Deformable release device for use with downhole tools

Abstract

A deformable release device is disclosed to be used with downhole setting tools. The deformable release device may provide a releasable detachment to any customary setting tool, such as electric line, hydraulic, hydrostatic, and mechanical setting tools, used to set a downhole packer-type device. The deformable release device allows for the automatic release of downhole setting tools at the application a predetermined force, similar to a shear pin or shear stud. However, since the deformable release device deforms rather than shears or breaks, the releasing device minimizes the debris or remnants of the device left in the wellbore.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION [0001] This application is a Non-provisional application claiming benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 60 / 755,358, entitled, “Deformable Release Device for Use with Downhole Tools,” by Douglas J. Lehr, Gabriel A. Slup, and James Van Lue, filed Dec. 30, 2005, hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety herein.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0002] 1. Field of the Invention [0003] The present invention relates generally to a release device that may be used with downhole setting tools. Specifically, the release device of the present disclosure deforms to provide a releasable detachment mechanism for a setting tool used to set a downhole tool, such as a Python Frac Plug from BJ Services Company of Houston, Tex. A deformable release device may provide a releasable detachment to any customary setting tool used to set a downhole packer-type device, for example. As would be appreciated by one of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0024] In one embodiment, an apparatus is disclosed for selectively releasing a setting tool from a downhole assembly. The apparatus may include means, such as an adapter kit, to connect a stinger to the setting tool. The lower end of the stinger may be connected to a plunger. The apparatus may include means for preventing upwards movement of the plunger with respect to the downhole assembly, such as a deformable device connected to the downhole assembly. The deformable device may be located between the stinger and the plunger preventing the movement of the stinger and the plunger. Alternatively, a portion of the plunger may be sized to prevent the passage of the plunger through a central opening in the deformable device. The stinger and the plunger may be integral or the stinger may include a portion larger than the central opening of the deformable device as would be appre

Problems solved by technology

However, in some situations, such as in horizontal wells, it can be relatively difficult to rotate the setting tool and adapter kit.

Such components fail with the application of a predetermined amount of a tensile or axial force.

One potential problem with using release devices that fail under a designated mechanical force, such as a release stud or shear pin, is that debris from the release device remains in the well bore after the device has released.

Additionally, the debris may accumulate on or in a moving part of a downhole tool possibly causing the downhole tool to malfunction.

A malfunction of the downhole tool increases the normal operating costs of the well.

Another disadvantage of using shear pins, or other m

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