Device and apparatus

Abstract

The invention relates to a device and equipment. The present disclosure provides a bore selector device (10) comprising a housing (11) defining a bore (20) extending therethrough, the bore having a main longitudinal axis. The drill selector arrangement further comprises at least a first and a second actuator (13) opposite each other. Each of the first actuator and the second actuator is movable in a direction perpendicular to the main longitudinal axis between a respective retracted position and an extended position. Each actuator is connected to a respective shutter (12) such that each of the shutters is movable in a direction perpendicular to the main longitudinal axis between a respective retracted position and an extended position. Each actuator and the attached shutter can move in the same linear direction.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of the application with the application date of January 21, 2021, application number 202180012580.4, and invention name "Device and Equipment". Technical Field

[0002] The present invention particularly relates to a borehole selector device and equipment for guiding a tool into different boreholes in a well. Background Art

[0003] Entering a multi-borehole subsea well typically requires the use of a multi-borehole riser extending from the well to surface facilities. The multi-borehole riser increases the installation cost of such a well.

[0004] Therefore, an alternative is to use a monobore subsea riser. To guide a deployed tool into different boreholes in the well, the device typically has to be brought back to the surface, reconfigured, and reinserted (round-tripped), which is a time-consuming task.

[0005] One improved option to avoid system round-tripping is to provide a borehole selector to directly access different boreholes in a multi-borehole subsea well. For example, the borehole selector can allow access to production boreholes or annulus boreholes. The borehole selector can access multiple boreholes while the equipment remains underwater.

[0006] However, the inventors of the present invention have noted that a limitation of existing borehole selector technologies is the need for a specially designed borehole selector to match the specific borehole sizes and configurations of global subsea production systems. Due to the diversity of borehole sizes and configurations, the borehole selector becomes system-specific, thus limiting the number of opportunities to use the same borehole selector.

[0007] US2015176353A discloses a ram type bore selector arrangement that uses a linkage mechanism to convert vertical piston movement into horizontal ram movement to select a selected borehole, and while generally satisfactory to the inventors of the present invention, the inventors of the present invention have made improvements to mitigate some of the limitations of the prior art. For example, in the closed position, the inventors have noted that the linkage mechanism may be vulnerable to impact on the ram from a tool string / dropped object, which may affect functionality. Summary of the Invention

[0008] According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a borehole selector device, comprising:

[0009] a housing that defines a borehole extending therethrough, the borehole having a main longitudinal axis;

[0010] At least a first actuator and a second actuator, each actuator being movable between a respective retracted position and an extended position in a direction perpendicular to the main longitudinal axis;

[0011] Each actuator is connected to a respective gate such that the gate is movable between a retracted position and an extended position in a direction perpendicular to the main longitudinal axis;

[0012] wherein each actuator and the attached gate are movable in the same linear direction.

[0013] Each gate may include a main gate portion and a secondary gate portion normally connected to the main gate portion, the secondary portion extending generally from the respective main portion towards the opposite actuator. At least one secondary portion may be a tongue. A recess may be provided in at least one of the main portions such that, when in the extended position, the tongue of the opposite gate engages in the recess.

[0014] The gates are generally shaped to direct items entering the well into one of two or more different directions.

[0015] In some embodiments, the main gate portion and the secondary gate portion may be formed as separate components normally joined together. In other embodiments, the main gate portion and the secondary gate portion may be formed as a single piece.

[0016] At least one main gate portion may include a portion inclined in a first downward direction. In the extended position, the main gate portions may be adjacent to each other. The main gate portions may together form a larger portion inclined in the first downward direction, such as a funnel.

[0017] In use, the first downward direction is generally towards the annular borehole of the well.

[0018] At least one secondary gate portion may include a portion inclined in a second different downward direction. In the retracted position, at least one secondary portion may be positioned in the borehole.

[0019] In use, the second downward direction may be towards the production borehole of the well.

[0020] At least one main portion may define a through-passage in the first downward direction. At least one secondary portion may define a through-passage towards the first downward direction. In the case where only one main portion and one secondary portion define the through-passage, the defined passage is generally provided on the opposite gate.

[0021] In the extended position, the through-passageways of the main and secondary portions are generally aligned, thus maintaining the through-passageway.

[0022] For some wells, there may be multiple production boreholes, such as two or three or more production boreholes.

[0023] There may be more than two actuators and respective gate valves.

[0024] Embodiments of the present invention can be used to direct a tool to any one of multiple boreholes. Embodiments that are particularly useful for such applications include independently movable actuators. Thus, one gate valve can be moved to the extended position while the other gate valve is in the retracted position. This position allows the secondary portion of the retracted gate valve to block the first downward direction (usually towards the annular borehole), and allows the main portion of the extended gate valve to block the other direction leading to one of the production boreholes, thereby making the other production borehole accessible. In an embodiment including a first production borehole and a second production borehole, swapping the positions of the two gate valves will generally result in the first production borehole being accessible while the second production borehole is blocked.

[0025] "Downward" is with respect to the normal use orientation of the borehole selector device. When in the use orientation, the main longitudinal axis of the borehole is typically the vertical axis.

[0026] The gate valve can be operated hydraulically, electrically, or manually, for example, by an external ROV.

[0027] The actuating mechanism can be pressure-balanced, which means that if control of the device is lost, the device will fail in the position at the time of failure. In an alternative embodiment, the actuating mechanism is configured with a spring-type device to fail-safe to a predetermined actuator position.

[0028] The borehole selector device can be less than 2 m in height, or less than 1.5 m in height, or less than 1 m in height.

[0029] The outer diameter of the borehole selector is preferably less than 2 m, or less than 1.5 m, or less than 1.3 m, and preferably less than the diameter of the rotary table in use. This can maximize the operable running-in and recovery options.

[0030] The borehole selector device can be used as part of a well intervention or plug and abandon (P&A) system to enable access to a multi-borehole well from a single-borehole riser. Thus, the borehole selector device can be used to connect a single-borehole riser to multi-borehole subsea equipment.

[0031] At least one downwardly inclined passage can be provided in the housing, below the ram in the retracted position, and leading to a borehole below. This can allow debris to be discharged when the ram is retracted and can alleviate problems of debris accumulation or otherwise impeding the movement of the ram and / or actuator.

[0032] The ram can also include shear blades or be shaped to have an integral shear edge. Such embodiments can be used for both borehole selection and shear functions.

[0033] Preferably, the borehole selector device does not include a tool string crossover. Instead, the borehole selector device can include a connector for connecting the borehole selector device to a tool string crossover. Depending on the system configuration and the tool string to be run in, a tool string crossover may not be necessary. For example, a riser borehole of sufficient diameter can extend in a generally vertical direction from above the borehole selector to allow deployed tools to be manipulated into place by the borehole selector device without the need for an additional crossover.

[0034] Similarly, the borehole selector device can not include a borehole spacer joint or a multi-borehole crossover integral with the housing. Accordingly, a connector is typically provided to connect the borehole selector device to a borehole spacer joint in use. Thus, preferably, the housing of the borehole selector device defines a single borehole, preferably the largest single borehole, below the ram between the ram and the connector. The single borehole can be at least 7 inches (17.8 cm in diameter) and optionally at least 9 inches (22.9 cm).

[0035] The connector can be a flange connector.

[0036] According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a borehole selector device including a borehole selector device as described herein connected to at least one of an attachment and a borehole spacer joint.

[0037] Optional features of the first aspect are independently optional features of the second aspect and, for the sake of brevity, are not repeated here.

[0038] The borehole spacer joint typically has discrete boreholes, such as two, three or more boreholes. The discrete boreholes in use are aligned with different boreholes in the well, such as production boreholes and annulus boreholes, and with the direction of the ram guide tool.

[0039] The borehole spacer joint can include a protrusion that extends into the borehole of the borehole selector device when connected to the borehole selector device, and the borehole spacer joint typically has discrete boreholes. An insert can also be provided between the protrusion and the ram. The insert can also include discrete boreholes.

[0040] The diameter of one of the discrete boreholes can be, for example, 1" - 3"; the diameter of one borehole can be 4" - 6".

[0041] The borehole spacer joint can include a circulation loop.

[0042] The accessory is typically a tool joint crossover, or can be, for example, a riser. Both the accessory and the borehole spacer joint can be connected respectively to the "above" and "below" of the borehole selector device.

[0043] The single borehole below the ram of the borehole selector device is typically the same diameter or larger than the borehole above the borehole selector ram, and the upper connector typically connects the crossover tool to the borehole selector ram in use.

[0044] The boreholes in the housing are typically aligned with the corresponding boreholes in the connecting equipment.

[0045] In a preferred embodiment, the customized spacing and dimensions of a particular subsea infrastructure are provided by attached tools / joints (e.g., crossover or borehole selector joint), rather than by the borehole selector device of the present invention. For the preferred embodiment, the borehole selector device of the present invention can be used for many different types of well infrastructure and is desirably universal for these well infrastructures.

[0046] Although typically used as a borehole selector device, in an alternative embodiment, the present invention can be used as a shearing device for other applications.

[0047] Thus, in another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a shearing device comprising:

[0048] A housing that defines a borehole extending therethrough, the borehole having a main longitudinal axis;

[0049] A first actuator and a second actuator, each actuator being movable between a respective retracted position and an extended position in a direction perpendicular to the main longitudinal axis;

[0050] Each actuator is connected to a respective ram such that the ram is movable between a retracted position and an extended position in a direction perpendicular to the main longitudinal axis;

[0051] The rams are shear rams;

[0052] Wherein each actuator and the attached ram can move in the same linear direction.

[0053] Such an embodiment can be used for shearing applications.

[0054] The shear blades can be configured to shear within a production borehole and / or an annulus borehole, and / or other boreholes.

[0055] Other preferred or optional features described in relation to the first aspect of the present invention are preferred and optional features of other aspects of the present invention and, for the sake of brevity, are not repeated here.

[0056] This application provides the following:

[0057] 1). A drilling selector device, comprising:

[0058] A housing defining a bore extending through the housing, the bore having a main longitudinal axis;

[0059] At least a first actuator and a second actuator opposite to each other, each actuator being movable between a respective retracted position and an extended position in a direction perpendicular to the main longitudinal axis;

[0060] Each actuator is connected to a respective gate such that each of the gates is movable between a respective retracted position and an extended position in a direction perpendicular to the main longitudinal axis;

[0061] Wherein each actuator and the attached gate are movable in the same linear direction.

[0062] 2). The drilling selector device according to 1), wherein each gate includes a main gate portion and a secondary gate portion connected to the main gate portion, the secondary portion extending from the respective main portion towards the opposite actuator.

[0063] 3). The drilling selector device according to 2), wherein at least one of the secondary portions is a tongue.

[0064] 4). The drilling selector device according to 3), wherein a groove is provided in at least one of the main portions, and when in the extended position, the tongue of the opposite gate engages in the groove.

[0065] 5). The drilling selector device according to any one of 2) to 4), wherein at least one of the main gate portions includes a portion inclined in a first downward direction.

[0066] 6). The drilling selector device according to any one of 2) to 5), wherein in the extended position, the main gate portions are adjacent to each other.

[0067] 7). The drilling selector device according to any one of 2) to 6), wherein in the extended position, the main gate portions together form a funnel.

[0068] 8). The borehole selector device according to any one of 2) to 7), wherein at least one secondary gate portion can include a portion inclined in a second downward direction.

[0069] 9). The borehole selector device according to any one of 2) to 8), wherein in the retracted position, at least one secondary portion is located in the borehole.

[0070] 10). The borehole selector device according to any one of 2) to 9), wherein at least one primary portion defines a through-passageway towards the first downward direction.

[0071] 11). The borehole selector device according to any one of 2) to 10), wherein at least one secondary portion defines a through-passageway towards the first downward direction.

[0072] 12). The borehole selector device according to 11) when dependent on 10), wherein in the extended position, the through-passageways of the primary portion and the secondary portion are aligned.

[0073] 13). The borehole selector device according to any one of 1) to 12), wherein the actuator and the associated gate can move independently such that one actuator and the associated gate can move to the extended position while the other actuator and gate are in the retracted position.

[0074] 14). The borehole selector device according to any one of 1) to 13), wherein opposite ends of each actuator are exposed to borehole pressure, thus equalizing the actuator pressure.

[0075] 15). The borehole selector device according to any one of 1) to 14), wherein the borehole selector device is less than 2 m in height, or less than 1.5 m or less than 1 m in height.

[0076] 16). The borehole selector device according to any one of 1) to 15), wherein the outer diameter of the borehole selector is less than 2 m, preferably less than 1.3 m.

[0077] 17). The borehole selector device according to any one of 1) to 16), wherein at least one downwardly inclined passage is provided in the housing, below the gate in the retracted position and leading to the borehole below.

[0078] 18). The borehole selector device according to any one of 1) to 17), wherein the borehole selector device includes connectors, such as flange connectors, at each end.

[0079] 19). The drill selector device according to any one of 1) to 18), wherein the ram includes a shear blade or is formed with an integral shear edge.

[0080] 20). The drill selector device according to any one of 1) to 19), the drill selector device defining a largest single drill hole between the ram and a lower flange connector, the diameter of the single drill hole being generally at least 7 inches (17.8 cm), optionally at least 9 inches (22.9 cm).

[0081] 21). A drill selector device including the drill selector device according to any one of 1) to 20), the drill selector device being connected to at least one of an accessory and a drill spacer joint.

[0082] 22). The drill selector device according to 21) when dependent on 20), wherein the diameter of the single drill hole of the drill selector device is equal to or greater than the diameter of the accessory.

[0083] 23). The drill selector device according to 21) or 22), wherein the drill spacer joint has at least two discrete drill holes.

[0084] 24). The drill selector device according to any one of 21) to 23), the drill spacer joint including a protrusion that extends into the drill hole of the drill selector device when connected to the drill selector device.

[0085] 25). The drill selector device according to 24) when dependent on 23), wherein the protrusion defines the at least two discrete drill holes.

[0086] 26). The drill selector device according to any one of 21) to 25), wherein the accessory is a tool string crossover.

[0087] 27). The drill selector device according to any one of 21) to 26), wherein the device includes a circulation accessory connected to the drill spacer joint.

[0088] 28). A shearing device, comprising:

[0089] A housing that defines a drill hole extending through the housing, the drill hole having a main longitudinal axis;

[0090] A first actuator and a second actuator, each actuator being movable between a respective retracted position and an extended position in a direction perpendicular to the main longitudinal axis;

[0091] Each actuator is connected to a respective gate such that the gate is movable between a retracted position and an extended position in a direction perpendicular to the main longitudinal axis;

[0092] The gate is a shear gate;

[0093] wherein each actuator and the attached gate are movable in the same linear direction.

[0094] 29). Use of a borehole selector device according to any one of 21) to 27) or a shear device according to 28) for connecting a single borehole riser to a multi-borehole subsea installation. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0095] Embodiments of the present invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0096] Figure 1 is a schematic view showing a borehole selector device including a borehole selector means, a jumper tool and two interchangeable circulation joints;

[0097] Figure 2a is Figure 1 a perspective view of the borehole selector means of;

[0098] Figure 2b is Figure 1 a front sectional view of the borehole selector means of;

[0099] Figure 3a is a perspective view of the gate of the borehole selector means of in the extended position of Figure 2a / Figure 2b ;

[0100] Figure 3b is a perspective view of the gate of the borehole selector means of in the retracted position of Figure 2a / Figure 2b ;

[0101] Figures 4a - 4d is Figure 2a / Figure 2b a plan sectional view of the borehole selector means of, showing the gate in various positions for selecting different boreholes;

[0102] Figure 5a is Figure 1 a front sectional view of the borehole selector means of, wherein the gate is in the Figure 4b extended position of;

[0103] Figure 5b is Figure 4c a front sectional view of the borehole selector means of having a gate configured with Figure 1 ;

[0104] Figure 5c is of the ram having Figure 4d the configuration of Figure 1 the forward cross-sectional view of the drill selector device;

[0105] Figure 6 is Figure 1 the near-forward cross-sectional view of the piston of the drill selector device;

[0106] Figure 7 is the forward cross-sectional view of the drill selector device showing the debris flow path Figure 2a / Figure 2b ;

[0107] Figures 8a - 8c is Figure 2a / Figure 2b a series of sequential cross-sectional views of the assembled drill selector device showing the tool being lowered and manipulated into the annulus borehole;

[0108] Figures 9a - 9c is Figure 2a / Figure 2b a series of sequential cross-sectional views of the assembled drill selector device showing the tool being lowered and manipulated into the production borehole;

[0109] Figure 10a is the forward perspective view of the drill selector attached to the dual-bore circulation sub Figure 2a / Figure 2b ;

[0110] Figure 10b is the forward cross-sectional view of the drill selector attached to the dual-bore circulation sub Figure 2a / Figure 2b ;

[0111] Figure 11a is the forward cross-sectional view of the drill selector attached to the triple-bore circulation sub Figure 2a / Figure 2b ;

[0112] Figure 11b is the forward perspective view of the drill selector attached to the triple-bore circulation sub Figure 2a / Figure 2b ;

[0113] Figure 12a is the forward cross-sectional view of the ram of the drill selector device in the retracted position according to another embodiment Figure 1 ;

[0114] Figure 12b is the rear cross-sectional view of the ram in the extended position Figure 12a ;

[0115] Figure 13a is a front perspective view of a ram of a drilling selector in a retracted position according to another embodiment; and Figure 1 of the drilling selector; and

[0116] Figure 13b is a front perspective view of a ram in an extended position Figure 13a of the ram. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0117] Figure 1 illustrates a drilling selector device 100 that includes a general purpose drilling selector 10, a tool string crossover 70, and a selection between a triple drilling spacer joint 80 and a double drilling joint 90.

[0118] The drilling selector device 100 is disposed at the top of a well and connects an upper single drilling riser system (not shown) to a lower multi - drilling well (not shown). As described in more detail below, the drilling selector device 10 can direct rams perpendicular to the main bore arrangement of the device 100 to direct a tool string lowered through the riser into a selected bore of the well.

[0119] Advantages of certain embodiments are that these embodiments have a ram valve configuration in which the ram blocks are displaced by a set of linear pistons, coaxially aligned, and mounted relative to each other to operate in a direction perpendicular to and towards the wellbore. Due to the nature of simplifying and reducing the component loading path, this form of mechanism reduces dynamic components and improves robustness relative to alternative mechanisms. The linear pistons perpendicular to the wellbore provide the operator with the ability to control the ram positions either front - to - back or independently, providing multiple configurations for positioning the rams for tool feeding. This provides operational versatility to support the selection of multiple drilling sizes and spacings for subsea systems.

[0120] Another advantage of certain embodiments is that the drilling selector device 10 is more suitable for different wells and, in fact, the drilling selector device 10 can be general purpose. Project - specific adapters can be attached, such as a custom crossover 70 and Figure 1 one of the drilling spacer joints 80, 90 shown (optionally including circulation attachments 81, 91). This can provide significant cost and inventory reduction.

[0121] The drilling selector device 10 is shown in more detail in Figure 2a and Figure 2b and includes a housing 11 having a bore 20 extending therethrough. Piston actuators 13 are mounted relative to each other and linearly drive respective rams 12 in a direction perpendicular to the bore 20. The bore 20 under the rams is simply a single bore.

[0122] Thus, in use, the movement of the pistons 13 actuates the gate plates 12 to move between a retracted position and an extended position in the same direction, the details of which will be described later. The pistons 13 can move independently of each other, and thus, each of the gate plates 12 can be actuated to move independently of the other gate plate.

[0123] Each of the gate plates 12 includes a downwardly tapering portion 14, for example, when both gate plates are in the extended position, the guiding portion is formed in a shape having a funnel, as Figure 2b shown. In use, when the tool travels through the borehole selector device 10, the tool is guided downward along the funnel towards the desired borehole of the well.

[0124] The end sections of the borehole selector device 10 each have universal flange connectors 18, 19 for engaging with a plurality of system jumpers, which are then joined to a system specific tree running tool or an emergency disconnect package (EDP).

[0125] In this example, the height H of the borehole selector is 37.5 inches (95.3 cm).

[0126] Figure 3a and Figure 3b More particularly, the gate plates 12 in the extended position and the retracted position are shown respectively. Each of the gate plates 12 of the borehole selector device 10 includes a main gate element 12a and a secondary gate element 12b.

[0127] As Figure 3a shown, each of the main gate elements 12a includes a tapering portion 14 which forms a funnel-like shape when in the extended position. The secondary gate 12b in the form of a tongue projects from the main gate 12a towards the bottom of the tapering portion 14. One of the gate plates 12 defines a groove 15 therein which is shaped to receive the secondary gate element 12b of the other gate plate 12 when in the extended position. One of the secondary gate plates 12b defines an opening therein which is aligned with an opening in one of the main gate plates 12a, thereby forming a passage 16 through the gate plates 12 when in the extended position. Thus, when in the extended position, the borehole 20 of the borehole selector 10 is not completely blocked. In use, when in the extended position, entry into the production borehole of the well is blocked by the barrier formed by the main gate element 12a, while entry into the annular borehole of the well is permitted through the passage 16.

[0128] As Figure 3bAs shown, when the gate 12 is in the retracted position, the main gate element 12a retracts, thereby forming a passage 17 through the bore selector 10. The secondary gate element 12b partially overlaps, thereby blocking a portion of the bore 20 of the bore selector 10 and closing the passage 16 (formed in the extended position).

[0129] Accordingly, when in the retracted position, the bore 20 of the bore selector 10 remains partially blocked. In use, when in the retracted position, entry into the production bore is permitted through passage 17, while entry into the annulus bore is blocked by the barrier formed by the secondary gate element 12b.

[0130] An advantage of some embodiments is that the independent movement of the gate 12 allows for multiple gate configurations. This allows for multiple paths for tool feeding through the bore selector device 10.

[0131] Figures 4a - 4d The gate positions for each configuration are shown, showing how different modes of entry are obtained in a dual-bore system and a triple-bore system. The drawings show a cross-sectional view of the bore 20 through the bore selector device 10, which is in turn connected to a dual-bore system or a triple-bore system, such as Figure 1 the bore spacing joints 80, 90 shown. The same bore selector device can be used to access either the dual-bore system or the triple-bore system.

[0132] Figure 4a and Figure 4b The gate positions suitable for obtaining entry into a dual-bore system are shown. The well includes a production bore 31 and an annulus bore 34. In Figure 4a both gates 12 are in the retracted position, where the production bore 31 is open and the annulus bore 34 is blocked by the secondary gate element 12b. Figure 4b The extended position of the gate 12 is shown, where the main gate element 12a blocks the production bore 31 and where the annulus bore 34 is open.

[0133] Figure 4b and Figure 4d The gate positions suitable for obtaining entry into a triple-bore system are shown, where the well includes a main production bore 32, a secondary production bore 33, and an annulus bore 34. Figure 4b The configuration in

[0134] is common to both the dual-bore system and the triple-bore system, with both gates 12 in the extended position, thereby allowing entry only into the annulus bore 34. However, in the dual-bore system, the gates in the extended configuration block the sole production bore 31, and in the triple-bore system, both production bores 32 and 33 are blocked. Figure 4cIn [the situation], only one ram 12 is in the extended position, thereby only blocking the first production borehole 32, while the secondary ram element 12b of the ram 12 in the retracted position blocks the annular borehole 34. Figure 4d shows a configuration opposite to that of Figure 4c , where the second production borehole 33 is open and the first production borehole 31 and the annular borehole 34 are blocked.

[0135] Figures 5a - 5c shows a borehole selector device 10 having rams 12 in different configurations. In Figure 5a , both rams 12 are in the Figure 4b extended position. Figure 5b and Figure 5c respectively show borehole selectors 10 having rams 12 in the Figure 4c and Figure 4d configurations.

[0136] Figure 6 shows the piston 13 of the borehole selector device 10. The pressure of the piston is balanced by allowing the borehole pressure to also enter the chamber 52 behind the piston through the port 54. The seals 56, 58 on both sides of the piston 13 have equal sealing diameters, thus balancing the piston 13 pressure and ensuring that the actuator is not affected by the applied borehole pressure.

[0137] Figure 7 shows the borehole selector 10 in the retracted position, where the channel 21 under the ram 12 leads to the borehole. Another advantage of some embodiments is that the debris flow path 50 ensures that when the ram 12 retracts, debris cannot accumulate behind the ram 12 because they drag the debris into the channel 21.

[0138] Figures 8a - 8c and Figures 9a - 9c show a tool 60 passing through the borehole selector device 10. In Figures 8a - 8c , an open spang jar is manipulated into the annular borehole through the borehole selector 10. In Figures 9a - 9c , a nested tool is manipulated into the production borehole through the same borehole selector device 10.

[0139] Figures 10a - 10b and Figures 11a - 11bThe borehole selector device 10 is shown installed on the borehole spacing joints 80, 90 (tree run tool adapters) in triple configuration and double configuration, respectively. The borehole spacing joints 80, 90 each define discrete boreholes to align with different boreholes of the well below and help maintain alignment of the tool with the targeted borehole below the ram 12. Each of the borehole spacing joints 80, 90 includes a protrend 93 extending into the borehole 20 of the borehole selector device 10. An insert 92 is fitted on top of the protrend 93 of the borehole spacing joints 80, 90. The insert 92 allows for a smoother transition between the borehole selector device 10 and the borehole spacing joints 80, 90.

[0140] Thus, as Figure 10b shown, the dual borehole spacing joint 90 provides two discrete boreholes toward the production borehole 931 and the annulus borehole 934 of the well. Other configurations with three or more multiple boreholes are possible. For example, the triple borehole spacing joint 80 provides discrete boreholes for two production boreholes (not shown in the Figure 11a cross-section) and the annulus borehole 834.

[0141] Optional circulation attachments 91, 81 provide a circulation return line back to the surface. The joints 80, 90 and the circulation attachments 81, 91 can be configured with a plug profile or valve to isolate either borehole to accommodate operating requirements (such as well circulation, cementing, etc.).

[0142] Another embodiment of the present invention will be reconfigured for shearing. This can be achieved by replacing the borehole selector ram body 12 with a shear ram while retaining the common housing block and piston 13.

[0143] The borehole selection and shearing functions can be combined.

[0144] Figures 12a - 12b and Figures 13a - 13b shows a ram 112 of an embodiment of the borehole selector device 10 having similar features to the above-described embodiment and further includes blades for shearing cables, etc.

[0145] The main ram element 112a of the borehole selector device 110 includes a shear blade 140 having a cutting edge 141. The shear blades 140 are positioned relative to each other in an offset position, defining an upper blade 140a and a lower blade 140b, and corresponding upper blade cutting edges 141a and lower blade cutting edges 141b. As Figure 12b shown, when the ram 112 is in the extended position, the upper blade cutting edge 141a overlaps the lower blade cutting edge 141b, thus ensuring that the ram 112 is fully aligned. Thus, with both rams 112 in the extended position, the cable is sheared by the action of the cutting edges 141 of the shear blades 140.

[0146] The cutting blade 140 can be formed as part of the gate 112 or as a separate component that is attached to the gate 112 and fastened in place, for example, by screws. Independently, the upper blade 140a and the lower blade 140b are designed to be identical parts. When attached to / formed as part of the gate 112, the upper blade 140a and the lower blade 140b are oriented in reverse with respect to each other such that when the gate 112 is in the extended position, the cutting edges 141a, 141b are aligned.

[0147] As Figures 12a - 12b shown in the embodiment of, the cutting blade 140 is centered around the production borehole. Some embodiments of the borehole selector device 110 may include a cutting insert centered within an annular borehole in place of the cutting blade centered around the production borehole, or may also include a cutting blade centered around the production borehole.

[0148] Figures 13a - 13b The gate 112 showing an embodiment of the borehole selector device 110 includes a cutting blade 140 as part of the main gate element 112a (which is thus centered around the production borehole), and a cutting insert with a cutting edge 142 that is fitted to the secondary gate element 112b (which is thus centered around the annular borehole). In Figures 13a - 13b the embodiment of, the cutting edge 142 is located between the guide seat and the secondary gate element 112b.

[0149] Thus, some embodiments of the present invention may have the advantage of allowing the cutting, for example, of a cable extending therethrough.

[0150] The borehole selector 10 can be positioned above a dual borehole EDP or placed directly on a dual (or triple) borehole tree with the necessary well barrier above. In the latter application, by using a circulation loop below the borehole selector 10 and by adding the required well barrier above and coupling it with a system disconnect mechanism (e.g., a latch or a separable joint type device), a lighter-weight system can be configured for, for example, P&A work.

[0151] Thus, another advantage of certain embodiments is that the height and weight of the borehole selector 10 can be kept to a minimum, for example, by integrating the circulation system below the borehole selector 10 and designing the adapter to fit the required borehole spacing. This is particularly advantageous for applications where the system needs to be placed on an older, potentially fatigued wellhead; in such cases, using traditional EDP / LRP devices may be problematic.

[0152] Modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the present invention. For example, the specific wellbores selected in the extended and retracted positions, respectively, can be interchanged compared to the shown embodiments.

Claims

1. A drilling selector device, comprising: A housing that defines a borehole extending through the housing, the borehole having a main longitudinal axis, wherein the borehole selector device includes only a single borehole between a ram and a lower flange connector, the lower flange connector being adapted to connect to a borehole spacer joint having two discrete boreholes; At least a first actuator and a second actuator that are opposite each other, each actuator being movable between a respective retracted position and an extended position in a direction perpendicular to the main longitudinal axis, Each actuator is connected to a respective ram such that each of the rams is movable between a respective retracted position and an extended position in a direction perpendicular to the main longitudinal axis, wherein each actuator and the attached ram are movable in the same linear direction, and wherein the actuator and the associated ram are movable independently such that one actuator and the associated ram can be moved to the extended position while the other actuator and ram are in the retracted position.

2. The drilling selector device according to claim 1, wherein, Each ram includes a main ram portion and a secondary ram portion connected to the main ram portion, the secondary ram portion extending from the respective main ram portion towards the opposite actuator.

3. The drilling selector device according to claim 2, wherein, The rams are configured such that when the two rams are in the extended position, the openings of the main ram portions and the openings of the secondary ram portions are aligned to form a passage to the annular borehole of the well, and a barrier is formed by the main ram portions to prevent entry into the production borehole of the well, and wherein when the rams are both in the retracted position, the main ram portions are retracted to form a passage through the borehole selector device to the production borehole of the well, and the secondary ram portions partially overlap to block a portion of the borehole of the borehole selector device and close the passage to the annular borehole of the well.

4. The drilling selector device according to claim 2, wherein, At least one secondary ram portion is a tongue, and wherein a groove is provided in at least one of the main ram portions, and when in the extended position, the tongue of the opposite ram engages in the groove.

5. The drilling selector device according to any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein, At least one main ram portion includes a portion that slopes in a first downward direction, and wherein at least one secondary ram portion includes a portion that slopes in a second downward direction.

6. The drilling selector device according to any one of claims 2 to 5, wherein, In the extended position, the main ram portions are adjacent to each other.

7. The drilling selector device according to any one of claims 2 to 6, wherein, In the retracted position, at least one secondary ram portion is located in the borehole.

8. The drilling selector device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, Opposite ends of each actuator are exposed to borehole pressure, thereby equalizing the actuator pressure.

9. The drilling selector device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The rams include shear blades or are shaped to have an integral shear edge.

10. A drilling selector apparatus comprising the drilling selector device according to any one of the preceding claims, the drilling selector apparatus being connected to at least one of an attachment and a drilling spacer joint, wherein, The borehole spacer joint includes a protrusion that extends into the borehole of the borehole selector device when connected to the borehole selector device.

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