Setting tool

Abstract

A setting tool (1) for setting a well tool (100) in a well comprising an outer housing (10) and an actuator (20) located at least partially within the outer housing (10). The actuator (20) comprises an actuation rod (21), a main sleeve (25) and a force transferring element (28). The lower end (12b) of the housing is connectable to an outer housing (110) of the well tool (100). The actuator (20) comprises a lower connector (21b) connectable to an inner mandrel (120) of the well tool (100). The force transferring element (28) is connected between the main sleeve (25) and the lower connector (21b). the setting tool (1) has a link system (30) connected between the lower end (25b) of the main sleeve (25) and an upper end (12a) of a lower housing (12) configured to be in a longitudinally retracted state and longitudinally extended state.

Description

[0001] Setting tool

[0002] FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0003] The present invention relates to a setting tool for setting a well tool in a well. The present invention also relates to an assembly comprising the setting tool and the well tool.

[0004] BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0005] A setting tool is used for setting a well tool in a well. Typically, the well is an oil / gas producing well, a geothermal well etc. The well tool may be a permanent plug, a retrievable plug, a straddle, a gauge hanger etc. The setting tool and the well tool are typically connected to each other topside and are run into the well in a radially retracted state. At the desired location, the setting tool is actuated to set the well tool, i.e. to radially expand the well tool into contact with the inner surface of the well. The setting tool is then disconnected from the well tool and retrieved to surface.

[0006] One type of setting tool is using relative linear motion for setting the well tool. Here, the setting tool comprises an outer housing and an inner rod, where relative movement of the outer housing and the inner rod is used to bring the well tool from the radially retracted state to the radially expanded state.

[0007] During the setting operation, shear pins are typically sheared off to ensure that a sufficient setting force has been used to set the well tool. To achieve this sufficient setting force, electric and / or hydraulic and / or chemical (explosives) power is often used.

[0008] One example of a prior art setting tool is the Electronic Setting Tool (EST) from Interwell. Here, a pump is pumping hydraulic fluid into a cylinder with a piston, causing the piston to move linearly with respect to the outer housing. The pump may be powered by means of batteries integrated in the tool or may be powered from topside via an e-line.

[0009] Some electric / hydraulic setting tools have limitations with respect to how high temperatures they can operate in. One object of the present invention is to provide a setting tool which can operate in wells with higher temperatures.

[0010] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0011] The present invention relates to a setting tool for setting a well tool in a well, wherein the setting tool comprises:

[0012] - an outer housing comprising an upper housing section and a lower housing section; wherein the lower housing section comprises an upper end and a lower end, wherein the lower end is connectable to an outer housing of the well tool;

[0013] - an actuator located at least partially within the outer housing; wherein the actuator comprises an actuation rod protruding upwardly from the upper housing section and a lower connector connectable to an inner mandrel of the well tool; wherein the actuator further comprises:

[0014] - a main sleeve having an upper end and a lower end; wherein the main sleeve is axially displaceable within a compartment within the upper housing section;

[0015] - a force transferring element connected between the main sleeve and the lower connector;

[0016] - a link system connected between the lower end of the main sleeve and the upper end of the lower housing section; wherein the link system is configured to be in a longitudinally retracted state and in a longitudinally extended state, wherein a distance between the lower end of the main sleeve and the upper end of the lower housing section is larger in the longitudinally extended state than in the longitudinally retracted state; wherein the actuation rod is located radially inside of the main sleeve and the link system; wherein longitudinal movement of the actuation rod relative to the link system is configured to bring the link system from the longitudinally retracted state to the longitudinally extended state, thereby causing the lower connector to move upwardly relative to the outer housing.

[0017] As the main sleeve is moved upwardly relative to the outer housing due to the larger distance in the longitudinally extended state, also the force transferring element and the lower connector will be moved upwardly relative to the outer housing. Hence, a relative longitudinal movement between the lower end of the lower housing section and the lower connector is achieved. This relative longitudinal movement between the lower end of the lower housing section and the lower connector will be used to bring the well tool from its run state to its set state.

[0018] A wireline may be connected to the upper end of the actuation rod. The wireline may be used to lower the setting tool and the well tool into the well.

[0019] Typically, unintentional setting is avoided by means of a shear pin which must be sheared off by a force exceeding a predetermined threshold value. The shear pin may be located within the setting tool, for example for connecting the actuation rod to the upper housing section. However, the shear pin is typically located in the well tool where it is connecting the outer housing of the well tool to the inner mandrel of the well tool.

[0020] The link system may be located radially inside the upper housing section. The force transferring element may be connected between an upper area of the main sleeve and the lower connector.

[0021] The force transferring element may be connected between an upper end of the main sleeve and the lower connector.

[0022] The link system may comprise:

[0023] - an intermediate sleeve provided longitudinally between the lower end of the main sleeve and an upper end of the lower housing section;

[0024] - a first set of arms pivotably connected to each other and pivotably connected to the lower end of the main sleeve and an upper end of the intermediate sleeve;

[0025] - a second set of arms pivotably connected to each other and pivotably connected to a lower end of the intermediate sleeve and the upper end of the lower housing section; wherein the first and second set of arms may be folded in the longitudinally retracted state; and wherein the first and second set of arms may be unfolded in the longitudinally extended state.

[0026] As used herein, the terms “folded” and “unfolded” are referring to the relative orientation of the arm. When folded, i.e. in the longitudinally retracted state, an angle a between the arms of each set of arms is less than 180°. When unfolded, i.e. in the longitudinally extended state, the angle a between the arms of each set of arms is larger than when folded. The angle a may here be approximately equal to 180° or even slightly above 180°.

[0027] The link system may comprise further intermediate sleeves and further sets of arms. Hence, there may be n sets of arms, where n is an integer above 1, and n-1 intermediate sleeves.

[0028] Each set of arms may comprise a first / upper arm and a second / lower arm.

[0029] The first arm may comprise an upper end and a lower end. The second arm may comprise an upper end and a lower end. The lower end of the first arm may be pivotably connected to the upper end of the second arm. The upper end of the first arm may be pivotably connected to either the lower end of the main sleeve or to the lower end of the intermediate sleeve. The lower end of the second arm may either be pivotably connected to the upper end of the intermediate sleeve or to the upper end of the lower housing section.

[0030] The upper end of the first arm and the lower end of the second arm may be provided at a first radial distance from the longitudinal center axis of the setting tool and the lower end of the first arm and the upper end of the second arm may be provided at a second radial distance from the longitudinal center axis of the setting tool. The difference between the first radial distance and the second radial distance may be referred to as a difference distance. In the longitudinally retracted state, the difference distance may be larger than in the longitudinally extended state. Hence, in the longitudinally retracted state, the arms are folded, while in the longitudinally extended state, the arms are unfolded. The distances may be measured between the longitudinal center axis and the respective pivoting axis of the arms.

[0031] The actuation rod may comprise a lower section having a first cross section and an upper section having a second cross section, wherein the first cross section may be larger than the second cross section; wherein the lower section may comprise a first longitudinal recess may extend downwardly from the upper end of the lower section and an inclining surface provided between the first longitudinal recess and an outer surface of the lower section.

[0032] The first cross section may be a cross sectional area or an outer diameter. The second cross section may be a cross sectional area or an outer diameter.

[0033] The lower end of the first arms and the upper end of the second arms may be located within the first longitudinal recess in the longitudinally retracted state.

[0034] The lower end of the first arms and the upper end of the second arms may be provided radially outside of the outer surface in the longitudinally extended state.

[0035] The lower end of the first arms and the upper end of the second arms may be forced radially outwardly by the inclining surface during movement of the actuation rod relative to the link system.

[0036] The lower section may comprise a second longitudinal recess, wherein the force transferring element may be provided in the second longitudinal recess.

[0037] The longitudinal recess may be a U-shaped recess provided in the longitudinal direction of the actuation rod. The longitudinal recess may be a through bore provided in the longitudinal direction of the actuation rod. The longitudinal recess may be extending in the entire length of the lower section.

[0038] The force transferring element may be axially displaceable within the through bore. The force transferring element may be a rigid element. The force transferring element may be a metal rod. The actuator may comprise two or more than two force transferring elements connected between the main sleeve and the lower connector.

[0039] The actuation rod may be axially displaceable relative to the housing. The actuation rod may be axially displaceable relative to the main sleeve.

[0040] The intermediate sleeve may be provided radially outside of the lower section of the actuation rod. The intermediate sleeve may be axially displaceable relative to the upper housing section. The intermediate sleeve may be axially displaceable relative to the actuation rod.

[0041] The setting tool may comprise an anchoring device for anchoring of the outer housing to an inner surface of the well, wherein the anchoring device may comprise a first slips support, a second slips support and a slips element provided between the first slips support and the second slips support, wherein relative longitudinal movement between the first slips support and the second slips support may be moving the slips element between a radially retracted state and a radially expanded state, and wherein the anchoring device may comprise an first actuator for moving the second slips support relative to the first slips support.

[0042] The anchoring device may be provided in the upper part of the setting tool. The anchoring device may comprise a heat insulated electronics compartment.

[0043] The first actuator may be configured to move the second slips support towards the first slips support. The first actuator may be configured to move the second slips support away from the first slips support.

[0044] The slips element may comprise a serrated surface for engaging the inner surface of the well in the radially expanded state.

[0045] The first actuator may be an electric actuator. Alternatively, the first actuator may be a hydraulic actuator or other type of actuator.

[0046] The anchoring device may comprise a control circuit configured to send a signal to the first actuator when a predetermined condition has been met. The predetermined condition may be a pressure, a temperature, a time, etc.

[0047] The anchoring device may comprise a battery for supplying power to the control circuit and the first actuator. The battery and the control circuit may be located within the heat insulated electronics compartment.

[0048] The anchoring device is not considered an essential feature. It may be possible to bring the setting tool from the longitudinally retracted state to the longitudinally extended state by the steps of

[0049] - letting the setting tool move into the well due to gravity;

[0050] - pulling the wireline upwardly, causing the actuation rod to move upwardly relative to the link system.

[0051] The anchoring device may comprise a locking system for locking the actuation rod to the first slips support in the run state. The first slips support may be a part of the upper housing section. Hence, the locking system may prevent relative movement between the actuation rod and the upper housing section.

[0052] The locking system may comprise:

[0053] - a first recess provided in the outer surface of the actuation rod;

[0054] - a second recess provided in the inner surface of the first slips support;

[0055] - a third recess provided in the inner surface of the second slips support;

[0056] - a locking element; wherein the locking element is engaged in the first recess and in the second recess when the anchoring device is in the run state; wherein the locking element is moved out of engagement with the first recess when the third recess is brought into axial alignment with the second recess when the anchoring device is in the set state.

[0057] The locking element prevents relative movement between the actuation rod and the first slips support when the anchoring device is in the run state.

[0058] The locking element allows relative movement between the actuation rod and the first slips support when the anchoring device is in the set state.

[0059] The first recess may be provided in the outer surface of the upper section of the actuation rod.

[0060] The first actuator may comprise a first rod having a first end secured to the second slips support. The first end may be secured to the upper end of the second slips support. The first rod may have a second end secured to an electric motor.

[0061] The locking system may comprise:

[0062] - a fourth recess provided in the outer surface of the actuation rod below the first recess; wherein the locking element is moved radially inwards from the third recess and into engagement with the fourth recess when the fourth recess is axially aligned with the second recess and when the third recess has moved out of axial alignment with the second recess.

[0063] The setting tool may comprise a second actuator for moving the second slips support away from the first slips support.

[0064] As the second slips support is pushed away from the first slips support, the slips element becomes radially retracted, thereby releasing the setting tool from the inner surface of the well. In addition, the third recess is moved out of axial alignment with the second recess. The third recess may comprise an inclining surface for pushing the locking element radially inwards into engagement with the fourth recess.

[0065] The second actuator may comprise a rod guided through the first slips support, wherein the rod has a first end secured to the second slips support and a second end protruding into the compartment within the upper housing section, wherein the second rod wherein the rod is configured to be pushed upwardly by the main sleeve moving upwardly within the compartment.

[0066] The lower housing section may comprise a spring module configured to bias the lower end of the lower housing section downwardly relative to the lower connector.

[0067] The lower housing section may comprise a first lower housing section comprising the upper end of the lower housing section and a second lower housing section comprising the lower end of the lower housing section; wherein the first lower housing section and the second lower housing section is longitudinally displaceable relative to each other; wherein the spring module may comprise a spring for biasing the second lower housing section downwardly relative to the first lower housing section.

[0068] The spring module may comprise a shear device for preventing relative longitudinal displacement between the first lower housing section and the second lower housing section, wherein longitudinal movement of the actuation rod relative to the link system may be configured to shear off the shear device.

[0069] The shear device may be configured to be sheared off when a shear device of the well tool is sheared off.

[0070] The spring module provides a relative long movement between the lower end of the lower housing section and the lower connector. However, the spring module provides a relatively low force when compared with the force provided by the engagement between the link system and the actuation rod. The spring module may therefore be used to move the anchoring device and / or the sealing device of the well tool from the radially retracted state and into contact with the inner surface of the well, while the link system and the actuation rod may be used to force the anchoring device and / or the sealing device into contact with the inner surface of the well.

[0071] The spring module may comprise a ratchet device configured to allow movement of the lower housing section downwardly relative to the first lower housing section and to prevent movement of the lower housing section upwardly relative to the first lower housing section. The terms “upper”, “above”, “below” and “lower” are used herein to define parts of the well tool device, when the well tool device is used in a well. “Upper” and “above” refer to a position relatively closer to the well opening and “below” and “lower” refer to a position relatively further away from the well opening. These terms apply both when the well has a vertical and horizontal orientation.

[0072] As used herein, the terms “radially retracted state” and “run state” are used interchangeably for the state in which the well tool is lowered to a desired location in the well. The terms “radially expanded state” and “set state” are used interchangeably for the state in which the well tool is engaged with the inner surface of the well at the desired location in the well.

[0073] As used herein, the term “anchoring device” is referring to a part of the well tool which is radially expanded to be engaged with the inner surface of the well at the desired location in the well. The anchoring device may comprise a serrated surface which prevents the well tool from moving longitudinally within the well when engaged with the inner surface of the well.

[0074] As used herein, the term “sealing device” is referring to a part of the well tool which is radially expanded into contact with the inner surface of the well at the desired location of the well. The function of the sealing device is to prevent or reduce longitudinal fluid flow at the desired location in the well, i.e. to prevent or reduce fluid from flowing between a location above the well tool device and a location below the well tool device.

[0075] It is commonly known that the anchoring device and / or sealing device are only capable of performing their function in their radially expanded state in the well. Moreover, it should be noted that a well tool is rated to a pressure level or pressure interval and / or a temperature level or temperature interval.

[0076] The invention may be used in a well such as an oil / gas producing well, a geothermal well etc. The well tool may be a permanent plug, a retrievable plug, a straddle, a gauge hanger etc.

[0077] The present invention also relates to an assembly comprising the above setting tool and a well tool, wherein the well tool comprises:

[0078] - an outer housing with an upper end;

[0079] - an inner mandrel with an upper end;

[0080] - an anchoring device;

[0081] - a sealing device; wherein the lower end of the setting tool may be connected to the upper end of the outer housing in a run state; wherein a lower connector of the setting tool may be connected to the upper end of the inner mandrel in the run state; wherein longitudinal movement of the actuation rod relative to the link system may be configured to bring the well tool from its run state to its set state.

[0082] LIST OF DRAWINGS

[0083] Fig. 1 is a side view of the setting tool in the run state;

[0084] Fig. 2 is a cross sectional side view of the setting tool in the run state;

[0085] Fig. 3 is a side view of the setting tool when the setting tool has brought a well tool to its set state;

[0086] Fig. 4 is a cross sectional side view of the setting tool when the setting tool has brought a well tool to its set state;

[0087] Fig. 5 is a perspective cross sectional view of the link system in the run state;

[0088] Fig. 6 is a perspective cross sectional view of the link system when the setting tool has brought a well tool to its set state;

[0089] Fig. 7 is a perspective view of the actuation rod;

[0090] Fig. 8 is an enlarged view of the dashed box A of fig. 7;

[0091] Fig. 9 is a perspective view of the actuation rod together, where the arms of the link system are located within the first longitudinal recess of the actuation rod and where the force transferring rods are located within the second longitudinal recess of the actuation rod;

[0092] Fig. 10 is a perspective view of the link system and the actuation rod in the run state, where the outer housing has been removed;

[0093] Fig. 11 is a perspective view of the link system and the actuation rod when the setting tool has brought a well tool to its set state, where the outer housing has been removed;

[0094] Fig. 12a is a cross sectional side view of a section of the tool at the location of the link system in the run state;

[0095] Fig. 12b illustrates a set of arms of fig. 12a in the state where the well tool has been set;

[0096] Fig. 13 illustrates an alternative embodiment of a set of arms;

[0097] Fig. 14 is a side view of a well tool in its run state;

[0098] Fig. 15 is a side view of the well tool in its set state;

[0099] Fig. 16 is a perspective cross sectional view of the anchoring device of the setting tool in a set state;

[0100] Fig. 17 is an enlarged view of the anchoring device in the run state;

[0101] Fig. 18 is an enlarged view of the anchoring device in the set state;

[0102] Fig. 19 is an enlarged view of the anchoring device in the Pull Out Of Hole state;

[0103] Fig. 20 is a perspective view of parts of the anchoring device;

[0104] Fig. 21 is a cross sectional view of a further embodiment in the run state;

[0105] Fig. 22 is a cross sectional view of the further embodiment in the set state. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0106] Embodiments of the present invention will now be described in detail.

[0107] Initially, it is referred to fig. 14 and 15, where a well tool 100 of a generic type is shown. The well tool 100 is here a bridge plug.

[0108] The well tool 100 comprises an outer housing 110 with an upper end 111 and an inner mandrel 120 with an upper end 121. The well tool 100 further comprises an anchoring device 130 and a sealing device 140.

[0109] The upper end 111 of the outer housing 110 and the upper end 121 of the inner mandrel 120 comprises a connection interface for connection to a setting tool. By pulling the inner mandrel 120 upwardly relative to the outer housing 110, the anchoring device 130 and the sealing device 140 are brought from their run state shown in fig. 14 to their set state shown in fig. 15.

[0110] It should be noted that the interior of the well tool 100 is not shown in detail in fig. 14and fig. 15, as the well tool 100 is considered known. Well tools of this type are commercially available. As an example, the Interwell HEX plug, the Interwell ME plug and the Interwell Matrix plug are all plugs of a similar type as the one shown in fig. 14 and 15.

[0111] An embodiment of a setting tool 1 will now be described in detail. Initially, it is referred to figs. 1 - 4. The setting tool 1 comprises an outer housing 10 comprising an upper housing section 11 and a lower housing section 12. The lower housing section 12 comprises an upper end 12a and a lower end 12b. The lower end 12b is connectable to the outer housing 110 of the well tool 100.

[0112] The outer diameter of this setting tool is 90 mm. It should be noted that the principles described below may be used for other wells with other diameters.

[0113] The setting tool 1 further comprises an actuator 20 located at least partially within the outer housing 10. The actuator 20 comprises an actuation rod 21 protruding upwardly from the upper housing section 11. The upper end of the actuation rod 21 comprises an upper connector 21a for connection to a wireline WL. The lower end of the actuation rod 21 comprises a lower connector 21b connectable to the inner mandrel 120 of the well tool 100. It should be noted that the actuation rod 21 may be formed as one single body, or it may comprise several different parts assembled into the actuation rod 21.

[0114] In fig. 1, a longitudinal centre axis is indicated as a dashed line LCA. In fig. 2 and fig. 4, the inner surface of the well is indicated as a dashed line W.

[0115] In the present embodiment, the setting tool 1 further comprises an anchoring device 50 for anchoring of the setting tool 1 to the inner surface of the well W. The actuator 20 and actuation rod 21

[0116] It is now referred to fig. 7 and fig. 8, where the actuation rod 21 is shown. The actuation rod 21 is here shown to comprise a lower section 22 and an upper section 23. The upper section 23 has a substantially circular cross sectional shape with substantially uniform cross sectional area along the length of the upper section 23. As indicated in fig. 7, there are two exemptions, as two ring-shaped recesses 71 and 75 are provided spaced apart from each other in the outer surface of the upper section 23. These two recesses will be described further in detail below. The lower section 22 has a cross sectional area being larger than the cross sectional area of the upper section 23. The lower section 22 is made from a cylindrical workpiece, in which three first longitudinal recesses 22A has been provided, each first longitudinal recess 22A being extending downwardly from the upper end of the lower section 22 to an inclining surface 24 provided between the first longitudinal recess 22 A and an outer surface 220 S of the lower section 22. The first longitudinal recess 22A, the inclining surface 24 and the outer surface 22OS are forming one continuous guiding path, which will be described further in detail below.

[0117] The actuation rod 21 further comprises three second longitudinal recesses 22B extending from the upper end of the lower section 22 to the lower end of the lower section 22. Each second longitudinal recess 22B is located between two first longitudinal recesses 22A. Hence, each first longitudinal recess 22A is located between two second longitudinal recesses 22B.

[0118] In the present embodiment, the first longitudinal recesses 22A have a substantially rectangular or right-angled shape, while the second longitudinal recesses 22B have a substantially U-shaped or curved shape.

[0119] It is now referred to figs. 2, 4 and 5 - 6. It is here shown that the actuator 20 further comprises a main sleeve 25 axially displaceable within a compartment 15 within the upper housing section 11, three force transferring elements 28 and a link system 30.

[0120] The main sleeve 25 is substantially cylindrical and is defined with an upper end 25a and a lower end 25b as indicated in fig. 5 and fig. 6. The upper end 25a has four apertures, one central aperture to allow the actuation rod 21 to extend through the upper end 25a and the remaining three apertures to which an upper end of the respective force transferring elements 28 are secured.

[0121] Each force transferring element 28 is made as a circular metallic rod extending from the upper end 25a of the main sleeve 25 to the lower connector 21b. As shown in fig. 9, the upper end 28 is threaded and is provided with nuts 29. These nuts 29 are used to connect the upper ends of the force transmitting elements 28 to the upper end of the main sleeve 25. The lower ends of the force transmitting elements 28 may also be threaded and secured to threaded openings in the lower connector 21b. Fig. 6 shows how the lower end of one of the force transmitting elements 28 are inserted into the lower connector 21b.

[0122] In fig. 8 and 9, it is further shown how the force transmitting elements 28 are located within their respective second longitudinal recesses 22B.

[0123] The link system 30 of the actuator 20

[0124] The link system 30 will now be described in detail. Initially, it is referred to fig. 10 and fig. 12a. Here it is shown that the link system 30 comprises several set of arms denoted as 32a, 32b, ..., 32n, where n corresponds to the number of sets of arms (i.e. n is an integer above 1). In the present embodiment, n is 7. In addition, the link system 30 comprises a number of intermediate sleeves 31 between each set of arms. There are n-1 intermediate sleeves 31. Hence, in the present embodiment, there are 6 intermediate sleeves.

[0125] In the present embodiment, each set of arms comprises two arms 41, 42, referred to as a first or upper arm 41 and a second or lower arm 42. The first arm 41 comprises an upper end 41a and a lower end 41b. The second arm 42 comprises an upper end 42a and a lower end 42b. The lower end 41b of the first arm 41 is pivotably connected to the upper end 42a of the second arm 42. The upper end 41a of the first arm 41 is pivotably connected to either the lower end 25b of the main sleeve 25 or to the lower end of the intermediate sleeve 31. In fig. 10, it is shown that the upper end 41a of the first arm 41 of the first set 32a of arms is connected to the lower end 25b of the main sleeve 25, while the upper end 41a of the first arm 41 of the other sets of arms are connected to respective intermediate sleeves 31.

[0126] The lower end 42b of the second arm 42 is either pivotably connected to the upper end of the intermediate sleeve 31 or the upper end 12a of the lower housing section 12. In fig. 10, it is shown that the lower end 42b of the second arm 42 of the lowermost set 32n of arms is connected to the upper end 12a of the lower housing section 12 while the lower end 42b of the second arm 42 of the other sets of arms are connected to the upper end of respective intermediate sleeves 31.

[0127] In fig. 12a, it is shown that the intermediate sleeves 31 and the set of arms are located inside the upper housing section 11. As will be apparent from the description below, the intermediate sleeves 31 are longitudinally displaceable relative to the upper housing section 11 and relative to the actuation rod 21. In fig. 9, the housing 10, the main sleeve 25 and the intermediate sleeves 31 has been removed. Here it is shown how the set of arms are located within the first recesses 22 A of the lower section 22 of the actuation rod 21.

[0128] In fig. 10, it is further shown that the intermediate sleeves 31 are provided radially outside of the lower section 22 of the actuation rod 21.

[0129] The intermediate sleeve 31 may be axially displaceable relative to the upper housing section 11. The intermediate sleeve 31 may be axially displaceable relative to the actuation rod 21.

[0130] According to the above, it is apparent that the lower end 25b of the main sleeve 25 is connected to the upper end 12a of the lower housing section 12 via the set of arms and intermediate sleeves 31.

[0131] The anchoring device 50

[0132] It is now referred to fig. 16 and 17. Here it is shown that the anchoring device 50 is provided in the upper part of the setting tool 1, i.e. as part of the upper housing section 11 or as a separate part above the upper housing section 11.

[0133] The anchoring device 50 comprises a first or lower slips support 51, a second or upper slips support 52 and a slips element 53 with a serrated surface for engaging the inner surface of the well provided between the first slips support 51 and the second slips support 52. The anchoring device 50 comprises a first actuator 60 for moving the second slips support 52 relative to the first slips support 51. Such relative longitudinal movement between the first slips support 51 and the second slips support 52 will move the slips element 53 between a radially retracted state and a radially expanded state.

[0134] It should be noted that the first slips support 51 and the second slips support 52 both comprises wedging surfaces 51a, 52a, to move the slips element radially outwards. In addition, the first slips support 51 comprises a sleeve section 51b provided radially outside the actuation rod 21. It should be noted that the sleeve section 51b extends up to the first actuator 60. Hence, the first slips support 51 is secured to, and is stationary with respect to the first actuator 60 and hence also with respect to the upper housing section. It should further be noted that the second slips support 52 is provided radially outside of the sleeve section 51b of the first slips support 51.

[0135] In the present embodiment, the first actuator 60 is an electric linear motor 62 with a first rod 61 having a first end 61a secured to an upper end of the second slips support 52 and a second end 61b secured to the electric motor 62.

[0136] The anchoring device 50 comprise a heat insulated electronics compartment 59.

[0137] Within this compartment 59, a control circuit 59a is located. The control circuit is configured to send a control the first actuator 60. As an example, the control circuit 59a may send a signal to the first actuator 60 when a predetermined condition, typically a pressure, a temperature, a time, is met, in order to bring the anchoring device 50 from its radially retracted state to its radially expanded state.

[0138] In the present embodiment, electric power is supplied to the control circuit 59a and to the first actuator 60 by a battery 59b located within the compartment 59. In an alternative embodiment, power is supplied from topside via an electric wireline.

[0139] It is now referred to fig. 17. Here it is shown that the anchoring device 50 further comprises a locking system 70. The locking system 70 comprises the above described recesses 71, 75 of the actuation rod 21. In addition, the locking system 70 comprises a second recess 72 provided in the inner surface of the first slips support 51, a third recess 73 provided in the inner surface of the second slips support 52 and a locking element 74.

[0140] It is now referred to fig. 17, fig. 18 and fig. 20. Here it is shown that the anchoring device 50 comprises a second actuator 80. The second actuator 80 is here a mechanical actuator for moving the second slips support 52 away from the first slips support 51, thereby allowing the slips element 53 to be brought from the radially expanding state to the radially retracted state. As shown in fig. 17, the anchoring device 50 comprises a spring 54 biased to force the slips element 53 to its radially retracted state.

[0141] The second actuator 80 comprises a rod 81 guided through the first slips support 51, wherein the rod 81 has a first end 81a secured to the second slips support 52 and a second end 81b protruding into the compartment 15 within the upper housing section 11, wherein the second rod 81 is configured to be pushed upwardly by the main sleeve 25 moving upwardly within the compartment 15.

[0142] As the second slips support 52 is pushed away from the first slips support 51, the slips element 53 becomes radially retracted, thereby releasing the setting tool 1 from the inner surface of the well. In addition, the third recess 73 is moved out of axial alignment with the second recess 72.

[0143] The third recess 73 may comprise an inclining surface 73a for pushing the locking element 74 radially inwards into engagement with the fourth recess 75.

[0144] The function of the locking system will be described in detail further below.

[0145] Operation of the setting tool

[0146] The operation of the setting tool 1 will now be described. Initially, it should be noted that well tool 100 connected to the setting tool 1 topside and that they are lowered as an assembly together into the well. Here, the lower end 12b of the lower housing section 12 of the setting tool 1 is supported against the upper end 111 of the outer housing 110 of the well tool 100, and the lower connector 21b of the actuator 20 of the setting tool 1 is connected to the upper end 121 of the inner mandrel 120 of the well tool 100.

[0147] It should further be noted that one or more shear devices (shear bolt, shear pin, shear sleeve etc.) is typically used to ensure that all parts of the setting tool 1 and the well tool 100 remains in their radially retracted state during lowering of the assembly into the well. The one or more shear devices are typically used for two purposes - the first purpose is to connect the lower connector 21b of the actuator 20 of the setting tool 1 to the upper end 121 of the inner mandrel 120 of the well tool 100. As the lower end 12b of the lower housing section 12 of the setting tool 1 is supported against the upper end 111 of the outer housing 110 of the well tool 100, the second purpose of ensuring that all parts of the setting tool 1 and the well tool 100 remains in their radially retracted state is also achieved. Typically, a first shear device is used to ensure that the anchoring device are set before the sealing device, then there is a second shear device to ensure that the sealing device is set before releasing the setting tool from the well tool.

[0148] The setting tool 1 must provide a sufficient force exceeding a predetermined threshold value in order to shear off the shear device.

[0149] In addition, the anchoring device 50 is in the retracted state of fig. 17. Here, the locking element 74 is engaged in the first recess 71 and in the second recess 72, thereby preventing relative longitudinal movement between the actuation rod 21 and the first slips support 51. This is the initial position of the locking system 70, i.e. the radially retracted state of the anchoring device 50.

[0150] The assembly is now lowered into the well by means of the wireline WL. At a specific depth, the control circuit 59a will send the signal to the first actuator 60 based on that the predetermined condition has been met. The first actuator 60 will move the second slips support 52 towards the first slips support 52 and hence bring the serrated surface of the slips into engagement with the inner surface of the well W. The first actuator 60 has also moved the third recess 73 into axial alignment with the second recess 72. It is now possible to pull the actuation rod 21 upwardly by means of the wireline, as the locking element 74 by such action will be forced out of engagement with the first recess 71, allowing the actuation rod 21 to be pulled further upwards relative to the outer housing 10.

[0151] Hence, the anchoring device 50 has been brought from the state of fig. 17 to the state of fig. 18, in which the radially expanded state of the anchoring device 50 is shown, longitudinal movement of the outer housing 10 relative to the well is prevented.

[0152] It is now referred to fig. 12a. It should be noted that the upwardly pulling of the actuation rod 21 has not started yet. Here, the upper end 41a of the first arm 41 and the lower end 42b of the second arm 42 are provided at a first radial distance R1 from the longitudinal center axis LCA and the lower end 41b of the first arm 41 and the upper end 42a of the second arm 42 are provided at a second radial distance R2 from the longitudinal center axis LCA. The difference between the first radial distance R1 and the second radial distance R2 is referred to as a difference distance AR.

[0153] In fig. 12a, an angle a between the arms of each set of arms is indicated. In fig. 12a, the angle a is ca 100°. The first radial distance R1 is here 4 cm, the second radial distance R2 is here 2 cm, resulting in a difference distance AR being 2 cm.

[0154] Due to the above angle a, the arms can be considered to be folded with respect to each other.

[0155] It is now referred to fig. 10. Here it is shown that there is a distance D between the lower end 25b of the main sleeve 25 and the upper end 12a of the lower housing section 12.

[0156] The actuation rod 21 is now pulled upwardly relative to the upper housing section 11 by means of the wireline WL. The locking element 74 will slide along the outer surface of the upper section 23 of the actuation rod 21 (more specifically, the area between the recess 71 and the recess 75).

[0157] The upward movement of the actuation rod 21 will cause each set of arms to be moved radially outwards, as the lower end of the upper arm and the upper end of the lower arm will move along the first recess 22A of the lower section 22 of the actuation rod 21, further up the inclining surface 24 and to the outer surface 22OS.

[0158] This will cause each set of arms to move to the position of fig. 12b. Here it is shown that the angle a is 180°, and that the difference distance AR is 0 cm. The arms can now be considered to be unfolded with respect to each other.

[0159] It should be noted that the set of arms will be unfolded one at the time. For each unfolding, the distance D will increase. In fig. 11, all set of arms have been unfolded, and as shown, the distance D is here larger than in fig. 10.

[0160] In the above embodiment, the inclining surface 24 has an angle P of 15° (indicated in fig. 6) relative to the longitudinal centre axis LCA and has a length of ca 3 cm. Such an angle P will reduce the force needed to pull the wireline in order to move the set of arms from the folded position to the unfolded position. It should be noted that the geometry of the setting tool described above, the actuation rod 21 moves relatively longer than the resulting increase in distance D.

[0161] As the main sleeve 25 moves upwardly relative to the outer housing 10, also the force transmitting elements 28 will move upwardly, causing the lower connector 21b to move upwardly relative to the outer housing 10. Hence, the mandrel 120 of the well tool 100 will be pulled upwardly, while the outer housing 110 of the well tool 100 will be held stationary. After a while, the force will be sufficient to shear off the first shear device enabling setting of the anchoring device, then the force will be further increased to shear of the second shear device enabling setting of the sealing device, and hence, the well tool 100 has been brought from the run state to the set state. Then, the shear device connecting the setting tool to the well tool will be sheared off in order to disconnect the lower connector 21b from the mandrel 120 It should be noted that the well tool 100 comprises a mechanism (for example a ratchet mechanism) which will prevent the well tool 100 from returning back to its run state again.

[0162] Further upward movement of the actuation rod 21 will bring the upper end 25a of the main sleeve 25 into contact with the second actuator 80, as the lower connector 21b is allowed to move up inside the lower housing section 12. It should be noted that the actuation rod 21 must be pulled up to a position where the recess 75 of the actuation rod 21 (hereinafter referred to as a fourth recess 75) has been axially aligned with the second recess 72. By moving the third recess 73 out of axial alignment with the second recess 72, and due to the inclining surface 73a of the third recess 73 shown in fig. 17, the locking element 74 will be pushed radially inwards. This allows the second slips support 52 to be pushed away from the first slips support 51 by the second rod 81 and the main sleeve 25. This again ensures that the anchoring device is brought to its POOH state (Pulling Out Of Hole) where the slips element 53 is no longer engaged with the inner surface of the well W.

[0163] The setting tool 1 may now be pulled up to the topside of the well.

[0164] Alternative embodiments

[0165] It should be noted that the second actuator 80 is not an essential feature, as the first actuator 60 may be controlled to bring the anchoring device 50 from its radially retracted state to its radially expanded state and to return it again to its radially retracted state again.

[0166] However, in a high temperature environment with temperatures up to 450°C, the electronic circuitry may have a very limited lifespan. Hence, even if the electronic circuitry is provided within the heat insulated compartment 59, this may be sufficient only to protect the circuitry from heat only during running and setting of the setting tool - it may not be sufficient to protect the circuitry from heat during setting of the well tool and retrieval of the setting tool 1 from the well after the setting of the well tool. In many situations, a mechanical solution for retrieval will be desired irrespective of the temperature.

[0167] It should further be noted that the anchoring device 50 with the first actuator 60, the locking system 70 and the second actuator 80 are not essential features, as the setting tool may be brought from the longitudinally retracted state to the longitudinally extended state by the steps of

[0168] - letting the setting tool 1 move into the well due to gravity and then, at the desired location in the well, pulling the wireline upwardly, causing the actuation rod 21 to move upwardly relative to the link system 30. Here, only a shear pin is preventing relative movement between the actuation rod 21 and the outer housing 10.

[0169] It should further be noted that the number of set of arms may be much higher than in the present embodiment.

[0170] It is now referred to fig. 13. Here, an alternative embodiment of one set of arms 32 is shown. Here, the set of arms 32 comprises a third arm 43 pivotably connected to the lower end 41b of the upper arm 41 and to the upper end 42a of the lower arm 42.

[0171] It is now referred to fig. 21 and fig. 22. Here an alternative embodiment is shown. The lower housing section 12 here comprises a spring module 90. The lower housing section 12 comprises a first lower housing section 12c comprising the upper end 12 of the lower housing section 12 and a second lower housing section 12d comprising the lower end 12b of the lower housing section 12. The first lower housing section 12c and the second lower housing section 12d are longitudinally displaceable relative to each other. The spring module 90 comprises a spring 91 for biasing the second lower housing section 12d downwardly relative to the first lower housing section 12c. Hence, the spring 91 is configured to bias the lower end 12b of the lower housing section 12 downwardly relative to the lower connector 21b.

[0172] The spring module 90 further comprises a shear device 92 for preventing relative longitudinal displacement between the first lower housing section 12c and the second lower housing section 12d , wherein longitudinal movement of the actuation rod 21 relative to the link system 30 is configured to shear off the shear device 92. Preferably, the shear device 92 is configured to be sheared off when a shear device of the well tool 100 is sheared off. The spring module 90 provides a relative long movement between the lower end 12b of the lower housing section 12 and the lower connector 21b. However, the spring module 90 provides a relatively low force when compared with the force provided by the engagement between the link system 30 and the actuation rod 21. The spring module 90 may therefore be used to move the anchoring device and / or the sealing device of the well tool 100 from the radially retracted state and into contact with the inner surface of the well, while the link system 30 and the actuation rod 21 may be used to force the anchoring device and / or the sealing device into contact with the inner surface of the well.

[0173] The spring module 90 further comprises a ratchet device 95 configured to allow movement of the lower housing section 12d downwardly relative to the first lower housing section 12c and to prevent movement of the lower housing section 12d upwardly relative to the first lower housing section 12c.

[0174] LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

[0175] I setting tool

[0176] 10 outer housing

[0177] I I upper housing section

[0178] 12 lower housing section

[0179] 12a upper end

[0180] 12b lower end

[0181] 15 compartment

[0182] 20 actuator

[0183] 21 actuation rod

[0184] 21a upper connector

[0185] 21b lower connector

[0186] 22 lower section

[0187] 22A first longitudinal recesses

[0188] 22B second longitudinal recess

[0189] 220 S outer surface

[0190] 23 upper section

[0191] 24 inclining surface

[0192] 25 main sleeve

[0193] 25a upper end

[0194] 25b lower end

[0195] 28 force transmitting elements

[0196] 29 nuts

[0197] 30 link system

[0198] 31 intermediate sleeves

[0199] 32a first / uppermost set of arms

[0200] 32b second set of arms

[0201] 32n n / lowermost set of arms

[0202] 41 first / upper arm

[0203] 41a upper end

[0204] 41b lower end

[0205] 42 second / lower arm

[0206] 42a upper end

[0207] 42b lower end

[0208] 50 anchoring device

[0209] 51 first / lower slips support

[0210] 51a wedging surface

[0211] 51b sleeve section

[0212] 52 second / upper slips support second slips support

[0213] 52a wedging surface

[0214] 53 slips element

[0215] 54 spring

[0216] 59 heat insulated electronics compartment

[0217] 59a control circuit

[0218] 59b battery

[0219] 60 first actuator

[0220] 61 first rod

[0221] 61a first end

[0222] 61b second end 62 electric motor

[0223] 70 locking system

[0224] 71 first recess

[0225] 72 second recess

[0226] 73 third recess

[0227] 73a inclining surface

[0228] 74 locking element

[0229] 75 fourth recess

[0230] 80 second actuator

[0231] 81 second rod

[0232] 81a first end

[0233] 81b second end

[0234] 100 well tool

[0235] 110 outer housing

[0236] 111 upper end

[0237] 120 inner mandrel

[0238] 121 upper end

[0239] 130 anchoring device

[0240] 140 sealing device

[0241] LCA longitudinal center axis

[0242] R1 first radial distance

[0243] R2 second radial distance

[0244] WL wireline

[0245] AR difference distance a angle between first / upper arm and second / lower arm

[0246] P angle of inclining surface 24

Claims

CLAIMS1. A setting tool (1) for setting a well tool (100) in a well (W), wherein the setting tool (1) comprises:- an outer housing (10) comprising an upper housing section (11) and a lower housing section (12); wherein the lower housing section (12) comprises an upper end (12a) and a lower end (12b), wherein the lower end (12b) is connectable to an outer housing (110) of the well tool (100);- an actuator (20) located at least partially within the outer housing (10); wherein the actuator (20) comprises an actuation rod (21) protruding upwardly from the upper housing section (11) and wherein the actuator (20) comprises a lower connector (21b) connectable to an inner mandrel (120) of the well tool (100); wherein the actuator (20) further comprises:- a main sleeve (25) having an upper end (25a) and a lower end (25b); wherein the main sleeve (25) is axially displaceable within a compartment (15) within the upper housing section (11);- a force transferring element (28) connected between the main sleeve (25) and the lower connector (21b);- a link system (30) connected between the lower end (25b) of the main sleeve (25) and the upper end (12a) of the lower housing section (12); wherein the link system (30) is configured to be in a longitudinally retracted state and in a longitudinally extended state, wherein a distance (D) between the lower end (25b) of the main sleeve (25) and the upper end (12a) of the lower housing section (12) is larger in the longitudinally extended state than in the longitudinally retracted state; wherein the actuation rod (21) is located radially inside of the main sleeve (25) and the link system (30); wherein longitudinal movement of the actuation rod (21) relative to the link system (30) is configured to bring the link system (30) from the longitudinally retracted state to the longitudinally extended state, thereby causing the lower connector (21b) to move upwardly relative to the outer housing (10).

2. The setting tool (1) according to claim 1, wherein the link system (30) is located radially inside the upper housing section (11).

3. The setting tool (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the force transferring element (28) is connected between an upper area of the main sleeve (25) and the lower connector (21b).

4. The setting tool (1) according to any one of the above claims, wherein the link system (30) comprises:- an intermediate sleeve (31) provided longitudinally between the lower end (25b) of the main sleeve (25) and an upper end (12a) of the lower housing section (12);- a first set (32a) of arms (41, 42) pivotably connected to each other and pivotably connected to the lower end (25b) of the main sleeve (25) and an upper end of the intermediate sleeve (31);- a second set (32b; 32n) of arms (41, 42) pivotably connected to each other and pivotably connected to a lower end of the intermediate sleeve (31) and the upper end (12a) of the lower housing section (12); wherein the first and second set of arms are folded in the longitudinally retracted state; and wherein the first and second set of arms are unfolded in the longitudinally extended state.

5. The setting tool (1) according to any one of the above claims, wherein the actuation rod (21) comprises a lower section (22) having a first cross section and an upper section (23) having a second cross section, wherein the first cross section is larger than the second cross section; wherein the lower section (22) comprises a first longitudinal recess (22A) extending downwardly from the upper end of the lower section (22) and an inclining surface (24) provided between the first longitudinal recess (22A) and an outer surface (22OS) of the lower section (22).

6. The setting tool (1) according to claim 4 and 5, wherein a lower end (41b) of upper arms (41) and an upper end (42a) of lower arms (42) are located within the first longitudinal recess (22A) in the longitudinally retracted state.

7. The setting tool (1) according to claim 6, wherein the lower end (41b) of the upper arms (41) and the upper end (42a) of the lower arms (42) are provided radially outside of the outer surface (22OS) in the longitudinally extended state.

8. The setting tool (1) according to claim 7, wherein the lower end (41b) of the upper arms (41) and the upper end (42a) of the lower arms (42) are forced radially outwardly by the inclining surface (24) during movement of the actuation rod (21) relative to the link system (30).

9. The setting tool (1) according to any one of claim 5 - 8, wherein the lower section (22) comprises a second longitudinal recess (22B), wherein the force transferring element (28) is provided in the second longitudinal recess (22B).

10. The setting tool (1) according to any one of claims 5 - 9 when dependent on claim 4, wherein the intermediate sleeve (31) is provided radially outside of the lower section (22) of the actuation rod (21).

11. The setting tool (1) according to any one of the above claims, wherein the setting tool (1) comprises an anchoring device (50) for anchoring of the outer housing (10) to an inner surface of the well (W), wherein the anchoring device (50) comprises a first slips support (51), a second slips support (52) and a slips element(53) provided between the first slips support (51) and the second slips support (52), wherein relative longitudinal movement between the first slips support (51) and the second slips support (52) is moving the slips element (53) between a radially retracted state and a radially expanded state, and wherein the anchoring device (50) comprises an first actuator (60) for moving the second slips support (52) relative to the first slips support (51).

12. The setting tool (1) according to claim 11, wherein the anchoring device (50) comprises a locking system (70) for locking the actuation rod (21) to the first slips support (51) in the run state.

13. The setting tool (1) according to claim 12, wherein the locking system (70) comprises:- a first recess (71) provided in the outer surface of the actuation rod (21);- a second recess (72) provided in the inner surface of the first slips support (51);- a third recess (73) provided in the inner surface of the second slips support (52);- a locking element (74); wherein the locking element (74) is engaged in the first recess (71) and in the second recess (72) when the anchoring device (50) is in the run state; wherein the locking element (74) is moved out of engagement with the first recess(71) when the third recess is brought into axial alignment with the second recess(72) when the anchoring device (50) is in the set state.

14. The setting tool (1) according to claim 13, wherein the locking system (70) comprises:- a fourth recess (75) provided in the outer surface of the actuation rod (21) below the first recess (71); wherein the locking element (74) is moved radially inwards from the third recess(73) and into engagement with the fourth recess (74) when the fourth recess (75) is axially aligned with the second recess (72) and when the third recess (73) has moved out of axial alignment with the second recess (72).

15. The setting tool (1) according to claim 14, wherein the setting tool (1) comprises a second actuator (80) for moving the second slips support (52) away from the first slips support (51).

16. The setting tool (1) according to claim 15, wherein the second actuator (80) comprises a rod (81) guided through the first slips support (71), wherein the rod (81) has a first end (81a) secured to the second slips support (72) and a second end (81b) protruding into the compartment (15) within the upper housing section (11), wherein the second rod (81) is configured to be pushed upwardly by the main sleeve (25) moving upwardly within the compartment (15).

17. The setting tool (1) according to any one of the above claims, wherein the lower housing section (12) comprises a spring module (90) configured to bias the lower end (12b) of the lower housing section (12) downwardly relative to the lower connector (21b).

18. The setting tool (1) according to claim 17, wherein the lower housing section (12) comprises a first lower housing section (12c) comprising the upper end (12) of the lower housing section (12) and a second lower housing section (12d) comprising the lower end (12b) of the lower housing section (12); wherein the first lower housing section (12c) and the second lower housing section (12d) are longitudinally displaceable relative to each other; wherein the spring module (90) comprises a spring (91) for biasing the second lower housing section (12d) downwardly relative to the first lower housing section (12c).

19. The setting tool (1) according to claim 18, wherein the spring module (90) comprises a shear device (92) for preventing relative longitudinal displacement between the first lower housing section (12c) and the second lower housing section (12d), wherein longitudinal movement of the actuation rod (21) relative to the link system (30) is configured to shear off the shear device (92).

20. The setting tool (1) according to claim 19, wherein the shear device (92) is configured to be sheared off when a shear device of the well tool (100) is sheared off.The spring module (90) provides a relative long movement between the lower end (12b) of the lower housing section (12) and the lower connector (21b). However, the spring module (90) provides a relatively low force when compared with the force provided by the engagement between the link system (30) and the actuation rod (21). The spring module (90) may therefore be used to move the anchoring device and / or the sealing device of the well tool (100) from the radially retracted state and into contact with the inner surface of the well, while the link system (30) and the actuation rod (21) may be used to force the anchoring device and / or the sealing device into contact with the inner surface of the well.

21. The setting tool (1) according to claim any one of claims 18 - 20, wherein the spring module (90) comprises a ratchet device (95) configured to allow movement of the lower housing section (12d) downwardly relative to the first lower housing section (12c) and to prevent movement of the lower housing section (12d) upwardly relative to the first lower housing section (12c).

22. An assembly comprising the setting tool (1) according to any one of the above claims 1 - 21 and a well tool (100), wherein the well tool (100) comprises:- an outer housing (110) with an upper end (111);- an inner mandrel (120) with an upper end (121);- an anchoring device (130);- a sealing device (140); wherein the lower end (12b) of the setting tool (1) is connected to the upper end (111) of the outer housing (110) in a run state; wherein a lower connector (21b) of the setting tool (1) is connected to the upper end (121) of the inner mandrel (120) in the run state; wherein longitudinal movement of the actuation rod (21) relative to the link system (30) is configured to bring the well tool (100) from its run state to its set state.

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