WO2026019552A1 - Downhole component interception apparatus and method for interception of dropped wellbore components - Google Patents

Abstract

Embodiments of the disclosure provide for methods and apparatus related to downhole tool intervention activities. Aspects disclose methods and apparatus related to a system and method to intercept components lost or dropped during field wellbore activities. These systems are designed to enhance operational efficiency and safety by ensuring the recovery and management of critical components in challenging wellbore environments.

Description

DOWNHOLE COMPONENT INTERCEPTION APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR INTERCEPTION OF DROPPED WELLBORE COMPONENTS

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] The present application claims priority to United States Provisional Application No. 63/671 ,462 dated July 15, 2024, the entirety of which is incorporated by reference.

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0002] Aspects of the disclosure relate to downhole tool intervention activities. More specifically, aspects of the disclosure relate to a system and method to intercept components dropped during field wellbore activities such that the dropped components do not require an additional intervention to remove the dropped component from the wellbore.

BACKGROUND

[0003] Hydrocarbons play a vital role in modern society, serving as the foundation for energy production, transportation fuels, manufacturing processes, and countless other applications. The availability of large hydrocarbon fields; however, which once provided abundant resources, is diminishing rapidly. These fields are becoming increasingly scarce due to decades of intensive extraction, prompting a shift in focus towards smaller and more complex reserves.

[0004] The remaining hydrocarbon fields pose significant challenges to their development for various reasons. Many of these fields are located at greater depths beneath the Earth's surface, requiring advanced technology and equipment to access. Additionally, their geographical locations may be remote or environmentally sensitive, complicating logistics and operations. High temperatures and pressures often characterize these fields, further increasing the technical complexity of their exploration and development. Collectively, these factors make the exploitation of remaining hydrocarbon reserves a demanding endeavor. [0005] Field development costs constitute a major factor in planning hydrocarbon production projects. Lower-cost fields are generally prioritized over higher-cost ones, as they offer more favorable economic returns. Companies must carefully evaluate the financial feasibility of potential projects, balancing expected production against the investment required. This cost-driven approach influences decision-making and often determines whether a field is developed or remains untapped.

[0006] Another critical factor to consider is the fluctuation of oil prices, driven largely by the laws of supply and demand. Market dynamics, geopolitical events, and seasonal variations all contribute to price volatility. Over time, the cost of hydrocarbons has been trending upward, reflecting the growing challenges associated with their extraction and the finite nature of these resources. As prices rise, there is a greater emphasis on developing technically challenging and economically marginal fields, which would have been overlooked in more favorable market conditions.

[0007] The field of downhole tool intervention activities plays a pivotal role in supporting the development of hydrocarbon fields. These activities provide specialized methods and technologies to address challenges encountered during drilling, production, and maintenance operations. While they offer significant benefits in optimizing the development of hydrocarbon resources, they are not without drawbacks. One major issue arises from errors related to dropped tools, equipment and components during field operations. These incidents can be exceptionally costly to remediate, as they often lead to delays in field activities and expensive cost overruns. Conventional methods for addressing dropped components frequently necessitate the use of costly specialty equipment, adding another layer of financial burden to operations. Specifically, many types of downhole activities require retrieving downhole components and removal from the wellbore. Plugs, valves, and other components are placed within a wellbore for a variety of reasons. As the plugs, valves, and components are quite distant from the wellbore surface, removal of these from the wellbore can be tricky. The distances involved with removing these components can be thousands of feet, thus even the best removal techniques are prone to error, resulting in a dropped component. [0008] Usually, conveyance of downhole tools is operated by gravity using various conveyance systems that may use wheels, tractors or other methods. The tools that facilitate these methods are called downhole tractors, and they are usually used by grabbing the inner diameter of downhole tools and push or pull the downhole tractor through a well. The conveyance of downhole tools is typically done as part of well intervention operations.

[0009] Currently, operations to replace downhole tools such as gas lift valves (GLV) or plugs require multiple intervention runs. In a typical operation, a first intervention run is required to set a temporary plug and/or tool catcher below an area of service. Then, a second intervention run is performed for the actual tool removal. In some embodiments, an additional run is performed to remove the tool catcher. In this way, any dropped tool or component is ready to be intercepted by the tool catcher that was previously installed within the wellbore. There is also a chance that the valve or plug may be dropped during these operations, which require additional intervention runs for tool recovery. Multiple intervention runs contribute to cost-ineffectiveness for these operations. There is thus a need to prevent such multiple intervention runs and the resulting economic losses from such multiple activities.

[0010] There is a need to provide an improved intervention tool that at least alleviates the above issues and minimizes the number of runs and the associated costs of dropped equipment/tools in wellbore activities.

[0011] In addition to the above, worker safety represents an additional drawback associated with conventional downhole tool intervention activities. In certain circumstances, safety may be compromised due to hazardous field activities and operational mishaps. Hazardous conditions, such as high pressures and elevated temperatures, further exacerbate risks, underscoring the need for improved strategies to protect personnel in these environments. There is a need to provide for increased worker safety by minimizing seldom performed operations or operating highly specialized tools used in wellbore intervention activities.

[0012] There is a need to provide a more economical way to develop hydrocarbon fields compared to conventional technologies. By addressing inefficiencies and leveraging innovative approaches, it is possible to reduce the financial burden associated with field development while maintaining operational effectiveness and safety.

[0013] There is a need to provide solutions to the drawbacks of the downhole tool intervention activities. By mitigating errors, enhancing worker safety, and reducing costs through advanced technologies and refined methodologies, the industry can overcome these challenges and ensure the sustainable development of hydrocarbon resources.

[0014] There is a need to provide an apparatus and methods that are easier to operate than conventional apparatus and methods that utilize multiple intervention runs required during conventional activities.

[0015] There is a further need to provide apparatus and methods that do not have the drawbacks discussed above.

[0016] There is a still further need to reduce economic costs associated with operations and apparatus described above with conventional tools.

SUMMARY

[0017] So that the manner in which the above recited features of the present disclosure can be understood in detail, a more particular description of the disclosure, briefly summarized below, may be had by reference to embodiments, some of which are illustrated in the drawings. It is to be noted that the drawings illustrate only typical embodiments of this disclosure and are therefore not to be considered limiting of its scope, for the disclosure may admit to other equally effective embodiments without specific recitation. Accordingly, the following summary provides just a few aspects of the description and should not be used to limit the described embodiments to a single concept.

[0018] In one example embodiment, an arrangement is disclosed. The arrangement may comprise a downhole tool configured to interface with a downhole component. The arrangement may further comprise an extension body connected to the downhole tool, the extension body configured to extend below the downhole tool. The arrangement may also comprise a set of retraction arms, each individual retraction arm extending from a central point at a first end of the arm to a second end of the arm and wherein each retraction arm is configured to be positioned in a closed position to an open position and wherein in the open position, the downhole component will not fit between gaps of adjacent retraction arms.

[0019] In another example embodiment, a method for preventing a component in a wellbore from falling to a bottom of the wellbore is disclosed. The method may comprise lowering a tool into the wellbore to an approximate height of the component, wherein the tool has an attached extension body with a set of retractable arms connected to the tool. The method may also comprise engaging the set of retractable arms so that the set of retractable arms extends from a closed position to an open position. The method may also comprise interfacing the tool with the component such that the tool supports the component. The method may also comprise retracting the set of retractable arms from the open position to the closed position. The method may also comprise raising the tool, the extension body, the set of retractable arms, and component to an up-hole location.

[0020] In another example, an article of manufacture containing a list of instructions that are executable on a computer arrangement is disclosed. In this embodiment the computer arrangement is configured to interface and operate the at least one mechanical device, the list of instructions configured on a non-volatile memory, the list of instructions comprising, at least in part, a method for lowering a tool into a wellbore to an approximate height of a component, wherein the tool has an attached extension body with a set of retractable arms connected to the tool. The method may further comprise engaging the set of retractable arms so that the set of retractable arms extends from a closed position to an open position. The method may further comprise interfacing the tool with the component such that the tool supports the component. The method may further comprise retracting the set of retractable arms from the open position to the closed position. The method may further comprise raising the tool, the extension body, the set of retractable arms, and component to an up-hole location.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0021] So that the manner in which the above recited features of the present disclosure can be understood in detail, a more particular description of the disclosure, briefly summarized above, may be had by reference to embodiments, some of which are illustrated in the drawings. It is to be noted; however, that the appended drawings illustrate only typical embodiments of this disclosure and are; therefore, not be considered limiting of its scope, for the disclosure may admit to other equally effective embodiments.

[0022] To facilitate understanding, identical reference numerals have been used, where possible, to designate identical elements that are common to the figures (“FIGS”). It is contemplated that elements disclosed in one embodiment may be beneficially utilized on other embodiments without specific recitation.

[0023] FIG. 1 is a first embodiment of a well intervention system in operation as one example embodiment of the disclosure.

[0024] FIG. 2 is a second embodiment of a well intervention system in operation in another example embodiment of the disclosure.

[0025] FIG. 3 is a method of protecting a wellbore based on one example embodiment of the disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0026] In the following, reference is made to embodiments of the disclosure. It should be understood; however, that the disclosure is not limited to specific described embodiments. Instead, any combination of the following features and elements, whether related to different embodiments or not, is contemplated to implement and practice the disclosure. Furthermore, although embodiments of the disclosure may achieve advantages over other possible solutions and/or over the prior art, whether or not a particular advantage is achieved by a given embodiment is not limiting of the disclosure. Thus, the following aspects, features, embodiments, and advantages are merely illustrative and are not considered elements or limitations of the claims except where explicitly recited in a claim. Likewise, reference to “the disclosure” shall not be construed as a generalization of inventive subject matter disclosed herein and should not be considered to be an element or limitation of the claims except where explicitly recited in a claim.

[0027] Although the terms first, second, third, etc., may be used herein to describe various elements, components, regions, layers and/or sections, these elements, components, regions, layers and/or sections should not be limited by these terms. These terms may be only used to distinguish one element, components, region, layer or section from another region, layer, or section. Terms such as “first”, “second”, and other numerical terms, when used herein, do not imply a sequence or order unless clearly indicated by the context. Thus, a first element, component, region, layer, or section discussed herein could be termed a second element, component, region, layer, or section without departing from the teachings of the example embodiments.

[0028] When an element or layer is referred to as being “on”, “engaged to”, “connected to”, or “coupled to” another element or layer, it may be directly on, engaged, connected, coupled to the other element or layer, or interleaving elements or layers may be present. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being “directly on”, “directly engaged to”, “directly connected to”, or “directly coupled to” another element or layer, there may be no interleaving elements or layers present. Other words used to describe the relationship between elements should be interpreted in a like fashion. As used herein, the term “and/or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed terms.

[0029] Some embodiments will now be described with reference to the figures. Like elements in the various figures will be referenced with like numbers for consistency. In the following description, numerous details are set forth to provide an understanding of various embodiments and/or features. It will be understood; however, by those skilled in the art, that some embodiments may be practiced without many of these details, and that numerous variations or modifications from the described embodiments are possible. As used herein, the terms “above” and “below”, “up” and “down”, “upper” and “lower”, “upwardly” and “downwardly”, and other like terms indicating relative positions above or below a given point are used in this description to more clearly describe certain embodiments.

[0030] In one or more embodiments, a well intervention tool, identified as an apparatus 100, performs actions as a tool/component catcher. In some aspects, downhole components may be installed or used within a wellbore. These downhole components may include side mounted/supported plugs and/or valving. These downhole components may become dropped during wellbore activities. Aspects of the disclosure provide a tool catching device that may be installed or placed downhole of these components such that in the event of an inadvertent drop, the component is captured, and a full downhole fall is prevented. In some embodiments, the apparatus which functions as a downhole safety net may be deployed at the same time as an interaction activity is planned for the downhole component. The ability to use a single downhole intervention run that allows for tool/component catching capability, simultaneously with component intervention, provides a significant advantage over conventional activities commonly performed.

[0031] Referring to FIG. 1 , an example embodiment of an apparatus 100 is illustrated. The apparatus 100 is configured to both remove a component 102, through a mechanical grappling arm 104. The apparatus 100 is lowered within a wellbore 106, to an elevation where the component 102 resides. In this embodiment, the component 102 is a valve placed within the wellbore.

[0032] In embodiments, it may be desired to remove the component 102 from its location within the wellbore 106. During removal with conventional apparatus, the component 102, once dislodged, may be dropped down into the wellbore 106. Aspects of the disclosure; however, prevent such occurrences. The apparatus 100 has a capture device 108, with an extension body 109, that extends from a downhole wellbore tool 111. Portions of the apparatus 100, described below, may extend from a closed position to an open position. In the closed position, the overall width of the capture device 108 is minimized such that retraction arms 110 are folded in towards a longitudinal axis. In the open position, the retraction arms 110 are extended from a central fixation point 112. The number of arms may be varied in different embodiments. In some embodiments, 10 retraction arms 110 are used and placed in a respective 36 degree spread. In other embodiments, different numbers of retraction arms may be used. Spaces between consecutive retraction arms 110 may be maintained such that the spaces are less in distance than the minimum dimension of the component 102. In the inadvertent drop of the component 102, the spacing of the arms 110 prevents further fall of the component 102 into the wellbore 106.

[0033] The retraction arms 110 may be spring controlled, hydraulically controlled, or screw engagement controlled. In embodiments, a position controller may be attached to each or any of the arms 110 to indicate the amount of retraction or extension of the arms 110. Indication of the extension of retraction arms 110 may be provided to operators at the surface. In some embodiments, the retraction arms 110 may include rubbing tips 112 that bear upon the inside diameter wall of the wellbore. The tips 112 may be constructed of a material so that wearing between the contact point of the tip 112 and the inside diameter of the wellbore is minimized. In embodiments, the apparatus 100 may be connected to a body of a well intervention tool. Such connection may be through use of a cable. [0034] In operation, the apparatus 100 is enclosed in the well intervention tool. The inclusion of the apparatus 100 within the tool allows both the apparatus 100 and the well intervention tool to be placed in a wellbore together. Once the well intervention tool is lowered sufficiently into the well and secures the desired component 102, the apparatus 100 is deployed downhole of the device with the retraction arms 110 extended.

[0035] Referring to the example shown in FIG. 1 , an embodiment of the well intervention apparatus 100 is used in an operation to recover a gas lift valve (GLV) from a well. In this example, the apparatus 100 creates a temporary plug which is extended from a closed position to an open position by a roller screw. Different types of actuation are possible including mechanical or hydraulic activation. In some embodiments, actuation is performed through spring action. The open position is established below the gas lift valve to prevent losing the GLV. Once the GLV is collected by the well intervention tool 111 , the apparatus 100 is retracted to secure itself to the bottom of the collected GLV.

[0036] FIG. 2 shows an example of another embodiment of a well intervention tool 200 in operation. In this example, the apparatus 202 has an extension body 204, as well as an inflatable bladder 206. Prior to the well intervention tool 200 engaging a downhole component 208, the extension body 204 extends beyond the component 208. The inflatable bladder 206 is inflated through a hose connection 210. An internal winch 212 may be used to place the bladder 206 in place. In alternative embodiments, shown at the inset of FIG. 2, similar to FIG. 1 , a set of retractable arms 214 may be used to cover the wellbore preventing loss of the component 208. In other embodiments, a charging apparatus may be used to send pre-charged gas to activate different downhole systems. In some embodiments, a piston or electric motor may be actuated and used in different configurations.

[0037] In one or more embodiments, the apparatus 202 may be a mechanical device powered by electricity. In other embodiments, the apparatus 202 may be operated by hydraulics. In some embodiments, a contact sensor may be located near the inflatable bladder 206 to identify if the downhole component 208 is captured by the apparatus 202. As will be understood, embodiments may be used for both setting and retrieving downhole components in a single intervention process, minimizing work for field personnel.

[0038] Referring to FIG. 3, a method 300 for preventing a component in a wellbore from falling to a bottom of the wellbore is disclosed. The method may comprise, at 302, lowering a tool into the wellbore to an approximate height of the component, wherein the tool has an attached extension body with a set of retractable arms connected to the tool. The method may further comprise, at 304, engaging the set of retractable arms so that the set of retractable arms extends from a closed position to an open position. The method may further comprise, at 306, interfacing the tool with the component such that the tool supports the component. The method may further comprise, at 308, retracting the set of retractable arms from the open position to the closed position. The method may further comprise, at 310, raising the tool, the extension body, the set of retractable arms, and component to an up-hole location.

[0039] As will be understood, the component that is engaged may be several types of components, such as plugs and/or valves. In embodiments, the plugs or valves may be installed in a section of the wellbore where the set of retractable arms may be actuated at an elevation lower than the plug/valve. In embodiments, a sensor may be placed such that when a component is captured by the set of retractable arms, a signal is provided to an up-hole location. Similar notifications can be provided for, to allow operators to identify open and/or closed configurations.

[0040] In example embodiments, the method 300 may be performed wherein the engaging the set of retractable arms so that the set of retractable arms extends from a closed position to an open position is performed through a screw engagement system. Other types of engagement systems may be used, such as hydraulic or spring systems.

[0041] In some embodiments, methods described may be stored in a non-volatile memory. In some embodiments, the non-volatile memory may be defined as an article of manufacture. In embodiments, the non-volatile memory is configured such that the methods may contain a list of instructions that may be read by a computing device and the list of instructions performed. The list of instructions may perform calculations, illustrate graphic results on a visual device, such as a monitor, print results or store data for further use, as non-limiting embodiments. The list of instructions may be executable in their own programming or may be executed using other programming. The list of instructions may be stored in various configurations, such as a compact disk, a floppy disk, a solid-state drive, a computer hard drive, a server, a web-oriented storage device, and a cloud-computing device or system. Embodiments of methods described may control other systems, such as machines, to perform specified functions. Operational control may be performed through additional programming and/or operation of other computing or control devices. Embodiments described may be implemented using wireless technologies to allow for computing and execution of the list of instructions from various locations. Computing may occur, for example, in various platforms, including a personal computer, a laptop computer, a computer server, a cloud-based computer, a mainframe computer, a cellular telephone, and a cellular connected device.

[0042] Embodiments of the methods described may use other programming technologies to help implement the methods described. In some embodiments, machine learning programming may be used to evaluate data and provide results. In some embodiments, training datasets may be used to allow for convergence of needed results and thus using pretrained machine learning programming is considered within the scope of the disclosure. In other instances, artificial intelligence programming systems may be implemented as part of the disclosure or may be incorporated within the methods described. Such artificial intelligence systems may be used in various capacities, including results generation, error detection, problem definition, and problem convergence methods. Graphical representation of results obtained by artificial intelligence systems is also considered within the scope of the disclosure.

[0043] In embodiments using machine learning and/or artificial intelligence, programming may be altered by the instructions provided. As such, in one non-limiting embodiment, different nodal layers of evaluation may be provided for analysis. The different nodal layers provided may incorporate modification techniques to allow for accurate reading and evaluation of large datasets. The large datasets may be designated training datasets or may be actual data that is desired to be evaluated. Coefficients used for corresponding different nodal layers may be developed within the methods described or may be pre-set according to training. Such coefficients may be altered by the computer programming itself or may be designated by a computer user. As a non-limiting embodiment, if possible results from analysis disclose too many potential outcomes or results, a computer operator may be asked or may alter the analysis protocol to achieve more focused results.

[0044] In embodiments, computer code may be any programming code that lists instructions to be followed. Programming codes may include instructions provided by a computer programmer with or without assistance by computers. Programming may occur through use of a library of programs or subroutines to section programming tasks. Programming may be accomplished to run on different operating systems or may be included with internal executable files for stand-alone computer instructions.

[0045] Aspects of the disclosure herein significantly reduce the number of errors in conventional analysis related to downhole tool intervention activities. By addressing the limitations of conventional methods, the disclosure ensures more accurate and reliable outcomes, which are critical in the complex and demanding field of downhole operations.

[0046] Worker safety is greatly enhanced by the reduction in errors and the minimization of mistakes in the field arising from inaccurate engineering analysis. Conventional systems often present challenges that increase risk factors, but with the disclosed advancements, these risks are mitigated, directly contributing to a safer working environment.

[0047] Aspects of the disclosure are superior to existing conventional technologies in that less time is required to perform analysis of complex field configurations and situations. The innovative methods streamline processes, enabling faster decisionmaking and operational execution while preserving accuracy and detail.

[0048] The disclosure solves the drawbacks of conventional analysis by providing efficient and economical ways to develop results that are not achievable through existing technologies. These advancements contribute to cost-effective solutions that maintain high standards of precision and reliability, marking a significant improvement over traditional approaches.

[0049] Example embodiments of the claims are recited next. The embodiments disclosed should not be considered limiting of the disclosure. In one example embodiment, an arrangement is disclosed. The arrangement may comprise a downhole tool configured to interface with a downhole component. The arrangement may further comprise an extension body connected to the downhole tool, the extension body configured to extend below the downhole tool. The arrangement may also comprise a set of retraction arms, each individual retraction arm extending from a central point at a first end of the arm to a second end of the arm and wherein each retraction arm is configured to be positioned in a closed position to an open position and wherein in the open position, the downhole component will not fit between a gap between adjacent retraction arms.

[0050] In another example embodiment, the arrangement may further comprise a position indicator attached to the set of retraction arms, the position indicator configured to identify a closed or open position of the retraction arms.

[0051] In another example embodiment, the arrangement may further comprise an actuator connected to the set of retraction arms, the actuator configured to manipulate the set of retraction arms between the closed and open position.

[0052] In another example embodiment, the arrangement may be configured wherein the actuator is a hydraulic actuator. [0053] In another example embodiment, the arrangement may be configured wherein the actuator is a screw actuator.

[0054] In another example embodiment, the arrangement may be configured wherein the actuator is a spring mechanism.

[0055] In another example embodiment, the arrangement may further comprise a set of removable tips attached to the second end of each member of the set of retraction arms.

[0056] In another example embodiment, the arrangement may be configured wherein the extension body is connected to the downhole tool through a cable.

[0057] In another example embodiment, a method for preventing a component in a wellbore from falling to a bottom of the wellbore is disclosed. The method may comprise lowering a tool into the wellbore to an approximate height of the component, wherein the tool has an attached extension body with a set of retractable arms connected to the tool. The method may also comprise engaging the set of retractable arms so that the set of retractable arms extends from a closed position to an open position. The method may also comprise interfacing the tool with the component such that the tool supports the component. The method may also comprise retracting the set of retractable arms from the open position to the closed position. The method may also comprise raising the tool, the extension body, the set of retractable arms, and component to an up-hole location.

[0058] The method may further comprise determining if the component has fallen from the tool to the open position set of retractable arms prior to the raising the tool, the extension body, the set of retractable arms and the component to the up-hole location. [0059] In another example embodiment, the method may be performed wherein the determining if the component has fallen to the open position of the set of retractable arms is through a sensor.

[0060] In another example embodiment, the method may be performed wherein the engaging the set of retractable arms so that the set of retractable arms extends from a closed position to an open position is performed through a screw engagement system.

[0061] In another example embodiment, the method may be performed wherein the engaging the set of retractable arms so that the set of retractable arms extends from a closed position to an open position is performed through a hydraulic actuation system.

[0062] In another example embodiment, the method may be performed wherein the engaging the set of retractable arms so that the set of retractable arms extends from a closed position to an open position is performed through a spring actuation system.

[0063] In another example embodiment, the method may be performed wherein the lowering the tool into the wellbore to the approximate height of the component, wherein the tool has the attached extension body with the set of retractable arms connected to the tool is through a wireline connection.

[0064] In another example embodiment, the method may further comprise sending a notification to an operator when the set of retractable arms is in the open position.

[0065] In another example embodiment, the method may further comprise sending a notification to an operator when the set of retractable arms is in the open position.

[0066] In another example embodiment, the method may further comprise identifying if the component has fallen and contacted the set of retractable arms. [0067] In another example, an article of manufacture containing a list of instructions that are executable on a computer arrangement is disclosed. In this embodiment the computer arrangement is configured to interface and operate the at least one mechanical device, the list of instructions configured on a non-volatile memory, the list of instructions comprising, at least in part, a method for lowering a tool into a wellbore to an approximate height of a component, wherein the tool has an attached extension body with a set of retractable arms connected to the tool. The method may further comprise engaging the set of retractable arms so that the set of retractable arms extends from a closed position to an open position. The method may further comprise interfacing the tool with the component such that the tool supports the component. The method may further comprise retracting the set of retractable arms from the open position to the closed position. The method may further comprise raising the tool, the extension body, the set of retractable arms, and component to an up-hole location.

[0068] In another example embodiment, the article of manufacture may be configured such that a form of the article of manufacture is one of a compact disk, a solid-state memory arrangement, a universal serial bus device, and a computer hard disk.

[0069] The foregoing description of the embodiments has been provided for purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the disclosure. Individual elements or features of a particular embodiment are generally not limited to that particular embodiment, but, where applicable, are interchangeable and can be used in a selected embodiment, even if not specifically shown or described. The same may be varied in many ways. Such variations are not to be regarded as a departure from the disclosure, and all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the disclosure.

[0070] While embodiments have been described herein, those skilled in the art, having benefit of this disclosure, will appreciate that other embodiments are envisioned that do not depart from the inventive scope. Accordingly, the scope of the present claims or any subsequent claims shall not be unduly limited by the description of the embodiments described herein.

Claims

CLAIMS What is claimed is:

1 . An arrangement, comprising: a downhole tool configured to interface with a downhole component; an extension body connected to the downhole tool, the extension body configured to extend below the downhole tool; and a set of retraction arms, each individual retraction arm extending from a central point at a first end of the arm to a second end of the arm and wherein each retraction arm is configured to be positioned in a closed position to an open position and wherein in the open position, the downhole component will not fit between gaps in adjacent retraction arms.

2. The arrangement according to claim 1 , further comprising: a position indicator attached to the set of retraction arms, the position indicator configured to identify a closed or open position of the retraction arms.

3. The arrangement according to claim 1 , further comprising an actuator connected to the set of retraction arms, the actuator configured to manipulate the set of retraction arms between the closed and open position.

4. The arrangement according to claim 3, wherein the actuator is a hydraulic actuator.

5. The arrangement according to claim 3, wherein the actuator is a screw actuator.

6. The arrangement according to claim 3, wherein the actuator is a spring mechanism.

7. The arrangement according to claim 1 , further comprising a set of removable tips attached to the second end of each member of the set of retraction arms.

8. The arrangement according to claim 1 , wherein the extension body is connected to the downhole tool through a cable.

9. A method for preventing a component in a wellbore from falling to a bottom of the wellbore, comprising: lowering a tool into the wellbore to an approximate height of the component, wherein the tool has an attached extension body with a set of retractable arms connected to the tool; engaging the set of retractable arms so that the set of retractable arms extends from a closed position to an open position; interfacing the tool with the component such that the tool supports the component; retracting the set of retractable arms from the open position to the closed position; and raising the tool, the extension body, the set of retractable arms and component to an up-hole location.

10. The method according to claim 9, further comprising: determining if the component has fallen from the tool to the open position set of retractable arms prior to the raising the tool, the extension body, the set of retractable arms and the component to the up-hole location.

11 . The method according to claim 10, wherein the determining if the component has fallen to the open position of the set of retractable arms is through a sensor.

12. The method according to claim 9, wherein the engaging the set of retractable arms so that the set of retractable arms extends from a closed position to an open position is performed through a screw engagement system.

13. The method according to claim 9, wherein the engaging the set of retractable arms so that the set of retractable arms extends from a closed position to an open position is performed through a hydraulic actuation system.

14. The method according to claim 9, wherein the engaging the set of retractable arms so that the set of retractable arms extends from a closed position to an open position is performed through a spring actuation system.

15. The method according to claim 9, wherein the lowering the tool into the wellbore to the approximate height of the component, wherein the tool has the attached extension body with the set of retractable arms connected to the tool is through a wireline connection.

16. The method according to claim 9, further comprising: sending a notification to an operator when the set of retractable arms is in the open position.

17. The method according to claim 9, further comprising: sending a notification to an operator when the set of retractable arms is in the closed position.

18. The method according to claim 9, further comprising: identifying if the component has fallen and contacted the set of retractable arms.

19. An article of manufacture containing a list of instructions that are executable on a computer arrangement, the computer arrangement configured to interface and operate the at least one mechanical device, the list of instructions configured on a non-volatile memory, the list of instructions comprising, at least in part, a method for: lowering a tool into a wellbore to an approximate height of a component, wherein the tool has an attached extension body with a set of retractable arms connected to the tool; engaging the set of retractable arms so that the set of retractable arms extends from a closed position to an open position; interfacing the tool with the component such that the tool supports the component; retracting the set of retractable arms from the open position to the closed position; and raising the tool, the extension body, the set of retractable arms, and component to an up-hole location.

20. The article of manufacture according to claim 19, wherein a form of the article of manufacture is one of a compact disk, a solid-state memory arrangement, a universal serial bus device, and a computer hard disk.