Wellbore apparatus

Abstract

There is provided a method of electronically setting a wellbore apparatus (120) within a landing nipple (110) of a wellbore, wherein the apparatus (120) includes an electromechanical actuator (140) and a seal (126). The method involves, while the apparatus (120) is in a retracted condition, running it into a wellbore. The apparatus (120) is then located within a landing nipple (110) of the wellbore. Once located, the apparatus (120) is configured into a deployed condition by activating the electromechanical actuator (140) so as to displace the seal (126) towards an internal bore of the landing nipple (110).

Description

[0001] WELLBORE APPARATUS

[0002] TECHNICAL FIELD

[0003] This invention relates generally to a wellbore apparatus and a method of setting a wellbore apparatus. More specifically, although not exclusively, this invention relates to an electronically settable wellbore apparatus and a method of electronically setting a wellbore apparatus within a landing nipple of a wellbore.

[0004] BACKGROUND

[0005] Completed oil and gas wells are provided with landing nipples or nipple profiles at various locations within the wellbore. These are short sections of heavy wall tubular with a machined internal surface providing a seal area and a locking profile / recess and are used to place flow control devices at various locations within the well during the operational life thereof.

[0006] A no-go landing nipple is a specific type of landing nipple that incorporates a reduced diameter internal profile or shoulder that prevents the tool or device to be set from passing through the nipple.

[0007] Traditionally, setting a wellbore apparatus into a landing nipple has relied on mechanical methods. More specifically, the industry-standard process involves running the equipment into the well on slickline and mechanically jarring it into position to overcome friction between a seal provided on the equipment and a machined internal surface of the landing nipple. Further mechanical jarring is then required to lock the apparatus in the locking profile / recess.

[0008] The present applicants have discovered a number of drawbacks associated with currently deployed methods and apparatus. It has been found that repeated mechanical jarring can increase operational time, cause excessive wear on tools and pose a risk to personnel safety. Further, mechanical jarring also offers less control over setting forces and sealing quality. Additionally, conventional apparatus often use a v-packing seal arrangement which has been found to be effective in clean, polished bores. However, in the case of corroded or pitted bores these seals often fail to provide a reliable seal.

[0009] It is therefore a non-exclusive object of the invention to provide an apparatus and method that overcomes, or at least mitigates, some of the drawbacks associated with the prior art.SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0010] According to a first aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of electronically setting a wellbore apparatus within a landing nipple of a wellbore, the apparatus comprising an electromechanical actuator and a seal, the method comprising: while the apparatus is in a retracted condition, running it into a wellbore; locating the apparatus within a landing nipple; once located, configuring the apparatus into a deployed condition by activating the electromechanical actuator so as to displace the seal towards an internal bore of the landing nipple.

[0011] The landing nipple may be located in a wellbore, well completion, tubing hanger, safety valve and / or a sliding side door valve.

[0012] The landing nipple may be or may comprise a nipple profile. The landing nipple may alternatively be referred to as a nipple profile.

[0013] The method may comprise forcing the seal against the internal bore of the landing nipple.

[0014] The method may comprise providing a fluid-tight seal, liquid-tight seal and / or gas-tight seal between the seal and the internal bore of the landing nipple.

[0015] The method may comprise displacing the seal towards an internal bore of the landing nipple to thereby set the apparatus. The internal bore may be a seal bore. Alternatively, the internal bore may be a control bore.

[0016] The apparatus may comprise deployable locking keys, the locking keys being in a retracted state when the apparatus is in the retracted condition and a deployed state when the apparatus is in the deployed condition.

[0017] Locating the apparatus within a landing nipple may comprise aligning the locking keys with a recess in the landing nipple.

[0018] The method may comprise deploying the locking keys into the recess when the electromechanical actuator is activated. Deploying the locking keys may comprise displacing the locking keys radially outward. The method may comprise deploying the locking keys such that they engage the recess.The method may comprise deploying the locking keys into the recess to thereby set the apparatus.

[0019] The apparatus may comprise deployable slips, the slips being in a retracted state when the apparatus is in the retracted condition and a deployed state when the apparatus is in the deployed condition.

[0020] The method may comprise displacing the slips into contact with an internal bore, e.g. control bore, of a landing nipple when the electromechanical actuator is activated. Deploying the slips may comprise displacing the slips radially outward. The method may comprise deploying the slips such that they bite into the internal bore.

[0021] The method may comprise displacing the seal and deploying the locking keys simultaneously to thereby set the apparatus when the electromechanical actuator is activated.

[0022] It will be appreciated that the apparatus may be considered set only when the seal is displaced and the keys deployed. Alternatively, the apparatus may be considered set when the seal is displaced or the keys deployed.

[0023] The method may comprise displacing a profile relative to the seal to displace the seal towards an internal bore of the landing nipple when the electromechanical actuator is activated.

[0024] The method may comprise displacing a profile radially, e.g. towards an internal bore of the landing nipple, to displace the seal towards an internal bore of the landing nipple when the electromechanical actuator is activated. The method may comprise displacing the profile radially outwards.

[0025] The profile may comprise a ramp profile.

[0026] The method may comprise riding the seal along the ramp profile.

[0027] The method may comprise sliding the ramp profile relative to the seal.The method may comprise displacing the profile, e.g. ramp profile, in a downhole direction relative to the seal. Alternatively, the method may comprise displacing the profile, e.g. ramp profile, in an uphole direction relative to the seal.

[0028] The method may comprise pushing the profile, e.g. via the electromechanical actuator. Pushing the profile may comprise displacing the profile in a downhole direction.

[0029] The method may comprise pulling the profile, e.g. via the electromechanical actuator. Pulling the profile may comprise displacing the profile in an uphole direction.

[0030] The method may comprise radially displacing the seal, e.g. as a result of displacement of the profile.

[0031] The method may comprise displacing the profile towards a further, e.g. fixed, profile so as to compress the seal. The fixed profile may be an abutment.

[0032] The method may comprise displacing the profile in a downhole direction relative to the seal and / or fixed further profile. Alternatively, the method may comprise displacing the profile in an uphole direction relative to the seal and / or fixed further profile.

[0033] The method may comprise displacing a pair of opposed profiles towards one another so as to compress the seal. The seal may be located between the, e.g. opposed, profiles.

[0034] Compressing the seal may comprise deforming the seal. The seal may be deformed towards an internal bore of a landing nipple.

[0035] The apparatus may comprise two seals spaced apart along a longitudinal axis of the apparatus. The method may comprise displacing each of the seals, e.g. simultaneously. The method may comprise displacing one seal towards a seal bore and a second seal towards a control bore.

[0036] The method may comprise displacing a respective profile relative to the each seal to displace it towards an internal bore of the landing nipple when the electromechanical actuator is activated.The method may comprise displacing a ramp profile relative to the locking keys to deploy the locking keys into a recess in the landing nipple when the electromechanical actuator is activated.

[0037] The method may comprise displacing a profile radially, e.g. outwards, relative to the locking keys to deploy the locking keys into a recess in the landing nipple when the electromechanical actuator is activated. The profile may contact, push and / or displace the locking keys radially outwards towards the recess.

[0038] The method may comprise displacing the ramp profile in a downhole direction relative to the locking keys. Alternatively, the method may comprise displacing the ramp profile in an uphole direction relative to the locking keys.

[0039] The method may comprise displacing the ramp profile in the same direction as the profile.

[0040] The method may comprise displacing the ramp profile the same distance as the profile.

[0041] The ramp profile and profile may be connected.

[0042] The method may comprise displacing a ramp profile relative to the slips to displace the slips when the electromechanical actuator is activated.

[0043] The electromechanical actuator may comprise a linear actuator or screw actuator. Activation of the electromechanical actuator may comprise retracting a core or screw thereof. Activation of the electromechanical actuator may comprise moving a core or screw thereof in an uphole direction.

[0044] Activation of the electromechanical actuator may comprise extending a core or screw thereof. Activation of the electromechanical actuator may comprise moving a core or screw thereof in a downhole direction.

[0045] The apparatus may comprise a body and the electromechanical actuator may be connected to the body via a shear member.

[0046] The shear member may comprise a shear pin, a shear ring or a shear screw.A core or screw of the electromechanical actuator may be connected to the body via a shear member.

[0047] The method may comprise: once the apparatus is set within a landing nipple, activating the electromechanical actuator or maintaining the electromechanical actuator in an activated state so as to shear the shear member.

[0048] The method may comprise retrieving the electromechanical actuator from the wellbore subsequent to shearing the shear member.

[0049] The landing nipple may be a no-go landing nipple.

[0050] The method may comprise locating the apparatus within a landing nipple by contacting a no-go of the apparatus with a no-go of the landing nipple.

[0051] The method may comprise lifting the apparatus off a no-go of the landing nipple after locating within the landing nipple and prior to activating the electromechanical actuator.

[0052] The landing nipple may be a selective landing nipple.

[0053] The method may comprise locating the apparatus within a selective landing nipple by engaging a profile of the apparatus or running tool, e.g. used to run the apparatus into the wellbore, with a profile of the selective landing nipple.

[0054] The method may comprise running the apparatus through or past one or more landing nipples, e.g. to reach the selective landing nipple.

[0055] The method may comprise setting the apparatus within a landing nipple without mechanically jarring the apparatus.

[0056] The method may comprise running the apparatus into the wellbore on a slickline or an e-line. The method may comprise running the apparatus into the wellbore using coiled tubing, drill string or a solid rod lubricator.The method may comprise sending a control signal from a surface location along the e-line to activate the electromechanical actuator.

[0057] The method may comprise activating the electromechanical actuator based on a timer, e.g. when the apparatus is run into the wellbore on a slickline.

[0058] The method may comprise activating the electromechanical actuator or a timer thereof based on an activation sequence, e.g. a pressure command sequence or pressure activation sequence.

[0059] An outer diameter of the seal may be less than an internal diameter of the landing nipple when the apparatus is in the retracted condition.

[0060] The apparatus may comprise a lock mandrel. The apparatus or lock mandrel may comprise a valve or flow control device. The lock mandrel may comprise a wellbore tool or apparatus connected thereto, e.g. at a downhole or uphole end thereof. The apparatus or lock mandrel may comprise a plug, equalizing device, safety valve or straddle.

[0061] According to another aspect of the invention, there is provided an electronically settable wellbore apparatus for setting within a landing nipple of a wellbore, the apparatus comprising: an electromechanical actuator; a deployment member; a seal for sealing against an internal bore of a landing nipple; one or more locking keys configured to be deployed into a recess of a landing nipple; wherein the apparatus has a retracted condition in which the seal and locking keys are in a retracted state and a deployed condition in which the seal and locking keys are in a deployed state; wherein, when activated, the electromechanical actuator is configured to displace the deployment member relative to each of the seal and one or more locking keys in or to reconfigure the apparatus from the retracted condition to the deployed condition.

[0062] The electromechanical actuator and / or deployment member may be configured to force the seal against an internal bore of a landing nipple, in use. The internal bore may be a seal bore. Alternatively, the internal bore may be a control bore.

[0063] The apparatus may comprise an outer body. The outer body may support the seal and locking keys.The seal may be located uphole of the locking keys, in use.

[0064] The apparatus may comprise deployable slips, the slips being in a retracted state when the apparatus is in the retracted condition and a deployed state when the apparatus is in the deployed condition.

[0065] When activated, the electromechanical actuator may be configured to displace the deployment member relative to the slips. The electromechanical actuator and / or deployment member may be configured to radially displace the slips into contact with, e.g. bite into, an internal bore, e.g. control bore, of a landing nipple.

[0066] The electromechanical actuator may be configured to displace the deployment member relative to the outer body, e.g. when activated.

[0067] The outer body may comprise a sleeve. The seal and locking keys may be displaceable radially relative to the outer body and / or constrained to move axially with the outer body.

[0068] The deployment member may comprise a first ramp profile configured to radially displace the locking keys. The deployment member may comprise a second profile configured to radially displace the seal. The second profile may comprise a ramp profile. The deployment member may comprise a third profile configured to radially displace the slips.

[0069] The deployment member may be unitary. Alternatively, the deployment member may comprise a plurality of parts connected together. A first part may comprise the first ramp profile and a second part may comprise the second profile. The first part and second part may be constrained to move together. The deployment member may be referred to as an expander mandrel.

[0070] The deployment member may comprise a profile axially moveable relative to a further, e.g. fixed, profile. The seal may be located between the profile and further profile, wherein the electromechanical actuator may be configured to displace the profile towards the further profile so as to compress the seal.

[0071] The further profile may be provided on the outer housing.The deployment member may comprise a pair of opposed profiles. The seal may be located between the profiles, wherein the electromechanical actuator may be configured to displace the profiles towards one another so as to compress the seal.

[0072] The deployment member may be configured to displace the seal and locking keys simultaneously.

[0073] The apparatus may comprise two seals spaced apart along a longitudinal axis of the apparatus. The two seals may be identical. The seals may be different in one or more of shape, size, material and / or configuration. A first seal may be configured to seal against a control bore and a second seal may be configured to seal against a seal bore.

[0074] A first seal seal may be located uphole of the locking keys and a second seal may be located downhole of the locking keys, in use.

[0075] The deployment member may comprise a respective profile configured to radially displace each of the seals. Each profile may comprise a ramp profile.

[0076] The deployment member may comprise a first profile axially moveable relative to a first further, e.g. fixed, profile. The deployment member may comprise a second profile axially moveable relative to a second further, e.g. fixed, profile. A first seal may be located between the first profile and first further profile and a second seal may be located between the second profile and the second further profile, wherein the electromechanical actuator may be configured to displace the first and second profiles towards the first and second further profiles so as to compress the first and second seals.

[0077] The first and second further profiles may be provided on the outer housing.

[0078] The deployment member may be received within the outer body. The deployment member may be slidably received within the outer body. The deployment member may be movable relative to the outer body.

[0079] The deployment member may be radially displaceable. The deployment member may be configured to displace a profile radially outwards, e.g. towards an internal bore of the landing nipple. The deployment member may comprise a radially movable or displaceableprofile. The deployment member may comprise a plurality of such radially movable or displaceable profiles, e.g. circumferentially spaced from one another. The deployment member and / or profile may be configured to displace the seal and / or one or more locking keys towards an internal bore of the landing nipple when the electromechanical actuator is activated.

[0080] The deployment member and / or outer body may comprise a stop arranged to limit the displacement of the deployment member relative to the outer body.

[0081] The electromechanical actuator may comprise a linear actuator or screw actuator. The electromechanical actuator may be configured to retract a core or screw thereof upon activation. Retraction of the core or screw may comprise moving the core or screw in an uphole direction. Alternatively, the electromechanical actuator may be configured to extend a core or screw thereof upon activation. Extension of the core or screw may comprise moving the core or screw in a downhole direction.

[0082] The electromechanical actuator may be connected to the outer body via a shear member. The shear member may be located at or proximate a downhole end of the outer body. The electromechanical actuator may be axially fixed relative to the outer body.

[0083] The shear member may comprise a shear pin, a shear ring or a shear screw.

[0084] A core or screw of the electromechanical actuator may be connected to the outer body via a shear member.

[0085] The electromechanical actuator may comprise an abutment shoulder configured to engage a portion of the deployment member. The portion of the deployment member may comprise an uphole free end thereof.

[0086] In use, activation of the electromechanical actuator may cause retraction of the core or screw thereof. Activation of the electromechanical actuator may cause the abutment shoulder to apply a pushing force to the deployment member. Pushing the deployment member may comprise displacing the deployment member in a downhole direction, e.g. relative to the outer housing.The electromechanical actuator may be connected to the deployment member via a shear pin. The shear member may be located at or proximate a downhole end of the deployment member. The electromechanical actuator may be axially fixed relative to the deployment member.

[0087] A core or screw of the electromechanical actuator may be connected to the deployment member via a shear member.

[0088] In use, activation of the electromechanical actuator may comprise retraction of the core or screw thereof. Activation of the electromechanical actuator may cause the shear member to apply a pulling force to the deployment member. Pulling the deployment member may comprise displacing the deployment member in an uphole direction, e.g. relative to the outer housing.

[0089] In the deployed condition each of the seal and locking keys may protrude from an outer surface of the apparatus.

[0090] The seal may comprise an elastomeric seal. The seal may be annular.

[0091] The apparatus may be a lock mandrel.

[0092] The outer housing may comprise a shoulder configured to engage or contact a no-go of a landing nipple, e.g. a no-go landing nipple. The shoulder may comprise a no-go of the apparatus.

[0093] The apparatus may comprise a profile configured to engage or contact a profile of a selective landing nipple.

[0094] The electromechanical actuator and / or outer housing may comprise a fishing neck or fishing profile.

[0095] A downhole end of tool may have an attachment means for attachment of a further wellbore apparatus, tool or accessory. The outer housing may comprise the attachment means. The attachment means may comprise a thread.According to another aspect of the invention, there is provided a drillstring, running tool, workover assembly, toolstring or workstring comprising an apparatus as described above.

[0096] For the avoidance of doubt, any of the features described herein apply equally to any aspect of the invention. For example, the apparatus may comprise any one or more features of the method relevant to the apparatus and / or the method may comprise any one or more features or steps relevant to one or more features of the method.

[0097] Another aspect of the invention provides a computer program element comprising and / or describing and / or defining a three-dimensional design for use with a simulation means or a three-dimensional additive or subtractive manufacturing means or device, e.g. a three-dimensional printer or CNC machine, the three-dimensional design comprising an embodiment of the apparatus described above.

[0098] Within the scope of this application it is expressly intended that the various aspects, embodiments, examples and alternatives set out in the preceding paragraphs, in the claims and / or in the following description and drawings, and in particular the individual features thereof, may be taken independently or in any combination. That is, all embodiments and / or features of any embodiment can be combined in any way and / or combination, unless such features are incompatible. For the avoidance of doubt, the terms “may”, “and / or”, “e.g.”, “for example” and any similar term as used herein should be interpreted as non-limiting such that any feature so-described need not be present. Indeed, any combination of optional features is expressly envisaged without departing from the scope of the invention, whether or not these are expressly claimed. The applicant reserves the right to change any originally filed claim or file any new claim accordingly, including the right to amend any originally filed claim to depend from and / or incorporate any feature of any other claim although not originally claimed in that manner.

[0099] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0100] Embodiments of the invention will now be described by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

[0101] Figure 1 is a cross-sectional view of a prior art wellbore apparatus received within a landing nipple prior to being set;Figure 1a is a detail view of the seal of Figure 1;

[0102] Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view of the wellbore apparatus of Figure 1 after being set within the landing nipple;

[0103] Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view of a wellbore apparatus according to an embodiment of the invention located within a landing nipple prior to being set;

[0104] Figure 3a is a detail view of the seal of Figure 3;

[0105] Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view of the wellbore apparatus of Figure 3 after being set within the landing nipple;

[0106] Figure 4a is a detail view of the seal of Figure 4;

[0107] Figure 5 is cross-sectional view of the wellbore apparatus of Figure 4 after the shear pin has been sheared and the electromechanical actuator partially retrieved;

[0108] Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view of a wellbore apparatus according to another embodiment of the invention located within a landing nipple prior to being set;

[0109] Figure 7 is a detail view of the wellbore apparatus of Figure 6;

[0110] Figure 7a is a detail view of the seal of Figure 7;

[0111] Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view of the wellbore apparatus of Figure 6 after being set within the landing nipple;

[0112] Figure 9 is a detail view of the wellbore apparatus of Figure 8;

[0113] Figure 9a is a detail view of the seal of Figure 9;DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0114] Referring now to Figures 1 and 1a, there is shown a prior art wellbore apparatus 20 for setting within a landing nipple 10 of a wellbore. The wellbore apparatus 20 is arranged to be run into the well on slickline and set using a running / setting tool 40.

[0115] The landing nipple 10 is short section of heavy wall tubular having a machined internal surface and is used to place flow control devices at various locations within the well during the operational life thereof. The landing nipple 10 is a no-go landing nipple in this case, and includes a reduced diameter internal shoulder 12, otherwise known as a “no-go”, shown more clearly in Figure 1a. The no-go 12 prevents the tool or device to be set from passing downhole through and beyond the landing nipple 10.

[0116] The landing nipple 10 also includes a recess 14 downhole of the no-go 12 for receipt of one or more locking keys (described in greater detail below), arranged to secure the wellbore apparatus 20 therewithin. Downhole of the recess 14 is a machined internal surface providing a seal area 16 configured to provide a fluid-tight seal with the wellbore apparatus 20 when the apparatus 10 is in a deployed condition. The seal area 16 may alternatively be referred to as a seal bore. Uphole of the recess 14 is a further machined internal surface providing a control bore 18.

[0117] The wellbore apparatus 20 is a lock mandrel and is shown in Figure 1 in a retracted condition and prior to being set. The wellbore apparatus 20 includes an outer housing 22 in the form of a tubular body. The outer housing 22 has a no-go 23 arranged to contact the no-go 12 of the landing nipple 10 when the apparatus 20 is correctly located.

[0118] The outer housing 22 supports a plurality of locking keys 24 and a seal 26. The locking keys 24 are configured to be deployed into the recess 14 when the wellbore apparatus 20 is in a deployed condition. The apparatus 10 is shown in a retracted state in Figure 1, wherein the locking keys 24 are positioned uphole of the recess. The seal 26 in the prior art arrangement is a V-packing seal stack and is oversized, i.e. it has an outer diameter greater than the internal diameter of the seal area 16. As such, the wellbore apparatus 20 must be mechanically jarred in order to correctly located it within the landing nipple 10. More specifically, mechanical jarring is required to move the tool downhole and overcome friction between the seal area 16 and seal 26. When the wellbore apparatus 20 is correctly located, the locking keys 24 are aligned with the recess 14 in the landing nipple 10.An actuation sleeve 28 is slidably received within the outer housing 22, movable relative thereto, and is configured to radially displace the locking keys 24. The actuation sleeve 28 is also a tubular body and includes a ramp profile 30 which, when the apparatus 20 is correctly located, can be displaced relative to the locking keys 24 to displace the locking keys 24 into the recess 14. It will be appreciated that in Figure 1, as the locking keys 24 are located within the control bore 18 and not correctly located at / within the recess 14, they cannot be radially displaced and the actuation sleeve 28 is axially constrained relative to the outer housing 22.

[0119] In use, a wellbore tool / accessory will be connected to a downhole end of the outer housing 32.

[0120] As mentioned above, the prior art wellbore apparatus 20 is deployed into a well using a running tool 40 having a driving element 42 at an uphole end and a core 44. The core 44 passes into the outer housing 22 and actuation sleeve 28 of the wellbore apparatus 20 and is connected to the outer housing 22 via a shear pin 46 at a location between the locking keys 24 and the seal 26. The core 44 is received within a socket 43 at downhole end of the driving element 42 and the driving element 42 is slidable relative to the core 44. The driving element 42 includes an abutment shoulder 48 in contact with an uphole free end 28a of the acuation sleeve 28 and is configured to apply a mechanical jarring force to the apparatus 20 via the shoulder 48 / free end 28a.

[0121] A mechanical jarring force is applied to the wellbore apparatus 20 via the running tool 40 and actuation sleeve 48. The mechanical jarring force is applied by repeated lifting and dropping of the toolstring / workstring until the locking keys 24 are correctly located at / within the recess 14.

[0122] Once the wellbore apparatus 20 is correctly positioned, with the locking keys 24 aligned with the recess 14 and the no-go 23 of the outer housing 22 in contact with the no-go 12 of the landing nipple 10, further mechanical jarring results in displacement of the actuation sleeve 28 relative to the outer housing 22. The ramp profile 30 is displaced relative to the locking keys 24 and displace them into the recess 14. The wellbore apparatus 20 is then set with the locking keys 24 in a deployed state, as is shown in Figure 2.In order to retrieve the running tool 40, a pulling force is applied via the slickline to shear the shear pin 46 and decouple the running tool 40 from the outer housing 22. The running tool 40 is then retrieved, leaving the wellbore apparatus 20 installed within the landing nipple 10, as shown in Figure 2.

[0123] It will be appreciated that the prior art method of deployment, involving repeated mechanical jarring will increase operational time, cause excessive wear on tools and pose a risk to personnel safety. Further, it will be appreciated that there is little to no control over setting forces and sealing quality.

[0124] Referring now to Figures 3 and 3a, there is shown a wellbore apparatus 120 according to an embodiment of the invention for setting within a landing nipple 110 of a wellbore. The wellbore apparatus 120 is arranged to be run into the well on slickline ore-line and set using an electromechanical actuator 140.

[0125] The landing nipple 110 is similar to the landing nipple 10 described above, wherein like features are denoted by like references incremented by 100.

[0126] The wellbore apparatus 120 is a lock mandrel and is shown in Figures 3 and 3a in a retracted condition and prior to being set. The wellbore apparatus 120 includes an outer housing 122 in the form of a tubular body. The outer housing 122 has a no-go 123 arranged to contact the no-go 112 of the landing nipple 110 when the apparatus 120 is correctly located.

[0127] The outer housing 122 supports a plurality of locking keys 124 and a seal 126. The locking keys 124 and seal 126 are displaceable radially relative to the outer body 122 and constrained to move axially with the outer body 122 in this embodiment. The locking keys 124 are configured to be deployed into the recess 114 when the wellbore apparatus 120 is in a deployed condition. The apparatus 110 is shown in a retracted state in Figure 3, wherein the locking keys 124 are positioned aligned with the recess.

[0128] The seal 126 in this arrangement is elastomeric and undersized, i.e. when the wellbore apparatus 120 is in the retracted condition the seal 126 has an outer diameter less than the internal diameter of the seal area 116. As such, in the retracted condition the wellbore apparatus 120 can be correctly located within the landing nipple 110 without mechanicaljarring. More specifically, in the retracted condition the locking keys 124 and seal 126 are in a retracted state in which they do not protrude from an outer surface of the outer housing 122. Therefore, no mechanical jarring is required to move the tool downhole and overcome friction between the seal area 116 and seal 126.

[0129] A deployment member 128 is slidably received within the outer housing 122, movable relative thereto, and is configured to radially displace the locking keys 124 and seal 126. The deployment member 128 is formed of a first part 128a and a second part 128b in this embodiment, wherein the parts 128a, 128b together form a tubular body. The first part 128a includes a first ramp profile 130 configured to radially displace the locking keys 124 and the second part 128b includes a second ramp profile 132 configured to radially displace the seal 126. The first and second parts 128a, 128b are constrained to move together axially in this embodiment, such that the deployment member 128 is configured to displace the locking keys 124 and seal 126 simultaneously. The outer housing 122 includes an end stop 134 for limiting the displacement of the deployment member 128.

[0130] As will be described in greater detail below, as the locking keys 124 are correctly located at / within the recess 114 without mechanical jarring, they can be radially displaced upon activation of the electromechanical actuator 140.

[0131] In use, a wellbore tool / accessory will be connected to a downhole end 136 of the outer housing 122.

[0132] The wellbore apparatus 120 is deployed into a well using a running tool having an electromechanical actuator 140. The electromechanical actuator 140 is a screw actuator in this embodiment having a driving element 142 including a screw 144 and an abutment shoulder 146. The abutment shoulder 146 is in contact with an uphole free end 128a of the deployment member 128 and is configured to apply a pushing force thereto when the electromechanical actuator 140 is activated.

[0133] The electromechanical actuator 140 includes a core 148 that passes into the outer housing 122 and deployment member 128 of the wellbore apparatus 120 and is connected to the outer housing 122 via a shear pin 149 at a location downhole of the locking keys 124 and the seal 126. The core 148 is connected at a downhole end of the screw 144 and is constrained to move axially therewith.When the wellbore apparatus 120 is located within the landing nipple 110 such that the no-go 123 contacts the no-go 112 of the landing nipple 110, the electromechanical actuator 140 is activated in order to reconfigure the wellbore apparatus 120 into a deployed condition, as shown in Figures 4 and 4a. It will be appreciated that when the wellbore apparatus 120 is run into a wellbore on an e-line a signal is sent from a surface location in order to activate the electromechanical actuator 140. Alternatively, when the wellbore apparatus 120 is run into a wellbore on a slickline, activation of the electromechanical actuator 140 may be based on a timer.

[0134] When the electromechanical actuator 140 is activated, the screw 144 is retracted thereby applying a pushing force to the deployment member 128 via the abutment shoulder 146. The deployment member 128 is displaced in a downhole direction relative to the outer body 122, locking keys 124 and seal 126 until it contacts the end stop 134. In turn, the first ramp profile 130 is displaced relative to the locking keys 124 so as to deploy them into the recess 114 and the second ramp profile 132 is displaced relative to the seal 126 so as to displace it towards the internal bore 116. The locking keys 124 and seal 126 ride along the respective first and second ramp profiles 130, 132.

[0135] Referring now to Figure 5, once the wellbore apparatus 120 is set, the running tool and electromechanical actuator 140 are retrieved. The electromechanical actuator 140 is activated or maintained in an activated state after the wellbore apparatus has been configured into the deployed condition. The screw 144 is retracted thereby applying a pulling force to the shear pin 149. Once shear pin 149 has sheared, the core 148 is decoupled from the outer housing 122 allowing the electromechanical actuator 140 to be retrieved.

[0136] Referring now to Figures 6, 7 and 7a, there is shown a wellbore apparatus 220 according to another embodiment of the invention for setting within a landing nipple 210 of a wellbore. The wellbore apparatus 220 is arranged to be run into the well on slickline or e-line and set using an electromechanical actuator 240.

[0137] The landing nipple 210 is similar to the landing nipple 110 described above, wherein like features are denoted by like references incremented by 100.The wellbore apparatus 220 is a lock mandrel and is shown in Figures 6, 7 and 7a in a retracted condition and prior to being set. The wellbore apparatus 220 is similar to wellbore apparatus 110, wherein like features are denoted by like references incremented by 100 and only the salient differences will be described hereinafter.

[0138] The outer housing 222 supports a plurality of locking keys 224 and two seals 226a, 226b spaced apart along the wellbore apparatus 220. The two seals 226a, 226b are annular and identical in this embodiment. The locking keys 224 and seals 226a, 226b are displaceable radially relative to the outer body 222 and constrained to move axially with the outer body 222 in this embodiment. The apparatus 210 is shown in a retracted state in Figures 6, 7 and 7a, wherein the locking keys 224 are positioned aligned with the recess 214.

[0139] In a similar manner to the wellbore apparatus 110, the seals 226a, 226b in this arrangement are elastomeric and undersized, i.e. when the wellbore apparatus 220 is in the retracted condition the seals 226a, 226b have an outer diameter less than the internal diameter of the seal area 216. As such, in the retracted condition the wellbore apparatus 220 can be correctly located within the landing nipple 210 without mechanical jarring.

[0140] The deployment member 228 is slidably received within the outer housing 222, movable relative thereto, and is configured to radially displace the locking keys 224 and seals 226a, 226b.

[0141] The deployment member 228 includes a ramp profile 230 configured to radially displace the locking keys 224. The deployment member 228 includes a first seal displacement profile 232 axially moveable relative to a first further fixed profile 234. The deployment member 228 also includes a second seal displacement profile 236 axially moveable relative to a second further fixed profile 238. Each profile 232;238 is a ramp profile in this embodiment.

[0142] A first seal 226a is located between the first seal displacement profile 232 and first further fixed profile 234 and a second seal 226b is located between the second seal displacement profile 236 and the second further fixed profile 238. The first further fixed profile and second further fixed profile 234, 238 are each provided as part of the outer housing 222 in this embodiment. The displacement member 228 includes two abutment surfaces 239 which, as will be described in greater detail below, are configured to displace the first and secondseal displacement profiles 232, 236 towards the first and second further profiles 234, 238 so as to compress the first and second seals 226a, 226b.

[0143] The first and second seal displacement profiles 232, 236 are constrained to move together axially in this embodiment, such that the deployment member 228 is configured to displace the seals 226a, 226b simultaneously.

[0144] In a similar manner to the wellbore apparatus 120, wellbore apparatus 220 is deployed into a well using a running tool having an electromechanical actuator 240. The electromechanical actuator 240 is a screw actuator in this embodiment having a driving element 242 including a screw 244 and an abutment shoulder 246.

[0145] The electromechanical actuator 240 includes a core 248 that passes into the outer housing 222 and deployment member 228 of the wellbore apparatus 220 and is connected to the deployment member 228 via a shear pin 249 at a location downhole of the locking keys 224 and the seals 226a, 226b. The abutment shoulder 246 is in contact with an uphole free end 228a of the deployment member 228 and is configured to apply a pulling force to the deployment member 228 via the shear pin 249 when the electromechanical actuator 240 is activated.

[0146] When the wellbore apparatus 220 is located within the landing nipple 210, the electromechanical actuator 240 is activated in order to reconfigure the wellbore apparatus 220 into a deployed condition, as shown in Figures 8, 9 and 9a.

[0147] When the electromechanical actuator 240 is activated, the screw 244 is retracted thereby applying a pulling force to the deployment member 228 via the shear pin 249. The deployment member 228 is displaced in an uphole direction relative to the outer body 222. In turn, the first ramp profile 230 is displaced relative to the locking keys 224 so as to deploy them into the recess 214. Further, the first seal displacement profile 232 is displaced towards the first further profile 234 so as to compress the first seal 226a and the second seal displacement profile 236 is displaced towards the second further profile 238 so as to compress the second seal 226b. As the seals 226a, 226b are compressed, they are displaced radially and forced against the internal bore 216 thereby providing a fluid-tight seal.Once the wellbore apparatus 220 is set, the running tool and electromechanical actuator 240 are retrieved. The electromechanical actuator 240 is activated or maintained in an activated state after the wellbore apparatus has been configured into the deployed condition. The screw 244 is retracted thereby applying a pulling force to the shear pin 249. Once shear pin 249 has sheared, the core 248 is decoupled from the deployment member 228 allowing the electromechanical actuator 240 to be retrieved.

[0148] It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that several variations to the aforementioned embodiments are envisaged without departing from the scope of the invention.

[0149] It will also be appreciated by those skilled in the art that any number of combinations of the aforementioned features and / or those shown in the appended drawings provide clear advantages over the prior art and are therefore within the scope of the invention described herein.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A method of electronically setting a wellbore apparatus within a landing nipple of a wellbore, the apparatus comprising an electromechanical actuator and a seal, the method comprising:while the apparatus is in a retracted condition, running it into a wellbore; locating the apparatus within a landing nipple;once located, configuring the apparatus into a deployed condition by activating the electromechanical actuator so as to displace the seal towards an internal bore of the landing nipple.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein the apparatus comprises deployable locking keys, the locking keys being in a retracted state when the apparatus is in the retracted condition and a deployed state when the apparatus is in the deployed condition; wherein locating the apparatus within a landing nipple comprises aligning the locking keys with a recess in the landing nipple;the method comprising deploying the locking keys into the recess when the electromechanical actuator is activated.

3. The method of claim 2, comprising displacing the seal and deploying the locking keys simultaneously to thereby set the apparatus when the electromechanical actuator is activated.

4. The method of any preceding claim, comprising displacing a profile relative to the seal to displace the seal towards an internal bore of the landing nipple when the electromechanical actuator is activated.

5. The method of claim 4, wherein the profile comprises a ramp profile, and the method comprises riding the seal along the ramp profile.

6. The method of claim 4, comprising displacing the profile towards a fixed further profile so as to compress the seal.

7. The method of claim 2 or claim 3, comprising displacing a ramp profile relative to the locking keys to deploy the locking keys into a recess in the landing nipple when the electromechanical actuator is activated.

8. The method of any preceding claim, wherein the apparatus comprises a body and the electromechanical actuator is connected to the body via a shear member, the method comprising:once the apparatus is set within a landing nipple, activating the electromechanical actuator or maintaining the electromechanical actuator in an activated state so as to shear the shear member.

9. The method of claim 8, comprising retrieving the electromechanical actuator from the wellbore subsequent to shearing the shear member.

10. The method of any preceding claim, comprising locating the apparatus within a landing nipple by contacting a no-go of the apparatus with a no-go of the landing nipple.

11. The method of any preceding claim, comprising setting the apparatus within a landing nipple without mechanically jarring the apparatus.

12. The method of any preceding claim, comprising running the apparatus into the wellbore on a slickline or an e-line.

13. The method of claim 10, comprising sending a control signal from a surface location along the e-line to activate the electromechanical actuator or activating the electromechanical actuator based on a timer when the apparatus is run into the wellbore on a slickline.

14. The method of any preceding claim, wherein an outer diameter of the seal is less than an internal diameter of the landing nipple when the apparatus is in the retracted condition.

15. The method of any preceding claim, wherein the apparatus comprises a lock mandrel.

16. An electronically settable wellbore apparatus for setting within a landing nipple of a wellbore, the apparatus comprising:an electromechanical actuator;a deployment member;a seal for sealing against an internal bore of a landing nipple;one or more locking keys configured to be deployed into a recess of a landing nipple; wherein the apparatus has a retracted condition in which the seal and locking keys are in a retracted state and a deployed condition in which the seal and locking keys are in a deployed state;wherein, when activated, the electromechanical actuator is configured to displace the deployment member relative to each of the seal and one or more locking keys in or to reconfigure the apparatus from the retracted condition to the deployed condition.

17. The apparatus of claim 16, wherein the apparatus comprises an outer body supporting the seal and locking keys, wherein the electromechanical actuator is configured to displace the deployment member relative to the outer body.

18. The apparatus of claim 17, wherein the outer body comprises a sleeve and the seal and locking keys are displaceable radially relative to the outer body and constrained to move axially with the outer body.

19. The apparatus of any one of claims 16 to 18, wherein the deployment member comprises a first ramp profile configured to radially displace the locking keys and a second ramp profile configured to radially displace the seal.

20. The apparatus of any one of claims 16 to 18, wherein the deployment member comprises a profile axially moveable relative to a fixed further profile and the seal is located between the profile and fixed profile, wherein the electromechanical actuator is configured to displace the profile towards the fixed further profile so as to compress the seal.

21. The apparatus of any one of claims 16 to 20, wherein the deployment member is configured to displace the seal and locking keys simultaneously.

22. The apparatus of any one of claims 16 to 21, wherein the electromechanical actuator is connected to the outer body via a shear member.

23. The apparatus of any one of claims 16 to 22, wherein in the deployed condition each of the seal and locking keys protrude from an outer surface of the apparatus.

24. The apparatus of any one of claims 16 to 23, wherein the seal comprises an elastomeric annular seal.

25. The apparatus of any one of claims 16 to 24, wherein the apparatus is a lock mandrel.

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