Well tool device with retardation system

Abstract

The present disclosure provides a well tool device (10) comprising a housing (20) with a through bore (21), a frangible barrier element (30) within the bore, a supporting sleeve (40) for supporting the frangible barrier element, a shear element (50), and a disintegration device (60). The device includes a retardation system (70) with a ridge (71) protruding from the supporting sleeve's outer surface and a protrusion (27) protruding from the housing. The ridge is configured to be at least partially torn off from the supporting sleeve by the protrusion during transition from an intermediate state to a final state. The well tool device is configured to be in an initial state where the shear element prevents longitudinal movement of the supporting sleeve, an intermediate state where the shear element is sheared off and the frangible barrier element contacts the disintegration device, and a final state where the frangible barrier element is disintegrated and the supporting sleeve's movement has stopped.

Description

[0001] WELL TOOL DEVICE WITH RETARDATION SYSTEM

[0002] FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0003] The present disclosure relates to a well tool device having an initially closed state, an intermediate state, and a final open state.

[0004] BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0005] NO 342911 describes a completion pipe comprising a plug arrangement and a method for arranging a completion pipe in a well. The arrangement includes a frangible barrier element arranged in a plug housing in a pipe string, a seal element arranged to seal between the frangible barrier element and the pipe string. The frangible barrier element is movable in the axial direction of the pipe string between a first position and a second position, where, in this second position, the frangible barrier element is brought into contact with a knife. It is desired that the sealing element (typically an o-ring) is sealing off the circumferential surface of the frangible barrier element, i.e. the surface between the frangible barrier element and the surrounding of the frangible barrier element in both the first and second position, in order to use the pressure above the frangible barrier element to push the frangible barrier element downwardly into the knives.

[0006] Moreover, a shear device in the form of a shear ring or shear sleeve is used to support the frangible barrier element in the first position during the pressure testing. Then, the pressure above the frangible barrier element is increased further, causing the shear sleeve or shear ring to shear off, thereby allowing the frangible barrier element, together with parts of the shear sleeve or shear ring, to be displaced axially into the second position.

[0007] It is well known to use such shear rings in well tool devices. US 3910348 discloses shear rings, while US 4773478 discloses a shear sleeve. In addition, it is also known to use shear pins to provide that two different parts are allowed to move in relation to each other when a certain pressure threshold sufficient to shear of the pins is achieved.

[0008] A prior art well tool device 1 shown in fig. la is similar to the one disclosed in NO 346908 and is similar to the well tool device known as the Interwell IRBD-PO. The well tool device 1 has a housing 2 having a through bore 2bo. A frangible barrier element 3 is sealingly engaged within the bore 2bo. An upper end of the frangible barrier element 3 is supported by supporting surfaces of the housing 2, while a lower end of the frangible barrier element 3 is supported by supporting surfaces provided in an upper end of a supporting sleeve 4. The supporting sleeve 4 is provided within the bore 2bo and is releasably connected to the housing 2 by means of one or more shear device 5. Below the frangible barrier element 3, a disintegration device 6 is located.

[0009] The well tool device 1 has an initial or first state which is shown in fig. la. Here, the frangible barrier element 3 prevents fluid flow through the bore 2bo, i.e. between a location above the frangible barrier element 3 and a location below the frangible barrier element 3. The shear device 5 may be sheared off by a predetermined force defined by the difference between the fluid pressure at the location above the frangible barrier element 3 and at the location below the frangible barrier element 3.

[0010] When sheared off, the supporting sleeve 4 may move longitudinally down inside the bore 2bo. The fluid difference will move the frangible barrier element 3 together with the supporting sleeve 4 down until the frangible barrier element 3 impacts the disintegration device 6. This may be referred to as an intermediate or second state. A flushing channel is provided in the bore wall radially outside of the frangible barrier element 3 when the well tool device is in the second state.

[0011] When the frangible barrier element 3 has impacted the disintegration device 6, the frangible barrier element 3 will be disintegrated, and fluid flow through the bore 2bo is no longer prevented. This is referred to as a final or third state.

[0012] It should be noted that the time period of the intermediate state is very short, and that there are large forces involved in order to shear off the shear device 5. Hence, the supporting sleeve 4 will move at high speed downwardly until it meets a stop 2s formed within the bore 2bo. In theory, there is a risk that the supporting sleeve 4 will deform inwardly into the bore 2bo when impacting the stop 2s. This situation is highly undesired, as it will restrict fluid flow through the bore 2bo.

[0013] Consequently, in the prior art of fig. 1, a shock absorbing sleeve 7 is connected radially outside of the supporting sleeve 4 for the purpose of preventing or at least considerably reduce the impact of the supporting sleeve 4 against the stop 2s.

[0014] Fig. lb shows the internal parts of the well tool device 1. Here it is shown that the disintegration device 6 comprises knives 6k and a knife sleeve 6s for maintaining the position of the knives 6k. It is here further shown a spacer sleeve 8. It is here further shown that the shear device 5 comprises an upper sleeve 5s, shear pins 5p and a shear pin ring 5r. While the supporting sleeve 4 and the shock absorbing sleeve 7 are shown in fig. lb, the upper housing section 2a, the lower housing section 2b and the frangible barrier element 3 of fig. la are not shown in fig. lb. In total, the well tool device 1 has nine different metal parts which require machining during manufacturing. These are the upper housing section 2a, the lower housing section 2b, the knife sleeve 6s, the knife 6k, the spacer sleeve 8, the upper sleeve 5s, the shear pin ring 5r, the supporting sleeve 4 and the shock absorbing sleeve 7.

[0015] One object of the present invention is to provide a more cost-efficient well tool device.

[0016] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0017] According to a first aspect, there is provided a well tool device. The well tool device comprises a housing comprising a first housing section and a second housing section; a through bore provided longitudinally through the housing; a frangible barrier element provided within the through bore; a supporting sleeve for supporting the frangible barrier element, wherein the supporting sleeve is longitudinally movable relative to the housing and has an inner surface forming a part of the bore and an outer surface; a shear element; a disintegration device protruding radially into the bore; wherein the well tool device is configured to be in an initial state, in which the shear element is configured to prevent longitudinal movement of the supporting sleeve relative to the housing; wherein the well tool device is configured to be in an intermediate state, in which the shear element has been sheared off and the frangible barrier element and the supporting sleeve start to move longitudinally until the frangible barrier element has been brought into contact with the disintegration device; wherein the well tool device is configured to be in a final state, in which the frangible barrier element has been disintegrated by the disintegration device and the longitudinal movement of the supporting sleeve has stopped; characterized in that: the well tool device comprises a retardation system comprising: a ridge protruding radially outwardly from the outer surface of the supporting sleeve; a protrusion protruding radially inwardly from the housing; wherein the ridge is configured to be at least partially torn off from the supporting sleeve by the protrusion during transition from the intermediate state to the final state.

[0018] The energy required to tear off the ridge from the supporting sleeve will reduce the speed of the supporting sleeve. Hence, the ridge and the protrusion will provide a resistance to relative movement between the housing and the supporting sleeve. As the ridge is formed as part of the supporting sleeve, and the protrusion is formed as part of the housing, it may be achieved that the number of machined parts of the well tool device can be reduced and hence that the cost-efficiency is increased.

[0019] The frangible barrier element may have a sealing surface with a first end and a second end. The sealing surface may be cylindrical. The frangible barrier element may comprise a first chamfered surface and a second chamfered surface supported in a so-called seat of the well tool device. This seat may serve the purpose of transferring forces applied by the fluid pressure difference over the frangible barrier element to the housing in the initial state. The first chamfered surface may be supported by a supporting surface of the first housing section, and the second chamfered surface may be supported by a supporting surface provided in an upper end of the supporting sleeve. As long as the supporting sleeve is secured to the housing via the shear element, forces will be transferred from the supporting surface to the housing.

[0020] In the initial state, the frangible barrier element is sealingly engaged within the through bore. In the initial state, the frangible barrier element may be sealingly engaged within the through bore by means of a sealing element provided circumferentially outside of the frangible barrier element. Hence, the frangible barrier element prevents longitudinal fluid flow through the bore in the initial state, i.e. the frangible barrier element may be preventing longitudinal fluid flow between a first bore location above the frangible barrier element and a second bore location below the frangible barrier element.

[0021] In the intermediate state, the differential pressure over the frangible barrier element is sufficiently high to shear off the shear element and the frangible barrier element and the supporting sleeve moves towards the disintegration device. In the intermediate state, the frangible barrier element is considered to be intact. In the intermediate state, the frangible barrier element is no longer sealingly engaged within the through bore, as the frangible barrier element has been moved to a position below the sealing element.

[0022] An initial distance may be defined as a distance between the sealing element and the upper end of the sealing surface when the well tool device is in the initial state.

[0023] A first distance may be defined as a distance that the frangible barrier element travels before it engages the disintegration device. Here, this first distance may be indicated as the distance between an upper end of the disintegration device and the lower end of the sealing surface. As the first distance may be larger than the initial distance, it may be achieved that the sealing surface leaves the sealing element before the frangible barrier element arrives at the disintegration device.

[0024] Consequently, a longitudinal fluid flow between a first side of the frangible barrier element and a second side of the frangible barrier element may be allowed in the intermediate state and during the transition from the intermediate state to the final state, helping to flush away debris during the disintegration process.

[0025] In the transition between the intermediate state to the final state, at least two actions may take place. The first one may be the above disintegration of the frangible barrier element. The second one may be the movement of the supporting sleeve until it stops. These actions may take less than a second.

[0026] A second distance may be defined as a distance that the supporting sleeve travels before the ridge engages the protrusion. This second distance may be larger than the first distance. Hence, retardation of the supporting sleeve may not start before the disintegration process of the frangible barrier element has started. Preferably, the second distance may be at least 1.5 times the first distance to ensure that the disintegration process of the frangible barrier element is well under way before retardation of the supporting sleeve starts.

[0027] The supporting sleeve may comprise one or more ridges. The one or more ridges may be ring-shaped. The one or more ridges may be continuous. The one or more ridges may be discontinuous, i.e. a formed by a number of ridge sections spaced apart from one another around the supporting sleeve. The supporting sleeve may comprise three ridges. In case there are three ridges, the three ridges may have their lower end points distributed 120° from each outer around the periphery of the supporting sleeve. In this way, it may be ensured that the supporting sleeve maintains its orientation within the housing and that it does not become slanted. In case there are two ridges, the two ridges may have their lower end points distributed 180° from each outer around the periphery of the supporting sleeve.

[0028] Similarly, the protrusion may be continuous. The protrusion may be discontinuous, i.e. a formed by a number of protrusion sections.

[0029] As used herein, a shear device may be a device which keeps two parts stationary with respect to each other in an initial phase, and which allows the two parts to move relative to each other in a subsequent phase, after it has been sheared off. The shear element may serve this function of the well tool device.

[0030] The retardation system may be a system which allows two parts to move relative to each other in an initial phase and which reduces movement between the two parts relative to each other in a subsequent phase.

[0031] The ridge may be a helical ridge. The ridge may be helical by having a spiral shape around the supporting sleeve. The ridge may follow a helical path around the supporting sleeve along a longitudinal axis of the supporting sleeve. The helical ridge may complete part of a revolution around the supporting sleeve, may complete a full revolution around the supporting sleeve, or may revolve around the supporting sleeve multiple times. Due to the helical ridge, the risk of a sudden stop of the movement of the supporting sleeve may be reduced, as only a smaller area of the ridge may contact the protrusion at any time during the relative movement between the supporting sleeve and the housing. A pitch angle of the helical ridge may be greater than 2 degrees and may be less than 90 degrees. A pitch angle of the helical ridge may vary along the length of the helical ridge. The pitch angle may vary along the length of the helical ridge to provide a greater impediment to movement of the protrusion the further along the supporting sleeve the housing travels.

[0032] The retardation system may comprise two or more ridges. The ridges may be intertwined with each other. Hence, at least one portion of each of the helical ridges lies longitudinally between at least two portions of one of the other helical ridges.

[0033] The two or more ridges may include the helical ridge described above. The two or more ridges may each be helical ridges.

[0034] The helical ridge may have a first portion and a second portion. The first portion of the helical ridge may engage the protrusion before the second portion. A height of the helical ridge may be smaller at the first portion than at the second portion.

[0035] The first and second portions may be ends of the ridge. The helical ridge may have a length dimension, measured along the ridge between the first and second ends, a width dimension, being the distance that the helical ridge protrudes from the supporting sleeve, and a height dimension, being the distance across the ridge in the longitudinal direction along the supporting sleeve. The width dimension may be substantially the same along the length of the helical ridge, while the height dimension increases between the first end and the second end. The height dimension may change between the first end and the second end at a constant rate of change along the length of the helical ridge.

[0036] In some examples, a cross-sectional area of the ridge may increase between the ends.

[0037] As a result, the ridge may provide more resistance to the movement of the protrusion the further the protrusion moves relative to the supporting sleeve.

[0038] The ridge may comprise a circular ridge. The circular ridge may be a completely or partially circular ridge. A circular ridge may comprise a continuous section or several discontinuous sections spaced apart around the sleeve. Such ridges may be milled from or welded to the supporting sleeve.

[0039] The retardation system may comprise two or more circular ridges. The ridges may be spaced apart along the supporting sleeve. The ridges may be spaced apart evenly along the supporting sleeve. Alternatively the spacing may vary longitudinally along the supporting sleeve, such that the ridges are closer together further from the protrusion. The two or more circular ridges may comprise a first circular ridge and a second circular ridge. The first circular ridge may engage the protrusion before the second circular ridge. A height of the first circular ridge may be smaller than the height of the second circular ridge.

[0040] The circular ridges may have a width dimension, being the distance that the helical ridge protrudes from the supporting sleeve, and a height dimension, being the distance across the ridge in the longitudinal direction along the supporting sleeve. The width and height dimensions may be substantially the same along a particular circular ridge, but the height dimension may vary between ridges, increasing further along the supporting sleeve.

[0041] The supporting sleeve may comprise a shear element receiving recess. The housing may comprise a shear element supporting aperture. In the initial state, the shear element may be supported by the shear element supporting aperture and may be protruding into the shear element receiving recess. According to the above, it may be achieved that the shear element is supported directly in the housing. Hence, it may be achieved that the number of machined parts of the well tool device can be reduced and hence that the cost-efficiency is increased.

[0042] The shear element may be directly connected to the housing, by means of a screw thread or other connection.

[0043] The shear element supporting aperture may be provided in the second housing section. The first housing section may be provided radially outside of the shear element supporting aperture. According to the above, the shear element may be locked in its position by the first housing section, as the first housing section may prevent the shear element from moving radially out from the shear element supporting aperture. Hence, it may be achieved that the number of machined parts of the well tool device can be reduced and hence that the cost-efficiency is increased.

[0044] The shear element may comprise one or more shear pins, one or more shear rings, one or more shear ring segments etc. The shear element may be formed as part of the supporting sleeve, for example as an outwardly protruding shear protrusion, which is supported on a ledge formed as part of the housing section in the initial state. Here, the shear element is not a separate part needed during the assembly of the well tool device, and the number of parts is reduced. The shear protrusion is configured to be separated from the outer surface of the supporting sleeve when the differential pressure over the frangible barrier element is sufficiently high, i.e. to transition from the initial state to the intermediate state. The second housing section may comprise a disintegration device supporting aperture for supporting the disintegration device in relation to the housing. The first housing section may be provided radially outside of the disintegration device supporting aperture. According to the above, the disintegration device may be locked in its position by the first housing section, as the first housing section may prevent the disintegration device from moving radially out from the disintegration device supporting aperture. Hence, it may be achieved that the number of machined parts of the well tool device can be reduced and hence that the cost-efficiency is increased.

[0045] The supporting sleeve may comprise an upper longitudinal slot, into which the disintegration device protrudes when the well tool device is in the initial state.

[0046] The first housing section may be sealingly engaged with the second housing section. The disintegration device may be connected directly to the second housing section.

[0047] The first housing section may comprise a locking aperture. The second housing section may comprise a locking recess. The well tool device may comprise a locking pin for locking the first housing section to the second housing section via the locking aperture and the locking recess.

[0048] The locking pin may be directly connected to the first housing section.

[0049] At least a part of the first housing section may be located radially outside of at least a part of the second housing section. The longitudinal area where the first housing section is located outside of the second housing section may be referred to as an overlapping area. The first housing section may be an upper housing section, and the second housing section may be the lower housing section or vice versa.

[0050] The supporting sleeve may comprise: a first radial fluid channel for allowing fluid flow between the outside of the supporting sleeve and the bore at a location above the ridge; and a second radial fluid channel for allowing fluid flow between the outside of the supporting sleeve and the bore at a location below the ridge. According to the radial fluid channels, fluid may not be entrapped above and / or below the ridge. Entrapped fluid at this location could potentially prevent movement of the supporting sleeve and hence prevent the frangible barrier element to reach the disintegration device.

[0051] The above well tool device may have four different metal parts which require machining during manufacturing. These may be the first housing section, the second housing section, the knife forming the disintegration device and the supporting sleeve. A first distance may be defined as a distance needed for the frangible barrier element to travel before it engages the disintegration device; a second distance may be defined as a distance needed for the supporting sleeve to travel before the ridge engages the protrusion; the second distance may be larger than the first distance. 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.

[0052] Similarly, the terms “inner”, “inwardly”, “outer”, “outwardly” etc. are used herein to define relative directions in a radial direction being perpendicular to a central longitudinal axis (LCA), wherein “inner” and “inwardly” are closer to the central longitudinal axis (LCA) than “outer” and “outwardly”.

[0053] As used herein, the terms “production tubing” and “completion string” are used interchangeably.

[0054] As used herein, the term “frangible barrier element” may refer to an element of a frangible material of any shape capable of being secured into other parts of the tool and capable of withstanding the pressure ratings for the tool. Due to common well geometry, the disc will typically have a circular cross-sectional shape. The height of the element may be lower than, equal to or higher than the diameter of the element.

[0055] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF FIGURES

[0056] Fig. la is a cross-sectional side view of a prior art well tool device.

[0057] Fig. lb is an exploded perspective view of the parts of the interior of the well tool device of fig. la.

[0058] Fig. 2 is a cross-sectional side view of a first embodiment of the well tool device.

[0059] Fig. 3a-c are exploded perspective views of internal and external parts of the embodiment of fig. 2, where the upper housing section and lower housing section are shown split longitudinally in half. Here, fig. 3a shows the first housing section and the second housing section separated from each other, fig. 3b shows the supporting sleeve and the disintegration device separated from each other, while fig. 3c shows a number of shear elements.

[0060] Fig. 4 is a perspective side view of the supporting sleeve of the embodiment shown in fig. 2. Fig. 5 is a perspective view of the frangible barrier element.

[0061] Fig. 6 is a perspective side view of an alternative supporting sleeve.

[0062] Common reference numerals are used throughout the figures to indicate similar features.

[0063] DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0064] Fig. 2 illustrates a well tool device 10 in its initial state. The well tool device 10 comprises a housing 20 with a through bore 21 extending longitudinally through it.

[0065] Within the through bore 21, a frangible barrier element 30 is positioned. The through bore 21 is separated into a first bore location 21a and a second bore location 21b, the first bore location 21a being above the frangible barrier element 30 and the second bore location 21b being below the frangible barrier element 30. The frangible barrier element 30 has a sealing surface 31 with a first end 31a and a second end 31b. The frangible barrier element 30 is supported by a supporting sleeve 40 that extends downward within the bore 21.

[0066] The frangible barrier element 30 sits within a seat 22 formed in the housing 20. The seat 22 may include supporting surfaces that engage with corresponding surfaces on the frangible barrier element 30, such as a chamfered surface, to properly position and secure the frangible barrier element 30 within the housing 20.

[0067] A sealing element 35 is located circumferentially around the frangible barrier element 30, providing a seal between the frangible barrier element 30 and the housing 20. The sealing element 35 together with the frangible barrier element 30 prevents fluid flow between the first bore location 21a and the second bore location 21b when the well tool device 10 is in its initial state.

[0068] The supporting sleeve 40 supports the frangible barrier element 30 on the opposite side of the seat 22 and has an inner surface that forms part of the through bore 21. In the initial state, the supporting sleeve 40 is held in place relative to the housing 20 by a shear element 50, which prevents longitudinal movement of the supporting sleeve 40.

[0069] A disintegration device 60 is positioned within the housing 20, protruding radially into the bore 21 at a location below the frangible barrier element 30 in the initial state.

[0070] In the initial state, the frangible barrier element 30 is securely positioned between the seat 22 and the supporting sleeve 40, preventing fluid flow through the bore 21. An initial distance DO is defined between the sealing element 35 and the first end 3 la of the sealing surface 31.

[0071] As pressure increases above the frangible barrier element 30, it exerts force on the supporting sleeve 40. When the pressure reaches a predetermined threshold, the shear element 50 shears, allowing the supporting sleeve 40 and the frangible barrier element 30 to move longitudinally downward within the bore 21. This marks the transition to the intermediate state.

[0072] In the intermediate state, the frangible barrier element 30 and supporting sleeve 40 move downward together. As they move, the sealing surface 31 of the frangible barrier element 30 disengages from the sealing element 35, potentially allowing some fluid bypass. The frangible barrier element 30 continues to move downward towards the disintegration device 60.

[0073] A first distance DI is defined as the distance the frangible barrier element 30 needs to travel from its initial position to engage the disintegration device 60. This distance DI is greater than the initial distance DO, ensuring that the sealing surface 31 fully disengages from the sealing element 35 before the frangible barrier element 30 reaches the disintegration device 60.

[0074] Upon contact with the disintegration device 60, the frangible barrier element 30 begins to disintegrate, marking the transition to the final state.

[0075] In the final state, the frangible barrier element 30 is fully disintegrated by the disintegration device 60. The supporting sleeve 40 may continue to move downward until it reaches a stop position. With the frangible barrier element 30 disintegrated, the through bore 21 is now open, allowing full fluid communication between the first bore location 21a and the second bore location 21b.

[0076] The transition from the initial state to the final state may occur rapidly, with the intermediate state lasting only a brief moment as the frangible barrier element 30 moves the distance DI from the seat 22 to the disintegration device 60.

[0077] The well tool device 10 comprises a retardation system 70 designed to reduce the speed of relative movement between the supporting sleeve 40 and the housing 20 during the transition between states. The retardation system 70 includes a ridge 71 protruding radially outwardly from the outer surface 42 of the supporting sleeve 40, and a protrusion 27 extending radially inwardly from the housing 20.

[0078] A second distance D2 is defined as the distance needed for the supporting sleeve 40 to travel before the ridge 71 engages the protrusion 27. This second distance D2 is larger than the first distance DI. As a result, the retardation of the supporting sleeve 40 does not begin until after the disintegration process of the frangible barrier element 30 has started.

[0079] In the initial state, the ridge 71 and protrusion 27 are not engaged, allowing the supporting sleeve 40 to move freely when the shear element 50 is sheared. As the device transitions to the intermediate state, the supporting sleeve 40 begins its downward movement along with the frangible barrier element 30.

[0080] During the transition from the intermediate state to the final state, after the frangible barrier element 30 has contacted the disintegration device 60, the ridge 71 on the supporting sleeve 40 approaches the protrusion 27. When they engage, the ridge 71 is configured to be at least partially torn off from the supporting sleeve 40 by the protrusion 27.

[0081] The energy required to tear off the ridge 71 from the supporting sleeve 40 reduces the speed of the supporting sleeve 40. This controlled deceleration helps prevent sudden stops or impacts that could potentially damage the well tool device 1. The retardation system 70 thus provides a resistance to relative movement between the housing 20 and the supporting sleeve 40, ensuring a more controlled transition to the final state.

[0082] By designing the ridge 71 as part of the supporting sleeve 40 and the protrusion 27 as part of the housing 20, the retardation system 70 may be achieved with fewer separate components.

[0083] To illustrate how the retardation system is achieved with fewer components, Fig. 3 a, 3b and 3c together show an exploded view of the well tool device 10. Fig. 3a shows the device comprises a housing 20 with two sections: a first housing section 20a and a second housing section 20b.

[0084] The first housing section 20a features a supporting surface 23a and a sealing element recess 23b. The sealing element recess 23b is configured for receiving the sealing element 35. As described above, the sealing element 35 is provided to create a fluid-tight seal between the frangible barrier element 30 and the housing 20, preventing fluid communication between the first bore location 21a and the second bore location 21b when the well tool device 10 is in its initial state.

[0085] The second housing section 20b includes the protrusion 27 that forms part of the retardation system 70. The protrusion 27 extends inwardly from the second housing section 20b.

[0086] The second housing section 20b contains a plurality of disintegration device supporting apertures, only one of which, labelled 26, can be seen here, and a plurality of shear element supporting apertures 25. The disintegration device supporting apertures 26 support corresponding disintegration devices 60 (shown in Fig. 3b) when the device 10 is assembled. Three disintegration devices 60 are also depicted, which in this case comprise knives 61. The shear element supporting apertures 25 support corresponding shear elements when the device 10 is assembled. A plurality of shear elements 50 are depicted (Fig 3c), which in this example comprise shear pins.

[0087] The supporting sleeve 40 is depicted in Fig. 3b, and has an inner surface 41, an outer surface 42, and a supporting surface 43 at its upper end. Corresponding recesses into which the disintegration device and shear elements extend are also provided in the supporting sleeve 40. Specifically, three shear element receiving recesses 45 are visible on the supporting sleeve 40, in the form of bands around the supporting sleeve 40, with each band configured to receive a plurality of shear elements. In addition, three longitudinal slots 46 are provided into which respective disintegration devices 60 protrude. These will be discussed in more detail below in relation to Fig. 4.

[0088] A locking system is provided to lock the first and second housing sections 20a, 20b to one another. The locking system comprises a locking recess 29b on the second housing section 20b and a corresponding locking aperture 29a on the first housing section 20a. A locking pin 90 is designed to fit through the locking aperture 29a and into the locking recess 29b, securing the two housing sections together. The locking system is provided in place during assembly, so that the housing sections 20a, 20b remain locked together during deployment and operation of the well tool device 10.

[0089] The well tool device 10 is assembled by first inserting the supporting sleeve 40 into the second housing section 20b. The shear elements 50 are then inserted from the outside of the second housing section 20b through the shear element supporting apertures 25 and into the shear element receiving recesses 45. This means that the supporting sleeve 40 is supported within the second housing section 20b by the shear elements 50. The disintegration devices 60 are inserted from the outside of the second housing section 20b through the disintegration device supporting apertures 26 and into the upper longitudinal slots 46. The disintegration devices 60 extend into the slots 46, so that they are impacted by a downwardly moving frangible barrier element 30.

[0090] Once the disintegration devices 60 and the shear elements 50 are in place, the frangible barrier element 30 is inserted on the supporting surface 43. Then the first housing section 20a is lowered over the second housing section 20b. The housing sections 20a, 20b are locked together using the locking system. The first housing section 20a therefore overlaps the second housing section 20b along the region OA indicated in Fig. 2. Such an overlap maintains the shear elements 50 within their corresponding apertures 25 and recesses 45 and the disintegration devices 60 in their corresponding apertures 26 and slots 46. It should be noted that only the larger parts of the well tool device 1 was described above - in addition, there are sealing elements (among them sealing element 35) and possibly also an intermediate layer between the supporting surface 23a and the frangible barrier element 30 and an intermediate layer between the supporting surface 43 and the frangible barrier element 30, to avoid or at least reduce direct contact between metal and glass, which in theory could cause an undesired damage to the glass during transport etc.

[0091] Turning now to Fig. 4, a perspective view of the supporting sleeve 40 is shown. The inner surface 41, the outer surface 42, the supporting surface 43, the upper longitudinal slot 46, and the shear element receiving recesses 45 as described in relation to Fig. 3b are all visible in Fig. 4. The supporting surface 43 can be seen to have a chamfered surface for supporting for the frangible barrier element 30 in the initial state of the well tool device 10.

[0092] The supporting sleeve comprises a plurality of fluid channels 48a, 48b. The openings near the top may be referred to as first radial fluid channels 48a, while those near the bottom may be referred to as second radial fluid channels 48b. The first radial fluid channels 48a are provided beneath the supporting surface 43, while the second radial fluid channels 48b are provided above the shear element receiving recesses 45. These channels may allow for fluid flow between the exterior and interior of the supporting sleeve 40.

[0093] A plurality of ridges 71, forming part of the retardation system 70, are provided on the outer surface 42 of the supporting sleeve 40. Three ridges are provided: a first ridge 71a, a second ridge 71b, and a third ridge 71c. The ridges wrap around the circumference of the supporting sleeve 40 in a helical pattern, and are intertwined with one another. The ridges 71 are provided between the first radial fluid channels 48a and the second radial fluid channels 48b.

[0094] The ridges 71a, 71b, and 71c form part of the retardation system 70. They protrude radially outward from the outer surface 42 of the supporting sleeve 40 and are designed to interact with the protrusion 27 on the housing 20 during the operation of the well tool device 10.

[0095] The helical arrangement of the ridges may provide a gradual engagement with the protrusion 27, potentially allowing for a more controlled deceleration of the supporting sleeve 40 as it moves within the housing 20. This design may contribute to the efficiency of the retardation system 70 in reducing the speed of relative movement between the supporting sleeve 40 and the housing 20 during the transition between states of the well tool device 10.

[0096] The presence of multiple ridge sets 71a, 71b, 71c may allow for a more distributed and potentially more effective retardation effect, as each set of ridges can engage with the protrusion 27 at different points during the movement of the supporting sleeve 40.

[0097] The ridges in Fig. 4 have the same dimensions along their length, although in other examples, such as the example describe in relation to Fig. 6 may have varying dimensions.

[0098] Fig. 5 illustrates a perspective view of the frangible barrier element 30. The frangible barrier element 30 has a cylindrical shape with a first end 31a and a second end 31b, defining its longitudinal extent. A sealing surface 31 forms the outer cylindrical surface of the element.

[0099] The frangible barrier element 30 also comprises a first chamfered surface 32a near the first end 31a and a second chamfered surface 32b near the second end 3 lb. These chamfered surfaces are angled sections that transition between the ends and the sealing surface 31.

[0100] When the device 10 is assembled, the first chamfered surface 32a is supported by the supporting surface 23a of the first housing section 20a, while the second chamfered surface 32b is supported by the supporting surface 43 provided in an upper end of the supporting sleeve 40.

[0101] The frangible barrier element 30 is considered to be prior art and will not be described in more detail here.

[0102] Fig. 6 illustrates a perspective view of a supporting sleeve 40, similar in construction to the one shown in Fig. 4. The supporting sleeve 40 includes an inner surface 41, an outer surface 42, a supporting surface 43, an upper longitudinal slot 46, first radial fluid channels 48a, and second radial fluid channels 48b.

[0103] The difference between this figure and Fig. 4 is the configuration of the ridges 71 on the outer surface 42. The height of each ridge varies, increasing from a first end of the ridge closer to a lower end of the supporting sleeve 40 to a second end of the ridge closer to the upper end of the supporting sleeve 40. Specifically, at the first end, the ridges have a first height Hl, and at the second end, the ridges have a second height H2. The second height H2 is greater than the first height Hl. Another difference is that Fig. 6 shows two shear element receiving recesses 45 instead of the three seen in Fig. 4.

[0104] Although not shown in the Figures, in some examples the ridges may be circular rather than helical.

[0105] LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

[0106] 1 prior art well tool device

[0107] 2 housing

[0108] 2a upper housing section

[0109] 2b lower housing section

[0110] 2b o bore

[0111] 2 s stop

[0112] 3 frangible barrier element

[0113] 4 supporting sleeve

[0114] 5 shear device

[0115] 5p shear pins

[0116] 5r shear pin ring

[0117] 5s upper sleeve

[0118] 6 disintegration device

[0119] 6k knives

[0120] 6s knife sleeve

[0121] 7 shock absorbing sleeve

[0122] 8 spacer sleeve

[0123] 10 well tool device

[0124] 20 housing

[0125] 20a first housing section

[0126] 20b second housing section

[0127] 21 bore

[0128] 21a first bore location

[0129] 21b second bore location

[0130] 22 seat

[0131] 23 a supporting surface

[0132] 23b sealing element recess

[0133] 25 shear element supporting apertures

[0134] 26 disintegration device supporting apertures

[0135] 27 protrusion

[0136] 29a locking aperture

[0137] 29b locking recess 30 frangible barrier element

[0138] 31 sealing surface

[0139] 31a first end

[0140] 31b second end

[0141] 32a first chamfered surface

[0142] 32b second chamfered surface

[0143] 35 sealing element

[0144] 40 supporting sleeve

[0145] 41 inner surface

[0146] 42 outer surface

[0147] 43 supporting surface

[0148] 43 supporting surface

[0149] 45 shear element receiving recess

[0150] 46 upper longitudinal slot

[0151] 48a first radial fluid channels

[0152] 48b second radial fluid channels

[0153] 50 shear element

[0154] 60 disintegration device

[0155] 61 knives

[0156] 70 retardation system

[0157] 71 ridges

[0158] 71a first ridge

[0159] 71b second ridge

[0160] 71c third ridge

[0161] 90 locking pin

[0162] DO initial distance

[0163] DI first distance

[0164] D2 second distance

[0165] Hl first height

[0166] H2 second height

[0167] OA overlapping region

Claims

CLAIMS1. A well tool device (10) comprising:- a housing (20) comprising a first housing section (20a) and a second housing section (20b);- a through bore (21) provided longitudinally through the housing (20);- a frangible barrier element (30) provided within the through bore (21);- a supporting sleeve (40) for supporting the frangible barrier element (30), wherein the supporting sleeve (40) is longitudinally movable relative to the housing (20) and has an inner surface (41) forming a part of the bore (21) and an outer surface (42);- a shear element (50);- a disintegration device (60) protruding radially into the bore (21); wherein the well tool device (10) is configured to be in an initial state, in which the shear element (50) is configured to prevent longitudinal movement of the supporting sleeve (40) relative to the housing (20); wherein the well tool device (10) is configured to be in an intermediate state, in which the shear element (50) has been sheared off and the frangible barrier element (30) and the supporting sleeve (40) start to move longitudinally until the frangible barrier element (30) has been brought into contact with the disintegration device (60); wherein the well tool device (10) is configured to be in a final state, in which the frangible barrier element (30) has been disintegrated by the disintegration device (60) and the longitudinal movement of the supporting sleeve (40) has stopped; characterized in that: the well tool device (10) comprises a retardation system (70) comprising:- a ridge (71) protruding radially outwardly from the outer surface (42) of the supporting sleeve (40);- a protrusion (27) protruding radially inwardly from the housing (20); wherein the ridge (71) is configured to be at least partially torn off from the supporting sleeve (40) by the protrusion (27) during transition from the intermediate state to the final state.

2. The well tool device (10) according to claim 1, wherein the ridge (71) is a helical ridge.

3. The well tool device (10) according to claim 2, wherein the retardation system (70) comprises two or more ridges (71a, 71b, 71c), wherein the ridges (71a, 71b, 71c) are intertwined with each other.

4. The well tool device (10) according to claim 2 or claim 3, wherein the helical ridge has a first portion and a second portion, and wherein the first portion of the helical ridge engages the protrusion before the second portion, and wherein a height (Hl) of the helical ridge is smaller than a height (H2) at the second portion.

5. The well tool device (10) according to claim 1, wherein the ridge (71) comprises a circular ridge.

6. The well tool device (10) according to claim 5, wherein the retardation system (70) comprises two or more circular ridges, wherein the ridges are spaced apart along the supporting sleeve (40).

7. The well tool device (10) according to claim 6, wherein the two or more circular ridges comprise a first circular ridge and a second circular ridge, wherein the first circular ridge engages the protrusion before the second circular ridge, and wherein a height of the first circular ridge is smaller than the height of the second circular ridge.

8. The well tool device (10) according to any one of the above claims, wherein the supporting sleeve (40) comprises a shear element receiving recess (45), and wherein the housing (20) comprises a shear element supporting aperture (25), wherein, in the initial state, the shear element (50) is supported by the shear element supporting aperture (25) and is protruding into the shear element receiving recess (45).

9. The well tool device (10) according to claim 8, wherein the shear element supporting aperture (25) is provided in the second housing section (20b), and wherein the first housing section (20a) is provided radially outside of the shear element supporting aperture (25).

10. The well tool device (10) according to claim 8 or claim 9, wherein the second housing section (20b) comprises a disintegration device supporting aperture (26) for supporting the disintegration device (60) in relation to the housing (20), and wherein the first housing section (20a) is provided radially outside of the disintegration device supporting aperture (26).

11. The well tool device (10) according to any of claims 8 to 10, wherein the first housing section (20a) comprises a locking aperture (29a), wherein the second housing section (20b) comprises a locking recess (29b), wherein the well tool device (10) comprises a locking pin (90) for locking the first housing section (20a) to the second housing section (20b) via the locking aperture (29a) and the locking recess (29b).

12. The well tool device (10) according to any one of the above claims, wherein at least a part of the first housing section (20a) is located radially outside of at least a part of the second housing section (20b).

13. The well tool device (10) according to any one of the above claims, wherein the supporting sleeve (40) comprises:- a first radial fluid channel (48a) for allowing fluid flow between the outside of the supporting sleeve (40) and the bore (21) at a location above the ridge (71); and - a second radial fluid channel (48b) for allowing fluid flow between the outside of the supporting sleeve (40) and the bore (21) at a location below the ridge (71).

14. The well tool device (10) according to any one of the above claims, wherein:- a first distance (DI) is defined as a distance needed for the frangible barrier element (30) to travel before it engages the disintegration device (60); - a second distance (D2) is defined as a distance needed for the supporting sleeve(40) to travel before the ridge (71) engages the protrusion (27);- the second distance (D2) is larger than the first distance (DI).

Images