WO2012028838A2

WO2012028838A2 - Releasable connector assembly for tubing and tool deployment system

Info

Publication number: WO2012028838A2
Application number: PCT/GB2011/001137
Authority: WO
Inventors: Bruce Adam
Original assignee: Ax-S Technology Ltd
Priority date: 2010-08-28
Filing date: 2011-07-29
Publication date: 2012-03-08
Also published as: GB201014441D0; WO2012028838A3

Abstract

A releasable connector assembly (40) for providing a releasable connection between a tubular member (32) and a payload (20) comprises a first connector (36) adapted to be secured to an end of a tubular member (32) and comprising a first latch component (52), and a second connector (38) adapted to be secured to a payload (20) and comprising a second latch component (54) configured to engage the first latch component (52) when the first and second connectors (36, 38) are engaged together. The connector assembly (40) further comprises a locking arrangement (56) configured to selectively lock the first and second latch components (52, 54) in engagement with each other, and a release mechanism (64) configured to release the locking arrangement (56) and permit disengagement of the first and second latch components (52, 54). The release mechanism (64) comprises a seat portion (66) located within the second connector (54) and configured to receive a release body (70) delivered through the tubular member (32) and first connector (36) to actuate the release mechanism (64).

Description

RELEASABLE CONNECTOR ASSEMBLY FOR TUBING AND TOOL

DEPLOYMENT SYSTEM

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a releasable connector assembly for tubing, and in particular, but not exclusively, to a connector assembly for providing a releasable connection between coiled tubing and a tool. The tubing connector assembly may form part of an intervention system.

The present invention also relates to a tool deployment system which incorporates a releasable connector assembly for tubing.

BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION

There are many well bore operations, such as intervention or workover operations, which require a tool to be delivered into a well bore to the required depth and subsequently be recovered after performing the desired operation. For example, tools may be deployed on wireline, coiled tubing or the like. However, it is often the case that a store of tools are required to be held on site to be ready for use as appropriate, which accordingly takes up valuable space.

Furthermore, many offshore wells are located in water depths exceeding several thousand metres and as such deploying tools through a subsea wellhead and into a wellbore first have to be tripped through the water depth within a marine riser. As such, the proportion of the total tripping time occupied by passing through the water depth can be significant.

Recent advances in the oil and gas industry relate to methods and apparatus of performing well intervention operations, and of particular interest are recent developments in subsea intervention operations. The present applicant has proposed a self-contained subsea intervention system which is capable of being mounted on an existing Christmas tree to perform various intervention operations within the well. More specifically, the applicant's system, such as is described in WO 2004/065757, includes a subsea assembly which includes a reel of wireline and a chamber within which a number of intervention tools are stored. The required tools are selected from the chamber, coupled to the wireline and subsequently run into the wellbore through the Christmas tree. Once the operation is completed the tools are retrieved and again stored. Such a self contained subsea intervention system may permit intervention operations to be performed from light support vessels, which are less expensive and more readily available, rather than large workover rigs. However, many desired intervention operations, and indeed many other in- well operations, may require the use of coiled tubing instead of wireline, for example where the tool or process requires fluid to be delivered from surface or where particular forces are to be applied. The present applicant has proposed a system in WO 2009/016346 in which coiled tubing is used to deploy tools from a subsea location. However, when coiled tubing is used to engage and deploy tools from a self-contained tool chamber, such as a subsea tool storage chamber, it is important to be able to provide a robust connection assembly to permit the coiled tubing to be efficiently and effectively connected to a tool, and then disconnected to be retrieved or alternatively proceed to connect to a second tool.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a releasable connector assembly for providing a releasable connection between a tubular member and a payload, comprising:

a first connector adapted to be secured to an end of a tubular member and comprising a first latch component;

a second connector adapted to be secured to a payload and comprising a second latch component configured to engage the first latch component when the first and second connectors are engaged together;

a locking arrangement configured to selectively lock the first and second latch components in engagement with each other; and

a release mechanism configured to release the locking arrangement and permit disengagement of the first and second latch components, wherein the release mechanism comprises a seat portion located within the second connector and configured to receive a release body delivered through the tubular member and first connector to actuate the release mechanism.

The present invention may permit a tubular member to be releasably connected to a payload in order to manipulate the payload, for example displace the payload, in a desired manner. In some uses of the present invention the payload may comprise a tool, such as a wellbore tool.

The locking arrangement may permit the first and second connectors to remain connected together. The release mechanism may permit disconnection and separation of the first and second connectors.

The first connector may be configured to permit passage of the release body therethrough to subsequently engage the seat portion within the second connector. This arrangement may therefore prevent the release body from forming a restriction within the first connector.

The connector assembly may be configured such that the release body used to actuate the release mechanism may pass through the first connector, which in use is connected to a tubular member, and into the second connector, which is secured to a payload. This may therefore permit the release body to remain with the second connector and payload, allowing the tubular member to be used to engage a further payload via the first connector without any internal restrictions caused by the release body.

One of the first and second latch components may comprise a latch recess, and the other of the first and second latch components may comprise a latch body configured to be received within the latch recess. A plurality of latch bodies may be provided and configured to be received within one or a plurality of latch recesses. The latch body may comprise a ball. The latch body may comprise an upset end of a finger, such as a collet finger. The recess may define a circumferential recess.

The locking arrangement may be configured to lock the latch body within the latch recess. The locking arrangement may comprise a sleeve. The locking arrangement may be configured to radially constrain relative movement between the first and second latch components. For example, the locking arrangement may be configured to radially constrain a latch body when in a locking configuration. The locking arrangement may be displaceable, such as rotationally, axially or the like, to be moved between a lock position and a release position.

The locking arrangement may be biased towards one of a locked and released configuration. In one embodiment the locking arrangement may be biased, for example spring biased, towards a locked configuration. The release mechanism may be configured to act against a bias of the lock arrangement.

The release mechanism may be configured to translate at least a portion of the locking mechanism from a locked configuration to an unlocked configuration. For example, in one embodiment the locking mechanism may comprise a sleeve and the release mechanism may be configured to translate and displace said sleeve from a lock position to a release position.

The release mechanism may comprise a rigid connection with a portion of the locking mechanism.

The release mechanism and locking mechanism may be provided in a common arrangement, for example within a single assembly, integrally formed or the like. The release mechanism may be biased, for example spring biased, towards a non-release configuration. In this arrangement the release mechanism may be configurable into a release configuration against said bias upon engagement by a release body.

The release mechanism and locking arrangement may comprise a common biasing arrangement.

The release mechanism may be configured to release a release body engaged with the seat portion. In one embodiment the release mechanism may comprise a frangible component, such as a shearable component, configured to break to release an engaged release body. The frangible component may be configured to break upon application of an elevated force, such as a fluid force.

The connector assembly may be configured to permit deployment of a release body therethrough to the location of the seat and subsequent activation of the release mechanism by application of one or more forces force. The force may be provided by gravity. In this arrangement, at least in some configurations, the second connector may be located below the first connector. The force may be provided via a delivery member, such as a rod or the like. In this arrangement the delivery member may be used to push or pull the release body through the connector assembly. The force may comprise a fluid generated force. In this arrangement the connector assembly may be configured to accommodate displacement of a release body by fluid pressure. The release body may be considered to be pumped through the connector assembly to the location of the seat, with fluid pressure acting against the release body to activate the release mechanism via the seat. The release body may be configured to be pumped through the tubular member to which the first connector is secured.

The release body may comprise a ball. The release body may comprise a dart. The release body may comprise a frangible portion, such as a diaphragm, configured to break. This arrangement may permit communication through the release body, for example when engaged with the seat. The frangible portion may be configured to break in response to elevated fluid pressure, for example supplied via the tubular member to which the first connector is secured.

The release body may form part of the connector assembly.

The connector assembly may comprise a disconnection control arrangement configured to provide control during disconnection of the first and second connectors. In one embodiment the disconnection control arrangement may prevent immediate complete separation of the first and second connectors upon release of the locking arrangement by the release mechanism. This may prevent an uncontrolled separation of the first and second connectors. For example, in some embodiments the first and second connectors may, when connected together, contain an internal fluid pressure which may act to bias the connectors apart during disconnection. In such embodiments the disconnection control arrangement may prevent a violent disconnection by internal fluid pressure upon release of the locking arrangement.

The disconnection control arrangement may permit the first and second connectors to be held together while permitting release or draw down of any contained internal pressure. The disconnection control arrangement may permit subsequent complete separation of the first and second connectors. Subsequent release may be achieved by appropriate manipulation of one or both of the first and second connectors.

The disconnection control arrangement may define a staged disconnection or separation of the first and second connectors. The staged disconnection may be defined by incremental steps. The disconnection control arrangement may be configured such that final disconnection of the first and second connectors is achieved by appropriate manipulation of one or both of the first and second connectors. For example, the disconnection control arrangement may require a series of forces, such as axial forces, rotational forces or the like to be applied to one or both of the first and second connectors.

The disconnection control arrangement may comprise a mechanical arrangement. The disconnection control arrangement may comprise a track associated with one of the first and second connectors and a pin associated with the other of the first and second connectors, wherein the pin is received within and configured to be displaced relative to the track. Accordingly, appropriate manipulation of one or both of the first and second connectors may permit relative displacement of the pin along the track until final release is achieved.

The first and second connectors may comprise respective male and female profiles configured to be engaged together.

The locking arrangement may be provided within one or both of the first and second connectors.

The release mechanism may be partially or entirely provided within the second connector. At least a portion of the release mechanism may be provided within the first connector.

The connector assembly may comprise an identification arrangement configured to permit a spatial parameter of all or part of the connector assembly to be determined. The identification arrangement may comprise a radio frequency identification (RFID) arrangement. The connector assembly may comprise an anti-rotation arrangement configured to prevent or restrict relative rotation of the first and second connectors. Such restricted rotation may be achieved during connection, disconnection and/or while connected. The anti-rotation arrangement may comprise one or more castellations.

The first connector may comprise a tubing connector configured to permit the first connector to be secured to a tubular member. The tubing connector may be releasable.

The second connector may comprise a payload connector configured to permit the second connector to be secured to a payload. The payload connector may be releasable.

In one embodiment of the present invention the first connector may be configured to be secured to a tubing string. The tubing string may comprise coiled tubing. As such, the connector assembly may permit a payload to be releasably connected to coiled tubing. In such an arrangement the coiled tubing may be configured to transmit mechanical forces to the payload, communicate fluid to the payload or the like.

In one embodiment the second connector may be configured to be secured to a tool or tool string, such as a wellbore tool or tool string.

The connector assembly may be configured for use in a wellbore tool deployment system, wherein one or more tools are configured to be secured to a tubular member, such as coiled tubing, via the connecting assembly, and subsequently deployed into a wellbore. The tool deployment system may comprise a first connector secured to a tubular member, and multiple second connectors secured to respective multiple tools, such that the tubular member may be connected to any one of the multiple tools. Further, this may permit the tubular member to be disconnected from a tool, and subsequently connected to a further tool. By configuring the connecting assembly such that a release body used to activate the release mechanism is retained within a second connector, the first connector and associated tubular member may remain free from obstruction and thus readily be used to securing to and deployment of a further tool.

The tool deployment system may comprise a subsea tool deployment system. The tool deployment system may comprise a workover tool deployment system, comprising one or more wellbore workover tools.

According to a second aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of disconnecting a tubular member from a payload, wherein the tubular member and payload are initially connected together by a connecting assembly comprising a first connector secured to the tubular member and a second connector secured to the payload, the method comprising:

displacing a release body through the first connector to engage a seat portion of a release mechanism within the second connector; and

separating the first and second connectors.

Accordingly, the method may permit disconnection of the tubular member and payload in such a way that the release body does not define any restriction within the tubular member or first connector following disconnection. This may permit the tubular member and first connector to be subsequently used for connection to a further payload.

The connecting assembly may be provided in accordance with the first aspect. Features and specified and implied uses of the connecting assembly defined above may represent optional features of the method according to the second aspect. For example, the method may comprise disconnecting the first and second connectors in a staged manner using a disconnection control arrangement.

According to a third aspect of the present invention there is provided a tool deployment system comprising:

a tubular member;

a plurality of tools;

a first connector secured to the tubular member and comprising a first latch component;

a plurality of tools each secured to a respective second connector, wherein each second connector comprises a second latch component configured to engage the first latch component of the first connector when the first connector is engaged with one of the second connectors; and

a locking arrangement configured to selectively lock the first and second latch components in engagement with each other,

wherein each second connector comprises a seat portion configured to receive a release body delivered through the tubular member and first connector to actuate a release mechanism to release the locking arrangement and permit disengagement of the first and second latch components.

Accordingly, in use the tubular member may be secured to a selected tool via the first connector and a respective second connecter. The connectors may be secured together via the latch components and locking mechanism.

Furthermore, the tubular member may be disconnected from a tool by engaging a release body with a seat portion within an associated second connector to actuate a release mechanism to release the locking arrangement, and permit disconnection of the first and associated second connectors. In this way, the release body may remain within the second connector of the disconnected tool, permitting the tubular member and first connector to be used for subsequent attachment to a further tool via its associated second connector.

The tubular member may comprise a tubing string. The tubular member may comprise coiled tubing.

The tool deployment system may be configured for use subsea. In this embodiment the tubular member may be provided from a subsea location. Alternatively, or additionally, the tubular member may be provided from a surface location, such as from a surface vessel, for example form a vessel mounted reel.

The tool deployment system may form part of an intervention system, such as a subsea intervention system. The intervention system may comprise further components, such as valve systems, control systems and the like.

The first connector and one second connector defined according to the third aspect may be provided as part of a connector assembly according to the first aspect. Accordingly, features defined in accordance with the first aspect may apply to the third aspect.

Further aspects of the present invention may relate to a wellbore intervention system comprising a tool deployment system according to the third aspect.

Other aspects of the present invention may relate to methods of performing wellbore intervention operations.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention there is provided a releasable connector assembly comprising:

first and second connectors configured to be engaged together and released to permit disconnection; and

a disconnection control arrangement configured to provide a staged disconnection of the first and second connectors.

The staged disconnection may be defined by incremental steps. The disconnection control arrangement may be configured such that final disconnection of the first and second connectors is achieved by appropriate manipulation of one or both of the first and second connectors. For example, the disconnection control arrangement may require a series of forces, such as axial forces, rotational forces or the like to be applied to one or both of the first and second connectors.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

These and other aspects of the present invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

Figure 1 is a diagrammatic representation of a tool deployment system in accordance with an embodiment of an aspect of the present invention;

Figures 2 to 5 show stages of connection of a releasable connector assembly according to an embodiment of an aspect of the present invention, used within the tool deployment system of Figure 1;

Figures 6 to 10 show stages of disconnection of the releasable connector assembly first shown in Figure 2; and

Figure 11 diagrammatically shows a disconnection control arrangement for a releasable connector assembly and its stages of operation.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Referring to the Figure 1 , a tool deployment system according to an embodiment of an aspect of the present invention is shown diagrammatically. The tool deployment system, generally identified by reference numeral 10, includes a subsea assembly 12 mounted on an existing subsea wellhead 14. The subsea assembly 12 comprises a tool storage package 16 which defines a tool storage chamber 18 containing a plurality of downhole tools 20. The tool storage chamber 18 may contain intervention tools, drilling tools, logging tools or the like, or any suitable combination of tools selected from the art.

The system 10 further comprises a first tubular member 22 formed of a length of coiled tubing which extends from a surface vessel 24 and is secured at a lower end thereof to an upper portion of the tool storage package 16 via a latching mechanism 26. In one example, the coiled tubing used to define the first tubular member may describe an outer diameter of around 89mm (3½"). The first tubular member 22 is formed by running a length of coiled tubing from the surface vessel 24 and securing one end to the subsea assembly and then cutting the coiled tubing to the required length. In the embodiment shown the first tubular member 22 extends through a moonpool 28 of the vessel 24 and is supported by a lifting frame 30 which is adapted to maintain the first tubular member 22 in tension. This arrangement therefore assists to prevent collapse or buckling of the first tubular member 22.

The lifting frame 30 includes a compensator (not illustrated) adapted to compensate for heaving motion of the vessel 24 and for deviation of the vessel 24 from an intended location, to thus prevent failure of the tubular 22.

A BOP (not illustrated) is provided at an upper portion of the first tubular member 22 to isolate the internal passage defined by the first tubular member 22 from the environment.

The intervention system 10 further comprises a spoolable member in the form of a second tubular member 32 incorporating coiled tubing and provided from a vessel mounted coiled tubing reel (not shown). In one example, the coiled tubing used to define the second tubular member 32 may describe an outer diameter or around 60mm (2% ") The second tubular member 32 extends from the tubing reel and through the first tubular member 22 and into the tool storage package 16. A first connector 36 is provided on an end of the second tubular member 32 which is adapted to be secured to a corresponding second connector 38 secured to each tool 20 contained within the tool chamber 18. As will be described in further detail below, the first connector 36 and a second connector 38 collectively define a releasable connector assembly according to an embodiment of an aspect of the present invention.

In use, the second tubular member 32 is run into and through the first tubular member 22 and into the tool storage package 16. The tool storage package 16 includes a mechanism (not shown) for selecting one or more tools 20 and presenting the selected tools 20 to be secured to the second tubular member 32 via the connectors 36, 38. The second tubular member 32 may then be run into the well bore through the well head 14 to the required depth to perform the intended downhole operation with the selected tool 20. The tool 20 may be adapted to be actuated hydraulically by fluid delivered from the surface vessel 24 through the second tubular member 32. Additionally, the second tubular member 32 may carry an electrical wire or wires (not shown) adapted to transmit power or control signals or the like to the selected tool or tools 20 or to a downhole location.

An annulus 39 is defined between the first and second tubular members 22, 32 which may be adapted to accommodate flow back to the vessel 24, which flow may be handled on the vessel 24 with suitable fluid handling equipment (not shown).

The subsea assembly 12 further comprises a well control package 17 positioned between the well head 14 and the tool storage package 16, wherein the well control package 17 includes valves and other flow control devices to control flow to and from the well head 14 while permitting passage of a tool or tools 20 therethrough.

Once the required operation has been performed with the selected tool or tools 20 the second tubular member 32 may be withdrawn through the first tubular member 22 to thus recover the tool or tools 20 back into the storage chamber 18 of the tool storage package 16. The tools 20 may be decoupled from the second tubular member 32 by disconnection of connectors 36, 38 and then moved to a storage position. Following this an alternative tool or tools 20 may be selected and then run into the well on the second tubular member 32. Alternatively, if the in well or downhole operations have been completed then the second tubular member 32 may be completely recovered to the surface vessel 24. Following this the first tubular member 22 may be released from the subsea assembly 12, the subsea assembly 12 may be released from the wellhead 14, and the well may be reconfigured to a production mode.

In embodiments of the invention the first tubular member 22 may be utilised again in a similar or shallower water depth or alternatively in deeper water through use of a coiled tubing connector, such as an outer diameter connector.

The present invention provides significant benefits over existing methods and systems of performing well bore intervention operations. For example, the present invention eliminates the necessity to accommodate the required intervention tools and associated equipment on the surface vessel. Additionally, by providing the intervention tools at a subsea location, and specifically at the location of the well head, the requirement to run the tools from surface level through the total sea depth is eliminated, thus significantly reducing the time to run in each tool to the required bore depth.

The present invention provides a releasable connection for use between the coiled tubing 32 and a tool 20, which permits subsequent release allowing further tools to be selected and deployed. An exemplary embodiment of such a releasable connector assembly will now be described, initially with reference to Figures 2 to 5 in which stages of connection and deployment of a tool are shown, and then with reference to Figures 6 to 10 in which stages of retrieval of a tool and disconnection are shown.

Referring initially to Figure 2, a connecting assembly 40 according to an embodiment of the present invention comprises the first connector 36 which is secured to coiled tubing 32, and a second connector 38 which is secured to a tool 20. The second connector 38 is shown in cross-section to reveal internal features. The connecting assembly 40 is shown in Figure 2 prior to connection, wherein the tool 20 is held by clamps 42 within the tool storage chamber 18 (Figure 1 ), and the coiled tubing 32 moves the first connector 36 downwardly towards the second connector 38 of the selected tool 20. The first connector 36 comprises a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag which is sensed by an array of sensors 46 within the tool storage chamber 18 to determine the position of the first connector 36 as it approaches the second connector 38. This sensing arrangement may permit the rate of deployment of the coiled tubing 32 to be reduced as it approaches the fixed second connector 38 and associated tool 20. It should be noted that both the first and second connectors 36, 38 are hollow in form to permit fluid communication therethrough.

The first connector 36 comprises a male portion 48, and the second connector 38 comprises a female portion 50 corresponding to and configured to receive the male portion 48 of the first connector 36. The male portion 48 includes a latch component in the form of an annular groove or recess 52, and the female portion includes a latch component in the form of a plurality of collet fingers 54 with upset ends configured to be engaged within the annular groove 52 when the first and second connectors 36, 38 are engaged together.

The first connector 36 further includes a castellated anti-rotation structure 58 which in use engages with a corresponding anti-rotation structure 60 on the second connector to thus prevent any relative rotation between the connectors 36, 38 once connected. Further, the first connector 36 comprises a plurality of annular seals 62 configured to form a seal with the second connector 38.

The second connector 38 also includes a locking arrangement in the form of an annular sleeve which sits behind the collet fingers 54 and in use is arranged to be displaced to selectively lock the upset ends of the collet fingers 54 within the annular groove 52 of the first connector 36 to function to lock the first and second connectors 36, 38 together. The locking sleeve 56 is generally biased towards a locking configuration, wherein the action of engaging the male and female portions 48, 50 together acts against this bias to remove the locking effect of the sleeve, 56, with the sleeve 56 once again being biased to the locking position following full connection.

The second connector 38 further comprises a release mechanism 64 which is secured to the locking sleeve 56 and in use is configured to displace the locking sleeve 56 to an unlocked position to permit disengagement of the collet fingers 54 from the annular groove 52 and thus allow separation of the connectors 36, 38. The release mechanism 64 comprises a seat portion 66 which is configured to receive a release body (not shown in Figure 2), with subsequent pressure applied behind the release body depressing the release mechanism 64 against the bias of a spring 68 to displace the locking sleeve 56.

The operation, function and interaction of the components described above will become more apparent from the following description.

Referring now to Figure 3, the first and second connectors 36, 38 are engaged, with the upset ends of the collet fingers 54 engaged and locked within the annular groove of the first connector 36 by the locking sleeve 56. Once a connection is established, tension may be applied to the coiled tubing 32 to assess and confirm the integrity of the connection. The tool securing clamps 42 may then be released, as shown in Figure 4, and the tool 20 may be deployed into the wellbore on the coiled tubing, as represented in Figure 5.

Once the tool 20 has performed the necessary in-well operations it is retrieved by reeling in the coiled tubing 32, as shown in Figure 6, until the tool 20 is once again located within the tool storage chamber 18, as shown in Figure 7. The RFID tag 44 and sensor array 46 may be used to determine and confirm the location of the connector assembly 40 and thus tool 20 relative to the tool storage chamber 18. Once in the desired retrieved position the tool retaining clamps 42 are actuated to once again secure the tool 20 within the chamber 18, as shown in Figure 8. At this stage tension may be applied by the coiled tubing 32 to test the integrity of the clamps 42.

As shown in Figure 9, once the tool 20 is retrieved and suitably secured within the chamber 18, a release body in the form of a ball 70 is dropped or pumped from surface through the coiled tubing 32 and first connector 36 and lands on seat 66 of the release mechanism 64. Fluid pressure behind the ball 70 causes the release mechanism to be displaced downwardly against the bias of the spring 68 to thus displace the locking sleeve 56 and remove the locking effect of the collet fingers 54 in the annular groove 52. Following this, as shown in Figure 10, the first and second connectors 36, 38 may be disconnected by pulling on the coiled tubing 32. As shown in Figure 10, the ball 70 is retained within the second connector 38, such that both the coiled tubing 32 and first connector 36 remain free from internal obstruction permitting a further tool within the chamber 18 to be engaged and deployed.

As discussed in the exemplary embodiment above, disconnection of the assembly 40 is achieved by application of fluid pressure which will be contained by the connector assembly 40 while connected. However, upon disconnection this internal pressure will be vented which may exert a separation force between the first and second connectors 36, 38. Depending on the pressures involved, this separation force may cause a violent separation of the connectors 36, 38, which may potentially result in damage of the connectors 36, 38 and tools and other components located within the chamber 18. To seek to address this, in some embodiments a connector assembly may incorporate a disconnection control arrangement configured to provide a staged disconnection of first and second connectors, such that fluid pressure may be released while a form of mechanical connection is retained, at least temporarily. One exemplary disconnection control arrangement is represented in Figure 11 , reference to which is now made.

In the exemplary arrangement, generally designated 80, a pin 82 is associated with one connector (which may be connector 36) and a convoluted track 84 is associated with another connector (which may be connector 38), wherein the pin 82 is engaged within and arranged to move relative to the track 84 during a releasing operation. Referring initially to Figure 11(a), the arrangement 80 is illustrated in a fully connected configuration, with the pin 82 located at a closed end 86 of the track 84. Following initial disconnection of the associated connectors, relative movement of the pin and track locates the pin 82 within a first lobe 88 in the track 84, as shown in Figure 11(b), such that axial separation of the connectors is restricted while fluid pressure is released. Following this, weight is applied on the upper connector to cause relative movement of the disconnection control arrangement 80 to locate the pin 82 within a second lobe 90 of the track 84, as shown in Figure 11(c). The upper connector is then lifted to locate the pin 82 in a third lobe as shown in Figure 11(d), with weight then again applied to locate the pin 82 in a fourth lobe 94 as shown in Figure 11(e). Following this, as shown in Figure 11(f), complete separation of the connectors may be achieved. Accordingly, this cycling manipulation may result in a staged release of the connectors, preventing any violent separation due to any internal elevated pressures.

It should be understood that the embodiments described herein are exemplary and that various modifications may be made thereto without departing from the scope of the invention. For example, in the embodiment described above the connectors are secured together by a latch arrangement which incorporates collet fingers and a groove. However, alternative latch arrangements may be used, such as ball arrangements and the like.

Claims

CLAIMS:

1. A releasable connector assembly for providing a releasable connection between a tubular member and a payload, comprising:

2. The releasable connector according to claim 1 , wherein the first connector is configured to permit passage of the release body therethrough to subsequently engage the seat portion within the second connector.

3. The releasable connector according to claim 1 or 2, wherein one of the first and second latch components comprises a latch recess, and the other of the first and second latch components comprises a latch body configured to be received within the latch recess.

4. The releasable connector according to claim 3, wherein the locking arrangement is configured to lock the latch body within the latch recess.

5. The releasable connector according to any preceding claim, wherein the locking arrangement is displaceable and is configured to be moved between a lock position and a release position.

6. The releasable connector according to claim 5, wherein the locking arrangement is biased towards one of a locked and released configuration.

7. The releasable connector according to claim 5 or 6, wherein the release mechanism is configured to translate at least a portion of the locking mechanism from a locked configuration to an unlocked configuration.

8. The releasable connector according to any preceding claim, wherein the release mechanism comprises a rigid connection with a portion of the locking mechanism.

9. The releasable connector according to any preceding claim, wherein the release mechanism is configured to release a release body engaged with the seat portion.

10. The releasable connector according to any preceding claim, wherein the release mechanism comprises a frangible component configured to break to release an engaged release body.

11. The releasable connector according to any preceding claim, wherein the release body comprises a frangible portion configured to break to permit communication through the release body.

12. The releasable connector according to any preceding claim, comprising a disconnection control arrangement configured to provide control during disconnection of the first and second connectors.

13. The releasable connector according to claim 12, wherein the disconnection control arrangement is configured to permit the first and second connectors to be held together while permitting release or draw down of any contained internal pressure, and then permit subsequent complete separation of the first and second connectors.

14. The releasable connector according to claim 12 or 13, wherein the disconnection control arrangement defines a staged disconnection of the first and second connectors.

15. The releasable connector according to claim 13 or 14, wherein the disconnection control arrangement is configured such that final disconnection of the first and second connectors is achieved by appropriate manipulation of one or both of the first and second connectors.

16. The releasable connector according to any one of claims 12 to 15, wherein the disconnection control arrangement comprises a mechanical arrangement.

17. The releasable connector according to any one of claims 12 to 16, wherein the disconnection control arrangement comprises a track associated with one of the first and second connectors and a pin associated with the other of the first and second connectors, wherein the pin is received within and configured to be displaced relative to the track by appropriate manipulation of one or both of the first and second connectors.

18. The releasable connector according to any preceding claim, comprising an identification arrangement configured to permit a spatial parameter of all or part of the connector assembly to be determined.

19. The releasable connector according to claim 18, wherein the identification arrangement comprises a radio frequency identification (RFID) arrangement.

20. The releasable connector according to any preceding claim, wherein the first connector comprises a tubing connector configured to permit the first connector to be secured to a tubular member.

21. The releasable connector according to any preceding claim, wherein the second connector comprises a payload connector configured to permit the second connector to be secured to a payload.

22. The releasable connector according to any preceding claim, wherein the first connector is configured to be secured to a tubing string.

23. The releasable connector according to any preceding claim, wherein the first connector is configured to be secured to a tubing string.

24. The releasable connector according to any preceding claim, wherein the second connector is configured to be secured to a tool.

25. A method of disconnecting a tubular member from a payload, wherein the tubular member and payload are initially connected together by a connecting assembly comprising a first connector secured to the tubular member and a second connector secured to the payload, the method comprising:

separating the first and second connectors.

26. A tool deployment system comprising:

a tubular member;

a plurality of tools;

27. A releasable connector assembly comprising: