Grip Tool Non-Releasing Anchor for Stuck Subterranean Components
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Solution Overview
Problem
Subterranean tools often become stuck due to debris accumulation, and existing grip tools either release prematurely during jarring or fail to maintain a grip necessary for repetitive operations, hindering the removal of stuck components.
Innovation Solution
A grip tool design that allows repeated jarring up without release, utilizing spang jars and weight bars to wedge slips into a subsurface safety valve, and subsequent jarring down to shear a shear stock, enabling the tool to retract and prevent re-grip, facilitating the removal of the tool from the hole.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If existing grip tools are designed to release automatically with the first jarring action, then the tool can be removed after a single operation, but the tool cannot perform repetitive jarring operations needed to free severely stuck components
Solution Approach 1:
The grip tool employs dynamic locking and unlocking mechanisms that respond to directional forces. The locking dogs engage with the flow tube during upward jarring motions and disengage during downward motions, enabling the tool to maintain grip during productive repetitive operations while allowing controlled release after the job is complete.
2Productivity
If the grip tool maintains a secure grip during multiple jarring operations, then stuck components can be freed, but the tool cannot be removed from the hole without additional release mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The tool utilizes periodic alternating jarring motions (up and down) to achieve different functions. Upward jarring maintains the grip on the stuck component for extraction, while a subsequent downward jarring motion triggers the release mechanism, allowing the tool to be pulled out of the hole. This periodic action sequence simplifies the overall system by using the operational motions themselves to control release.
3Productivity
If spang jars and weight bars are used to wedge slips into the flow tube, then repeated jarring up is enabled, but the tool may become stuck in the gripped position preventing removal
Solution Approach 1:
The locking dogs and shear stock are designed with asymmetric engagement characteristics. The upward force from spang jars and weight bars drives the locking dogs into engagement with the flow tube for secure gripping. However, a downward jarring motion creates a mechanical advantage that allows the locking dogs to disengage and the shear stock to break, enabling easy tool removal after the gripping function is complete.
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 the successful extraction of stuck components by maintaining a secure grip during multiple jarring operations and preventing re-engagement, allowing for the tool's safe removal and subsequent normal operation of the subsurface safety valve.
Implementation Method 1
a cone to hold the grip members radially outward with a cone on delivery an uphole force
Implementation Method 2
the slips are wedged into the flow tube when the grip tool lands on the no go in the subsurface safety valve and is jarred up
Implementation Method 3
one or more springs can be used to prevent a re-grip of the flow tube
Data Source
AI summary
A grip a no goes in a subterranean tool to properly position grip members held radially outward with a cone on delivery of an uphole force. In the case of a subsurface safety valve that has a flow tube the slips are wedged into the flow tube when the grip tool lands on the no go in the subsurface safety valve and is jarred up. Jarring up using spang jars and weight bars can be repeatedly accomplished without releasing the grip tool from the flow tube. Jarring down unsupports the slips to allow them to retract while one or more springs can be used to prevent a re-grip of the flow tube. The grip tool can now be pulled out of the hole with the flow tube broken loose from accumulated debris for subsequent normal operation of the flow tube with the control system for the subsurface safety valve.