiment employs an orifice pin method for inflating the shutter 15, while the third mode employs the edge plug inflation method. As shown in Figure 4, in the fourth embodiment, the inflation piston 30 includes an orifice 86 for each longitudinal inflation port 44 'which establishes fluid communication between the corresponding longitudinal inflation port 44' and the circulation ports 42. in the lower housing 14. By providing the holes 86, part of the fluid flowing through the inflation ports 44 'to adjust the plug 15 is allowed to escape through the holes 86 and the circulation ports 42 in the lower housing 14 The amount of fluid that is allowed to escape through the orifices 86 can be controlled by coupling an orifice pin 88 with each hole 86 in a known manner. The size of the orifice pin 88 may vary depending on the desired maximum inflation pressure of the shutter 15. This provides additional control over the inflation of the shutter 15. Apart from these differences, the operation of the fourth mode is as explained above for the third modality. A fifth embodiment of the present invention is shown in Figure 5, which includes an upper housing 12 and a lower housing. 14 generally as described above in connection with Figures 1 to 4. The fifth embodiment also includes a release piston 18 ', the structure of which is similar in some aspects and different in others compared to the release piston 18. as described in Figures 1 to 4. The release piston 18 'as shown in Figure 5 also includes certain characteristics of the inflation piston 30 shown in Figures 1 to 4. As shown in Figure 5, the release piston 18 'is connected to upper housing 12 by cutting screws 26, and includes an internal bore 20, and an external recess 28 for receiving locking pawls 12b. The release piston 18 'also includes a circulation port 90 which establishes fluid communication between the internal bore 20 and the circulation ports 42 (which may also be referred to as first circulation ports) in the lower housing 14, when the tool 10 of this fifth embodiment is in its rolling position, as shown in Figure 5. The release piston 18 'further includes a generally longitudinal inflation port 92 establishing fluid communication from the internal bore 20 on a lower ball seat 93 to an exterior of the release piston 18 'to a point below the lower ball seat 94. The release piston 18' may further include an orifice 94 establishing fluid communication between the inflation port 92 and the circulation ports 42 in the lower housing 14. A hole pin 96 can be coupled with the hole 94. The function, structure and operation of the hole 94 and hole pin 96 are as explained above in connection with the Figure 4. The fifth modality also includes an inflation piston 98 secured by cutting screws 100 to the lower housing 14.

The inflation piston 98 includes an internal bore 102 through which a sleeve member 104 of the release piston 18 'is positioned when the tool 10 is in its rolling position, as shown. The inflation piston 98 also includes a shoulder 106 adapted to stop against a shelf 108 in the lower housing 14. A pin member 110 can be fixed to the lower housing 14 and provided with a rod 112 adapted for closable engagement with a lower end of the housing. internal hole 20 of the release piston 18 '. This fifth embodiment may also include a flap assembly 54 as described and illustrated above. In operation, the fifth mode of the tool 10 is driven into the well in its rolling position as shown in Figure 5, and fluid communication is established through the internal hole 20, the circulation port 90, and the ports of operation. circulation 42 in the lower housing 14. A lower ball (not shown) is then dropped in engagement with the lower ball seat 93. This deflects the flow of fluid in the inflation passage 92, part of which escapes through the hole 94 and the rest of which follows down through a ring between the sleeve member 104 of the release piston 18 'and the internal bore 102 of the inflation piston 98, and downwardly to inflate the shutter 15. When reaches the maximum inflation pressure of the shutter 15, the cutting screws 100 will cut and the inflation piston 98 will move downward until the shoulder 106 rests against the shelf 108. This will result in a pressure drop. n, and establish a fluid flow path from the tool 10 through one or more second ports circulator 114 in lower housing 14, which can be placed under the first circulation ports 42 in the lower housing. Again this will allow fluid to circulate through the tool 10, and, when it is desired to disconnect from the plug 15, a top ball (not shown) may be dropped in engagement with the upper ball seat 22. This will cause the pressure builds up on the release piston 18 ', said pressure will finally cut the cutting screws 26 and move the release piston 18' down until the shoulder 64 rests against the shelf 66. This will result in the locking pawls 12b retract in the outer recess 28, thus disconnecting the upper housing 12 from the lower housing 14, in the manner explained above in connection with the other embodiments. The upper housing 12 can then be pulled to the surface, which will also pull the release piston 18 'to the surface. The lower housing 14, the inflation piston 98 and the shutter 15 will remain in the well. If it is desired to remove these components, an appropriate well tool (not shown) can be used to attach to the profile 16 up to the lower housing 14 to pull these remaining components to the surface in a known manner. A sixth embodiment of the present invention is shown in Figure 6. This sixth embodiment has an upper housing 12, a lower housing 14 and a release piston 18, similar to those shown in Figures 1 to 4. The piston structure of inflation 30 in this modality is different than in Figures 1 to 4, and this mode does not use a lower ball, but rather only the upper ball. The inflation piston 30 is connected to the lower housing 14 by cutting screws 38. The bearing circulation ports 40 in the piston 30 are in fluid communication with the circulation ports 42 in the lower housing when the tool 10 is in its position. bearing, as shown. In a preferred embodiment, an orifice pin 116 is placed in each bearing circulation port 40. The inflation piston 30 also includes secondary circulation ports 46 positioned between the bearing circulation ports 40 and the upper end 30b of the piston 30. In operation, the sixth embodiment is operated in the well (not shown) at its set depth and the pressurized fluid is pumped into the shutter 15 to adjust it using the orifice inflation method. Note that in this sixth mode it is not necessary to drop a lower ball, as explained in connection with the previous modalities. As described above, by using the orifice inflation method, some of the fluid will escape from the tool 10 to the bearing circulation ports 40, which are partially blocked by the orifice pins 116, and the remainder of the fluid will flow to the shutter 15 to adjust it. When the maximum shutter inflation pressure is reached, the cutting screws 38 will cut and the piston 30 will move downward until a shoulder 118 on the piston 30 rests against a ledge 120 in the lower housing 14. This will result in the ports secondary circulation 46 move in alignment with the circulation ports 42 in the lower housing 14, and thus once again allow fluid flow through the tool 10. This will allow the upper ball (not shown) to fall in engagement with the upper ball seat 22 when it is desired to connect the pipe (not shown) from the shutter 15. Dropping the upper ball (not shown) will result in the cutting screws 26 cutting and there being downward movement of the release piston. for disconnecting the upper housing 12 from the lower housing 14, as explained in detail earlier in connection with the other embodiments. U A seventh embodiment of the present invention is shown in Figure 7. This seventh embodiment has an upper housing 12 and a lower housing 14, similar to those shown in Figures 1 to 4. This seventh embodiment also includes a piston of release 18"similar to the release pistons shown in Figures 1 to 4, except that the release piston 18" further includes a lower extension member 122 which extends through the flap assembly 54 and is closablely engaged with a lower hole 124 of the lower housing 14. The release piston 18"further includes at least one bearing circulation port 126 which can be located together and in fluid communication with the circulation ports 42 in the lower housing 14 when the tool 10 is in its rolling position, as shown In this embodiment, an orifice pin 128 is positioned in a coupling fashion in each of the circulation ports 42 in the lower housing 14. This embodiment further includes an inflation piston 130 secured so that it can be released by cutting pins 132 to the lower housing 14, and loosely placed between the lower housing 14 and the piston release 18". The lower housing 14 also includes at least one secondary circulation port 134 positioned below the circulation ports 42 in the lower housing 14.

In operation, the tool 10 is driven into the hole at its set depth, and fluid is pumped downhole to adjust the plug 15 to! .1; i iiicluu O uc iflacióp orifice. Part of the fluid will escape through the bearing circulation ports 126 in the release piston 18"and the circulation ports 42, which are partially blocked by the orifice pins 128, and the remainder of the fluid will flow more downhole. to adjust the shutter 15. When the shutter 15 reaches its maximum set pressure, the cutting screws 132 will cut and the inflation piston 130 will move downward to establish a fluid flow path between the circulation ports 126 on the release piston 18"and the secondary circulation ports 134 in the lower housing 14. This will allow fluid circulation once more, and when desired, the upper ball (not shown) can be dropped in engagement with the upper ball seat 22 for disconnect the pipe (not shown) and the upper housing 12 of the lower housing 14 and shutter 15, in the same manner as described above. It should be mentioned that, in this seventh embodiment, due to the use of the orifice inflation method, it is not necessary to drop a lower ball in order to adjust the shutter 15. An eighth embodiment of the present invention is shown in Figure 8. This Eighth embodiment is similar to the seventh embodiment, but includes additional components in the area between the inflation piston 130 (referred to below as the primary inflation piston) and the bearing circulation ports 126 on the release piston 18". Additional components, as described below, are sometimes referred to generally as "Circular Hole Tool for Inflating" (HOCI) components, and may include: a secondary inflation piston 136 connected to the lower housing 14 by cutting screws 138 and with an internal hole 140 through which the lower extension member 122 of the release piston 18"can be placed; a nut 142 including a one-way ratchet mechanism and positioned around a lower portion of the secondary inflation piston 136; a closure member 144 positioned around a lower portion of the secondary inflation member 136 between the nut 142 and a closing shoulder 146 in the internal bore of the lower housing 14; a spring 148 positioned within the lower housing 14 around the lower extension member 122 and between the secondary inflation piston 136 and a lower support shoulder 150 in the lower housing 14; and an upper support shoulder 152 in the lower housing 14 on the secondary inflation piston 136. In a specific embodiment, the upper support shoulder 152 may comprise a spring ring placed in a retainer slot in the lower housing 14. For reasons which will be clear later, the cutting screws 138 securing the secondary inflation piston 136 to the lower housing 14 are designed to cut at a force corresponding to a pressure less than the set pressure of the predetermined maximum shutter. For example, in a specific embodiment, the shear pressure designed for cutting screws 138 may be 600 pounds per square inch and the set pressure of the predetermined maximum shutter may be 1,000 pounds per square inch. It should be mentioned that the designed cutting pressure corresponding to the cutting screws 132 securing the primary inflation piston 130 to the lower housing 14 would be 1,000 pounds per square inch in this specific embodiment. In operation, after operating the tool 10 in the hole at its established depth, fluid can be pumped into tool 10 to adjust the plug. Part of the fluid will pass through the bearing circulation ports 126 in the release piston 18"and will leak around the orifice pins 128 and through the circulation ports 42., or will act and apply downward pressure to the secondary inflation piston 136. The rest of the fluid will flow into the internal hole 20 of the release piston 18"to inflate the shutter 15, in the same manner as explained above with respect to the method of orifice inflation When the pressure on the obturator 15 reaches the cutting pressure designed for the cutting screws 138, said cutting rings 138 will cut and the secondary inflation piston 136 will be forced upwards by the spring 148 until it rests against the support shoulder 152. The pumping operation may temporarily cease at this time.When the secondary inflation piston 136 has been moved to its highest position, an annular seal 154 on the secondary inflation piston 136 will be placed above the circulation ports 42. to thus prevent fluid flow from the bearing circulation ports 128 out of the tool 10 through the circulation ports 42. The one-way ratchet mechanism of the nut 142 prevents the secondary inflation piston 136 from moving back in a downward direction. The continuous pumping of fluid to the plug 15 - this time under the edge antler inflation method since the circulation ports 42 with the orifice pins 128 are now blocked, and all the fluid will be on the inflation piston 130 - will result in the cutting screws 132 cutting when the set pressure of the maximum shutter is reached. This will allow the primary inflation piston 130 to move downward to open a fluid flow path between the bearing circulation ports 126 in the release piston 18"and the secondary circulation ports 134 in the lower housing 14. Then a top ball (not shown) can be dropped in engagement with the upper ball seat 22 to release the release piston 18"and let the upper housing 12 and the release piston 18" retract to the surface of the ground in the same manner as explained above, the components of HOCI and the primary inflation piston 130 are left in the well with the lower housing 14 and the plug 15, which can be removed from the surface of the earth if desired in the same way that was explained before for the other modalities.

From the above description it can be seen that the tool 10 of the present invention in its different embodiments has many advantages and can be used for a variety of different purposes, including allowing circulation while the shutter 15 is being driven into the well, inflating the plug 15, providing feedback when the plug 15 reaches its maximum inflation pressure, and allowing circulation of a ball to release the tool 10 in order to leave the plug 15 downhole. Furthermore, the tool 10 is not subject to being accidentally operated by unforeseen variations in downhole conditions, as is the case with the current mechanical release joints. Although the present invention has been described in particular relation to the accompanying drawings, it should be understood that other and more specifications, apart from those shown or suggested herein, can be made within the scope of the present invention. Accordingly, the invention should therefore be limited only by the scope of the appended claims.

Claims (11)

1. - A disconnecting tool for use in an underground well, comprising: a first housing connected in a way that can be released to a second housing, the second housing with a circulation port and an internal hole therethrough; a first piston connected releasably to the first housing, and with an internal hole therethrough and a top ball seat; and a second piston releasably connected to the second housing and with an internal hole therethrough and a lower ball seat, the lower ball seat with a diameter smaller than a diameter of the upper ball seat, the second piston with a bearing circulation port, an inflation port, and a secondary circulation port, the bearing circulation port being in fluid communication with the circulation port in the second housing before coupling a lower ball with the bearing seat lower ball, the inflation port directing fluid flow from the internal bore of the first piston to a portion of the internal bore of the second bore under the lower ball bob when the lower ball engages the lower ball bob, and the secondary circulation being in fluid communication with the circulation port in the second housing after disconnecting the second Piston of the second housing, the first piston being disconnected from the first housing after coupling an upper ball with the like u '"l8 or K u ?? ! 8 higher so as to confer 61 first year of the second housing.

2. The disconnecting tool of claim 1, wherein the first housing further includes a lower extension that includes at least one closure member adapted for releasable engagement with a locking slot in the second housing, and The first piston includes a recess, cavity, external recess positioned to receive at least one closure member after the first piston has been disconnected from the first recess.

3. The disconnecting tool of claim 2, wherein the first piston is positioned to maintain the coupling of at least one closure member with the closure groove before disconnecting the first piston from the first housing.

4. The disconnecting tool of claim 1, wherein the second piston is releasably connected to the second housing by at least one cutting screw designed to cut at a force corresponding to a maximum set pressure of a shutter at which the tool is connected to.

5. The disconnecting tool of claim 1, wherein the bearing circulation port is placed below the lower ball seat.

6. - The disconnecting tool of claim 1, wherein the inflation port is placed on the ball seat i n "f d r i / - r

7. - The disconnecting tool of claim 1, wherein the secondary circulation port is placed between the bearing circulation port and the inflation port.

8. The disconnecting tool of claim 1, wherein the inflation port is placed between the lower ball seat and the secondary circulation port.

9. The disconnecting tool of claim 1, wherein the second housing further includes a fluid passage that establishes fluid communication between the inflation port and the internal bore of the second housing under the lower ball seat.

10. The disconnecting tool of claim 1, wherein the second housing further includes at least one closure member with an open and a closed position, and adapted to restrict fluid flow through the internal bore of the valve. second housing when in its closed position and allowing fluid flow through the internal bore of the second housing when it is in its open position.

11. The disconnecting tool of claim 1, wherein the second piston further includes an inflation reentry port positioned below the lower ball seat, and a stop sealably seated within the second housing to direct fluid flow to through the inflation reentry port in the internal hole of the second piston. 1¿9 '..- L1 a h h <tool to disconnect from the claim -Ji: c -.a - .c .-. ió? N i further including an orifice pin coupled with a hole in the second piston establishing fluid communication between the inflation port and the circulation port in the second housing. 13. A disconnecting tool for use in an underground well, comprising: a first housing connected so that it can be released to a second housing, the second housing with a first fluid circulation port, a second circulation port, and an internal hole through it; a first piston releasably connected to the first housing, and with an internal bore therethrough, an upper ball seat and a lower ball seat, the lower ball seat with a diameter smaller than a seat diameter of upper ball, the first piston with a bearing circulation port and an inflation port, the bearing circulation port being in fluid communication with the first circulation port in the second housing before coupling a lower ball with the bearing seat. bottom ball, the inflation port directing fluid flow from the internal hole of the first piston to a portion of the internal hole of the second housing below the lower ball seat when the lower ball engages the lower ball seat; and a second piston so releasably connected to the second housing, the inflation port being in fluid communication with the second circulation port in the second housing after disconnecting the second piston from the second housing, the first piston being disconnected from the first housing after coupling a second ball with the upper ball seat in order to disconnect the first housing of the second housing. 14. The disconnecting tool of claim 13, further comprising an orifice pin coupled with a hole in the second piston establishing fluid communication between the inflation port and the circulation port in the second housing. 15. The disconnecting tool of claim 13, wherein the first housing further includes a lower extension that includes at least one closure member adapted for releasable engagement with a locking slot in the second housing, and The first piston includes a recess, cavity, external recess positioned to receive said closing member after the first piston has been disconnected from the first recess. 16. The disconnecting tool of claim 15, wherein the first piston is positioned to maintain the engagement of at least one closure member with the closure groove before disconnecting the first piston from the first housing. 17. The disconnecting tool of claim 13, wherein the second piston is releasably connectable to the second housing by at least one cutting screw designed to cut at a force corresponding to a maximum set pressure of an obturator. which connects the tool. 18. The disconnecting tool of claim 13, wherein the second housing further includes at least one closure member with an open and a closed position, and adapted to restrict fluid flow through an internal bore of the valve. second housing when in its closed position and allowing fluid flow through the internal hole of the second housing when it is in its open position. 19. A disconnecting tool for use in an underground well, comprising: a first housing connected in a way that can be released to a second housing, the second housing with a circulation port and an internal hole therethrough; a first piston connected in a way that can be released to the first housing, and with an internal hole through it and a top ball seat; a second piston connected so that it can be released to the second housing and with a bearing circulation port in fluid communication with the circulation port in the second housing before disconnecting the second piston from the second housing, and a secondary circulation port in the second housing. fluid communication with the circulation port in the second housing after disconnecting the second piston from the second housing, the first piston being disconnected from the first housing after coupling an upper ball with the upper ball seat in order to disconnect the first housing from the second housing; and an orifice pin coupled with the bearing circulation port. 20. The disconnecting tool of claim 19, wherein the first housing further includes a lower extension that includes at least one closure member adapted for releasable engagement with a locking slot in the second housing, and the The first piston includes a recess, cavity, external recess positioned to receive said closing member after the first piston has been disconnected from the first recess. 21. The disconnecting tool of claim 20, wherein the first piston is positioned to maintain engagement of said closure member with the closure groove before disconnecting the first piston from the first housing. 22. The disconnecting tool of claim 19, wherein the second piston is releasably connected to the second housing by at least one cutting screw designed to cut at a force corresponding to a maximum set pressure of a plug to the which the tool is connected to. 23. The disconnecting tool of claim 19, wherein the second housing further includes at least one closure member with an open and a closed position, and adapted to restrict fluid flow through an internal bore of the valve. second housing when in its closed position and allowing fluid flow through the internal hole of the second housing when it is in its open position. 24. A disconnecting tool for use in an underground well, comprising: a first housing connected in a way that can be released to a second housing, the second housing with a first circulation port, a second circulation port, and a internal hole through it; an orifice plug coupled with the first circulation port; a first piston connected in a way that can be released to the first housing, and with an internal hole therethrough, a top ball seat, and a bearing circulation port establishing fluid communication between the internal hole of the first piston and the first circulation port; and a second piston so releasably connected to the second housing, the bearing circulation port being in fluid communication with the second circulation port after disconnecting the second piston from the second housing, the first piston being disconnected from the first housing afterwards. of coupling an upper ball with the upper ball seat in order to disconnect the first housing of the second housing. 25. The disconnecting tool of claim 24, wherein the first housing further includes a lower extension with at least one locking member for releasable engagement with a locking slot in the second housing, and the first piston includes a recess, cavity, external recess positioned to receive said closure member after the first piston has been disconnected from the first housing. 26. The disconnecting tool of claim 25, wherein the first piston is positioned to maintain engagement of said closing member with the closing groove before disconnecting the first piston from the first housing. 27. The tool to disconnect from claim 24, wherein the second piston is releasably connected to the second housing by at least one cutting screw designed to cut at a force corresponding to a maximum established pressure of a plug to which the tool is connected. 28. The disconnecting tool of claim 24, wherein the second housing further includes at least one closure member with an open and a closed position, and adapted to restrict fluid flow through the internal bore of the second housing when in its closed position and allowing fluid flow through the internal hole of the second housing when it is in its open position. 29. The disconnecting tool of claim 24, wherein the second piston is sealably positioned between the second housing and the first piston. The disconnecting tool of claim 24, further including a secondary inflation piston releasably connected to the second housing by at least one cutting screw designed to cut at a force corresponding to a pressure less than a pressure maximum setting of a shutter to which the tool is connected, fluid communication between the bearing circulation port and the first circulation port being restricted after disconnecting the secondary inflation piston from the second housing, and fluid communication between the circulation port bearing and the second circulation port being established after disconnecting the second piston from the second housing. 31. The disconnecting tool of claim 30, further comprising a nut with a one-way ratchet mechanism adapted to allow movement of the secondary inflation piston in a single direction. 32. The disconnecting tool of claim 30, further comprising a spring placed between a lower support shoulder in the second housing and the secondary inflation piston.