Annulus Pressure Release Running Tool for Stuck Downhole Tools
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Downhole tools in the oil and gas industry face premature shearing issues due to wear in shearable elements, leading to premature setting or disconnection, especially in long and heavy assemblies for horizontal or inclined wellbores, where forces exerted on these elements are substantial, and there is a need for a method to safely release running tools without setting the downhole tool when stuck.
Innovation Solution
A running tool design that maintains torque-lock during deployment and allows release using annulus pressure or a contingency release option by increasing fluid pressure, enabling the running tool to be detached from the downhole tool assembly without pre-setting, utilizing a torque-lock feature that transitions from a torque-locked to a torque-released position.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If additional or stronger shearable elements are included to prevent premature shearing, then the strength and reliability of the connection is improved, but the force required to deliberately shear these elements exceeds what can be developed through the tubing string
Solution Approach 1:
The connection system is divided into two distinct shearable element sets: first shearable elements with lower shear strength for normal release operations, and second shearable elements with higher shear strength for stuck tool recovery. This segmentation allows each set to be optimized for its specific function without compromising the other.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the shear strength parameter of different shearable elements to create a hierarchical release system. The first shearable elements have a first shear strength optimized for normal operations, while the second shearable elements have a second shear strength (higher than the first) optimized for stuck tool recovery, allowing force requirements to be matched to operational needs.
2Reliability
If the downhole tool assembly becomes stuck in the wellbore, then the reliability of tool placement is improved, but the ability to retrieve the running tool and tubing string is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates second shearable elements that are pre-configured to remain intact during normal operations but can be selectively sheared in stuck tool scenarios. This preliminary preparation enables recovery operations without requiring to set the downhole tool first, as the second shearable elements provide a predetermined failure point for retrieval.
Solution Approach 2:
The second shearable elements act as an intermediary mechanism between the running tool and downhole tool assembly, providing a controlled weak point that can be activated to enable retrieval when the assembly becomes stuck, thus mediating between the need for secure placement and the need for recoverability.
3Reliability
If shearable elements are used to protect against premature disconnection, then the reliability of connection is improved, but substantial wear before reaching target destination causes premature shearing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different quality characteristics to different shearable elements: the first shearable elements are positioned and sized to handle normal operational forces, while the second shearable elements are positioned and sized to handle exceptional stuck tool scenarios. This local differentiation ensures each element is optimized for its specific operational context, preventing premature wear-related failure.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables reliable deployment and retrieval of downhole tools by preventing premature shearing and allowing safe release from stuck situations, ensuring the running tool can be recovered without setting the downhole tool, enhancing operational safety and efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a running tool that maintains torque-lock during deployment and allows release using annulus pressure
Implementation Method 2
increasing fluid pressure within the annulus defined between the running tool and a wall of a wellbore
Data Source
AI summary
A system includes a downhole tool assembly extendable within a wellbore. A running tool axially interposes the downhole tool assembly and the conveyance and includes an elongate body providing an interior and one or more radial protrusions. A connection sub is disposed about the body and provides a releasable connection engageable with the downhole tool assembly. A torque sleeve is disposed about the body and at least a portion of the connection sub. A connection sub piston interposes the body and the connection sub and is axially movable between a supported position, where the connection sub piston radially supports the connection sub, and an unsupported position, where at least a portion of the connection sub is radially unsupported by the connection sub piston. Increasing pressure within an annulus between the running tool and the wellbore moves the connection sub piston from the supported position to the unsupported position.