Primary electro-mechanical initiating dump bailer device and method of use

• US 20060102336A1
• Filed: 11/12/2004
• Published: 05/18/2006
• Est. Priority Date: 11/12/2004
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Tony Campbell
• Original Assignee: Tony Campbell
• Inventors: Campbell, Tony
• Granted Patent: US 7,287,591 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 166/65.100
• CPC Class Codes: E21B 27/02 Dump bailers, i.e. containers for depositing substances, e.g. cement or acids

Abstract

Electro-mechanically initiated dump bailer devices are disclosed generally comprising a top assembly and one or more bottom assemblies, the top assembly having a means for transferring electrical power from a surface power supply through the top end of the assembly, a reversible motor coupled to the top section and capable of receiving electrical power from the top end, the motor having a rotational output shaft, a rotational means for transferring work from the rotational output shaft to the one or more bottom assemblies that cause the setting of material into the zone of interest. In addition, methods of using the electro-mechanically initiated bump bailer devices are also disclosed.

Claims

1. An apparatus for setting material into a zone of interest within a wellbore, the apparatus comprising:

a top section having a means for transferring electrical power from a surface power supply through the top section;

a reversible motor coupled to the top section and capable of receiving electrical power from the top section, the motor having a rotational output shaft;

a bottom section having a top portion and a bottom portion, the top portion comprising a sealing member sealing the top portion from the bottom portion;

a reversible means for transferring work from the rotational output shaft to the bottom section capable of moving the sealing member from the top portion of the bottom section into the bottom portion of the bottom section thereby breaking the seal between the top portion and the bottom portion and allowing material to be set within a zone of interest, as well as being capable of moving the sealing member from the bottom portion of the bottom section into the top portion of the bottom section thereby sealing the top portion from the bottom portion after material has been set within a zone of interest.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the top section further comprises a tubular body having a bore defined therethrough and the means for transferring electrical power through the top section comprises an insulating member disposed within the bore of the tubular body, the insulating member having an electrical contact that connects to a positive lead from the surface power supply and a bore therethrough for passage of a negative lead of the surface power supply, and wherein the reversible motor further comprises a positive terminal and a negative terminal that are connected to the electrical contact and the negative lead, respectively.

3. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the reversible motor rotates in one direction with the application of the surface power supply of a given polarity and rotates in the opposite direction with the application of the surface power supply of an opposite polarity.

4. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein the reversible means for transferring work from the rotational output shaft to the bottom section comprises

a primary lead screw mechanically coupled to the rotational output shaft of the motor, the primary lead screw having a externally threaded surface,

a secondary lead screw having a upper portion comprising a substantially cylindrical body having a bore defined therethrough with an internally threaded surface capable of rotationally engaging the externally threaded surface of the primary lead screw, a bottom portion having an externally threaded surface, the bottom portion coupled to the upper portion such that when the primary lead screw rotates in one direction within the upper portion, the bottom portion of the secondary lead screw moves in an axial direction and when the primary lead screw rotates in the opposite direction within the upper portion, the bottom portion of the secondary lead screw moves in the opposite axial direction, and

a coupling means connecting the bottom portion of the secondary lead screw to the bottom section such that the axial motion of the bottom portion in one direction moves the sealing member from the top portion of the bottom section into the bottom portion of the bottom section and the axial motion of the bottom portion in the opposite direction moves the sealing member from the bottom portion of the bottom section into the top portion of the bottom section.

5. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein the reversible means for transferring work from the rotational output shaft to the bottom section further comprises a plurality of extension rods connecting the bottom portion of the secondary lead screw to the bottom section which maintains a volume of space between the top section and bottom section for holding the material to be set within a zone of interest.

6. The apparatus of claim 5, wherein the tubular body of the top section further comprises a plurality of windows through which the material to be set within a zone of interest is transferred from the surface through the plurality of windows and into bore of the tubular body.

7. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein the bottom section further comprises a tubular body having a bore defined therethrough, the tubular body having a top portion and a bottom portion, the top portion of the tubular body housing the sealing member.

8. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein the sealing member comprises a cylindrical piston that seals against the inner surface of the top portion of the tubular body.

9. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein the sealing member further comprises a plurality of o-rings for maintaining the seal between the sealing member and the inner surface of the top portion of the tubular body.

10. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein the bottom portion of the bottom section further comprises a plurality of windows through which the material to be set within a zone of interest is transferred from above the bottom section through the top portion, into the bore of the tubular body of the bottom section, and through the plurality of windows into the zone of interest.

11. The apparatus of claim 10, further comprising a bull nose disposed below bottom section for guiding the placement of the apparatus into a wellbore.

12. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein the reversible means for transferring work from the rotational output shaft to the bottom section comprises

a primary lead screw mechanically coupled to the rotational output shaft of the motor, the primary lead screw having an externally threaded surface;

a secondary lead screw comprising a cylindrical body having a top end, a bottom end, and a bore defined therethrough, the bore having an internally threaded surface, the top end of the cylindrical body capable of engaging the primary lead screw, and the bottom end coupled to the sealing member; and

a guide cage in communication with the external surface of the secondary lead screw, the guide cage capable of preventing rotation of the secondary lead screw as the primary lead screw rotates causing the secondary lead screw to move in an axial direction as the primary lead screw rotates and the axial motion of the secondary lead screw causing axial motion of the sealing member.

13. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein the reversible means for transferring work from the rotational output shaft to the bottom section further comprises a plurality of extension rods connecting the bottom end of the secondary lead screw to the bottom section which maintains a volume of space between the top section and bottom section for holding the material to be set within a zone of interest.

14. The apparatus of claim 13, wherein the bottom section further comprises a tubular body having a bore defined therethrough, the tubular body having a top portion and a bottom portion, the top portion of the tubular body housing the sealing member.

15. The apparatus of claim 14, wherein the sealing member comprises a cylindrical piston that seals against the inner surface of the top portion of the tubular body.

16. The apparatus of claim 15, wherein the sealing member further comprises a plurality of o-rings for maintaining the seal between the sealing member and the inner surface of the top portion of the tubular body.

17. The apparatus of claim 16, wherein the bottom portion of the bottom section further comprises a plurality of windows through which the material to be set within a zone of interest is transferred from above the bottom section through the top portion, into the bore of the tubular body of the bottom section, and through the plurality of windows into the zone of interest.

18. The apparatus of claim 17, further comprising a bull nose disposed below bottom section for guiding the placement of the apparatus into a wellbore.

19. An apparatus for setting a first and second material into a zone of interest within a wellbore, the apparatus comprising:

a top section having a means for transferring electrical power from a surface power supply through the top section;

a reversible motor coupled to the top section and capable of receiving electrical power from the top section, the motor having a rotational output shaft;

a first bottom section having a top portion and a bottom portion, the top portion comprising a sealing member sealing the top portion from the bottom portion;

a second bottom section disposed below the first bottom section, the second bottom section having a top portion and a bottom portion, the top portion comprising a sealing member sealing the top portion from the bottom portion;

a reversible means for transferring work from the rotational output shaft to the first and second bottom sections capable of moving the sealing members from the top portions of the bottom sections into the bottom portions of the bottom sections thereby breaking the seals between the top portions and the bottom portions and allowing material to be set within a zone of interest, as well as being capable of moving the sealing members from the bottom portions of the bottom sections into the top portions of the bottom sections thereby sealing the top portions from the bottom portions after material has been set within a zone of interest.

20. The apparatus of claim 19, wherein the top section further comprises a tubular body having a bore defined therethrough and the means for transferring electrical power through the top section comprises an insulating member disposed within the bore of the tubular body, the insulating member having an electrical contact that connects to a positive lead from the surface power supply and a bore therethrough for passage of a negative lead of the surface power supply, and wherein the reversible motor further comprises a positive terminal and a negative terminal that are connected to the electrical contact and the negative lead, respectively.

21. The apparatus of claim 20, wherein the reversible motor rotates in one direction with the application of the surface power supply of a given polarity and rotates in the opposite direction with the application of the surface power supply of an opposite polarity.

22. The apparatus of claim 21, wherein the reversible means for transferring work from the rotational output shaft to the first and second bottom sections comprises

a primary lead screw mechanically coupled to the rotational output shaft of the motor, the primary lead screw having an externally threaded surface;

a secondary lead screw comprising a cylindrical body having atop end, a bottom end, and a bore defined therethrough, the bore having an internally threaded surface, the top end of the cylindrical body capable of engaging the primary lead screw, and the bottom end coupled to the sealing members; and

a guide cage in communication with the external surface of the secondary lead screw, the guide cage capable of preventing rotation of the secondary lead screw as the primary lead screw rotates causing the secondary lead screw to move in an axial direction as the primary lead screw rotates and the axial motion of the secondary lead screw causing axial motion of the sealing members.

23. The apparatus of claim 22, wherein the reversible means for transferring work from the rotational output shaft to the first and second bottom sections further comprises a plurality of extension rods connecting the bottom end of the secondary lead screw to the first bottom section which maintains a volume of space between the top section and first bottom section for holding the first material to be set within a zone of interest and one or more extension rods connecting the sealing member of the first bottom section to the sealing member of the second bottom section which maintains a volume of space between to first bottom section and the second bottom section for holding the second material to be set within a zone of interest.

24. The apparatus of claim 23, wherein the first and second bottom sections further comprise a tubular body having a bore defined therethrough, the tubular bodies having a top portion and a bottom portion, the top portion of the tubular bodies housing the sealing members.

25. The apparatus of claim 24, wherein the sealing members comprise a cylindrical piston that seals against the inner surfaces of the top portions of the tubular bodies.

26. The apparatus of claim 25, wherein the sealing members further comprise a plurality of o-rings for maintaining the seal between the sealing members and the inner surfaces of the top portions of the tubular bodies.

27. The apparatus of claim 26, wherein the bottom portions of the bottom sections further comprise a plurality of windows through which the first and second materials to be set within a zone of interest is transferred from above the bottom sections through the top portions, into the bore of the tubular bodies of the bottom sections, and through the plurality of windows into the zone of interest.

28. The apparatus of claim 27, further comprising a bull nose disposed below the second bottom section for guiding the placement of the apparatus into a wellbore.

29. An apparatus for setting material into a zone of interest within a wellbore, the apparatus comprising:

a top section having a means for transferring electrical power from a surface power supply through the top section;

a reversible motor coupled to the top section and capable of receiving electrical power from the top section, the motor having a rotational output shaft;

a bottom section having a top portion and a bottom portion, the top portion comprising a first and second sealing member sealing the top portion from the bottom portion and maintaining a space between the first and second sealing member for holding the material to be set within a zone of interest;

a reversible means for transferring work from the rotational output shaft to the bottom section capable of moving the sealing members from the top portion of the bottom section into the bottom portion of the bottom section thereby breaking the seal between the top portion and the bottom portion and allowing the material held between the first and second sealing member to be set within a zone of interest, as well as being capable of moving the sealing members from the bottom portion of the bottom section into the top portion of the bottom section thereby sealing the top portion from the bottom portion after the material has been set within a zone of interest.

30. The apparatus of claim 29, wherein the top section further comprises a tubular body having a bore defined therethrough and the means for transferring electrical power through the top section comprises an insulating member disposed within the bore of the tubular body, the insulating member having an electrical contact that connects to a positive lead from the surface power supply and a bore therethrough for passage of a negative lead of the surface power supply, and wherein the reversible motor further comprises a positive terminal and a negative terminal that are connected to the electrical contact and the negative lead, respectively.

31. The apparatus of claim 30, wherein the reversible motor rotates in one direction with the application of the surface power supply of a given polarity and rotates in the opposite direction with the application of the surface power supply of an opposite polarity.

32. The apparatus of claim 31, wherein the bottom section further comprises a tubular body having a bore defined therethrough, the tubular body having a top portion and a bottom portion, the top portion of the tubular body housing the sealing members.

33. The apparatus of claim 32, wherein the tubular body further comprises an injection port disposed through the wall of the tubular body and between the first and second sealing member for filling the apparatus with a material to be set prior to deployment downhole.

34. The apparatus of claim 33, wherein the sealing members comprise a cylindrical piston that seals against the inner surface of the top portion of the tubular body.

35. The apparatus of claim 34, wherein the sealing members further comprises a plurality of o-rings for maintaining the seal between the sealing members and the inner surface of the top portion of the tubular body.

36. The apparatus of claim 35, wherein the bottom portion of the bottom section further comprises a plurality of windows through which the material to be set within a zone of interest is transferred from between the first and second sealing member, into the bore of the tubular body of the bottom section, and through the plurality of windows into the zone of interest.

37. The apparatus of claim 36, further comprising a bull nose disposed below bottom section for guiding the placement of the apparatus into a wellbore.

38. A method of setting a material into a zone of interest within a well bore, the method comprising the steps of:

providing an apparatus for setting the material into a zone of interest within a wellbore, the apparatus comprising

a top section having a means for transferring electrical power from a surface power supply through the top section;

a reversible motor coupled to the top section and capable of receiving electrical power from the top section, the motor having a rotational output shaft;

a bottom section having a top portion and a bottom portion, the top portion comprising a sealing member sealing the top portion from the bottom portion;

a reversible means for transferring work from the rotational output shaft to the bottom section capable of moving the sealing member from the top portion of the bottom section into the bottom portion of the bottom section thereby breaking the seal between the top portion and the bottom portion and allowing material to be set within a zone of interest, as well as being capable of moving the sealing member from the bottom portion of the bottom section into the top portion of the bottom section thereby sealing the top portion from the bottom portion after material has been set within a zone of interest;

depositing the material to be set between the top section and the bottom section;

deploying the apparatus into a well bore where the bottom section of the apparatus is placed within the zone of interest;

applying a source of pressure from the surface to the apparatus and onto the material between the top section and the bottom section;

applying power from the surface power supply to the motor causing the movement of the sealing member and breaking of the seal between the top portion and bottom portion of the bottom section; and

allowing the material between the top section and bottom section to flow through the top portion of the bottom section, into the bottom portion of the bottom section and into the zone of interest.

39. The method of claim 38, wherein the top section further comprises a tubular body having a bore defined therethrough and the means for transferring electrical power through the top section comprises an insulating member disposed within the bore of the tubular body, the insulating member having an electrical contact that connects to a positive lead from the surface power supply and a bore therethrough for passage of a negative lead of the surface power supply, and wherein the reversible motor further comprises a positive terminal and a negative terminal that are connected to the electrical contact and the negative lead, respectively.

40. The method of claim 39, wherein the reversible motor rotates in one direction with the application of the surface power supply of a given polarity and rotates in the opposite direction with the application of the surface power supply of an opposite polarity.

41. The method of claim 40, wherein the reversible means for transferring work from the rotational output shaft to the bottom section comprises

a primary lead screw mechanically coupled to the rotational output shaft of the motor, the primary lead screw having a externally threaded surface,

a secondary lead screw having a upper portion comprising a substantially cylindrical body having a bore defined therethrough with an internally threaded surface capable of rotationally engaging the externally threaded surface of the primary lead screw, a bottom portion having an externally threaded surface, the bottom portion coupled to the upper portion such that when the primary lead screw rotates in one direction within the upper portion, the bottom portion of the secondary lead screw moves in an axial direction and when the primary lead screw rotates in the opposite direction within the upper portion, the bottom portion of the secondary lead screw moves in the opposite axial direction, and

a coupling means connecting the bottom portion of the secondary lead screw to the bottom section such that the axial motion of the bottom portion in one direction moves the sealing member from the top portion of the bottom section into the bottom portion of the bottom section and the axial motion of the bottom portion in the opposite direction moves the sealing member from the bottom portion of the bottom section into the top portion of the bottom section.

42. The method of claim 41, wherein the reversible means for transferring work from the rotational output shaft to the bottom section further comprises a plurality of extension rods connecting the bottom portion of the secondary lead screw to the bottom section which maintains a volume of space between the top section and bottom section for holding the material to be set within a zone of interest.

43. The method of claim 42, wherein the tubular body of the top section further comprises a plurality of windows through which the material to be set within a zone of interest is transferred from the surface through the plurality of windows and into bore of the tubular body.

44. The method of claim 43, wherein the bottom section further comprises a tubular body having a bore defined therethrough, the tubular body having a top portion and a bottom portion, the top portion of the tubular body housing the sealing member.

45. The method of claim 44, wherein the sealing member comprises a cylindrical piston that seals against the inner surface of the top portion of the tubular body.

46. The method of claim 45, wherein the sealing member further comprises a plurality of o-rings for maintaining the seal between the sealing member and the inner surface of the top portion of the tubular body.

47. The method of claim 46, wherein the bottom portion of the bottom section further comprises

a plurality of windows through which the material to be set within a zone of interest is transferred from above the bottom section through the top portion, into the bore of the tubular body of the bottom section, and through the plurality of windows into the zone of interest.

48. The method of claim 47, further comprising a bull nose disposed below bottom section for guiding the placement of the apparatus into a wellbore.

49. A method of setting a material into a zone of interest within a well bore, the method comprising the steps of:

providing an apparatus for setting the material into a zone of interest within a wellbore, the apparatus comprising

a top section having a means for transferring electrical power from a surface power supply through the top section;

a reversible motor coupled to the top section and capable of receiving electrical power from the top section, the motor having a rotational output shaft;

a bottom section having a top portion and a bottom portion, the top portion comprising a sealing member sealing the top portion from the bottom portion;

a reversible means for transferring work from the rotational output shaft to the bottom section capable of moving the sealing member from the top portion of the bottom section into the bottom portion of the bottom section thereby breaking the seal between the top portion and the bottom portion and allowing material to be set within a zone of interest, as well as being capable of moving the sealing member from the bottom portion of the bottom section into the top portion of the bottom section thereby sealing the top portion from the bottom portion after material has been set within a zone of interest;

depositing the material to be set between the top section and the bottom section;

deploying the apparatus into a well bore where the bottom section of the apparatus is placed within the zone of interest;

applying power from the surface power supply to the motor causing the movement of the sealing member and breaking of the seal between the top portion and bottom portion of the bottom section; and

allowing the material between the top section and bottom section to flow through the top portion of the bottom section, into the bottom portion of the bottom section and into the zone of interest.

50. The method of claim 49, wherein the reversible means for transferring work from the rotational output shaft to the bottom section comprises

a primary lead screw mechanically coupled to the rotational output shaft of the motor, the primary lead screw having an externally threaded surface;

a secondary lead screw comprising a cylindrical body having atop end, a bottom end, and a bore defined therethrough, the bore having an internally threaded surface, the top end of the cylindrical body capable of engaging the primary lead screw, and the bottom end coupled to the sealing member; and

a guide cage in communication with the external surface of the secondary lead screw, the guide cage capable of preventing rotation of the secondary lead screw as the primary lead screw rotates causing the secondary lead screw to move in an axial direction as the primary lead screw rotates and the axial motion of the secondary lead screw causing axial motion of the sealing member.

51. The method of claim 50, wherein the reversible means for transferring work from the rotational output shaft to the bottom section further comprises a plurality of extension rods connecting the bottom end of the secondary lead screw to the bottom section which maintains a volume of space between the top section and bottom section for holding the material to be set within a zone of interest.

52. The method of claim 51, wherein the bottom section further comprises a tubular body having a bore defined therethrough, the tubular body having a top portion and a bottom portion, the top portion of the tubular body housing the sealing member.

53. The method of claim 52, wherein the sealing member comprises a cylindrical piston that seals against the inner surface of the top portion of the tubular body.

54. The method of claim 53, wherein the sealing member further comprises a plurality of o-rings for maintaining the seal between the sealing member and the inner surface of the top portion of the tubular body.

55. The method of claim 54, wherein the bottom portion of the bottom section further comprises a plurality of windows through which the material to be set within a zone of interest is transferred from above the bottom section through the top portion, into the bore of the tubular body of the bottom section, and through the plurality of windows into the zone of interest.

56. The method of claim 55, further comprising a bull nose disposed below bottom section for guiding the placement of the apparatus into a wellbore.

57. A method of setting two or more materials into a zone of interest within a wellbore, the method comprising the steps of:

providing an apparatus for setting the two or more materials into a zone of interest within a wellbore, the apparatus comprising

a top section having a means for transferring electrical power from a surface power supply through the top section;

a reversible motor coupled to the top section and capable of receiving electrical power from the top section, the motor having a rotational output shaft;

a first bottom section having a top portion and a bottom portion, the top portion comprising a sealing member sealing the top portion from the bottom portion;

a second bottom section disposed below the first bottom section, the second bottom section having a top portion and a bottom portion, the top portion comprising a sealing member sealing the top portion from the bottom portion;

a reversible means for transferring work from the rotational output shaft to the first and second bottom sections capable of moving the sealing members from the top portions of the bottom sections into the bottom portions of the bottom sections thereby breaking the seals between the top portions and the bottom portions and allowing material to be set within a zone of interest, as well as being capable of moving the sealing members from the bottom portions of the bottom sections into the top portions of the bottom sections thereby sealing the top portions from the bottom portions after material has been set within a zone of interest;

depositing the first material to be set between the top section and the first bottom section;

depositing the second material to be set between the first bottom section and the second bottom section;

deploying the apparatus into a well bore where the first and second bottom sections of the apparatus are placed within the zone of interest;

applying power from the surface power supply to the motor causing the movement of the sealing members and breaking of the seal between the top portions and bottom portions of the first and second bottom sections;

allowing the first material between the top section and first bottom section and the second material between the first bottom section and second bottom section to flow through the top portions of the bottom sections, into the bottom portions of the bottom sections and into the zone of interest.

58. The method of claim 57, wherein the top section further comprises a tubular body having a bore defined therethrough and the means for transferring electrical power through the top section comprises an insulating member disposed within the bore of the tubular body, the insulating member having an electrical contact that connects to a positive lead from the surface power supply and a bore therethrough for passage of a negative lead of the surface power supply, and wherein the reversible motor further comprises a positive terminal and a negative terminal that are connected to the electrical contact and the negative lead, respectively.

59. The method of claim 58, wherein the reversible motor rotates in one direction with the application of the surface power supply of a given polarity and rotates in the opposite direction with the application of the surface power supply of an opposite polarity.

60. The method of claim 59, wherein the reversible means for transferring work from the rotational output shaft to the bottom section comprises

a primary lead screw mechanically coupled to the rotational output shaft of the motor, the primary lead screw having an externally threaded surface;

a secondary lead screw comprising a cylindrical body having atop end, a bottom end, and a bore defined therethrough, the bore having an internally threaded surface, the top end of the cylindrical body capable of engaging the primary lead screw, and the bottom end coupled to the sealing members; and

a guide cage in communication with the external surface of the secondary lead screw, the guide cage capable of preventing rotation of the secondary lead screw as the primary lead screw rotates causing the secondary lead screw to move in an axial direction as the primary lead screw rotates and the axial motion of the secondary lead screw causing axial motion of the sealing members.

61. The method of claim 60, wherein the reversible means for transferring work from the rotational output shaft to the first and second bottom section further comprises a plurality of extension rods connecting the bottom portion of the secondary lead screw to the first bottom section which maintains a volume of space between the top section and first bottom section for holding the first material to be set within a zone of interest, and a plurality of extension rods connecting the first bottom section to the second bottom section which maintains a volume of space between the first bottom section and the second bottom section for holding the second material to be set within a zone of interest.

62. The method of claim 61, wherein the first and second bottom sections further comprise tubular bodies having a bore defined therethrough, the tubular bodies having a top portion and a bottom portion, the top portion of the tubular bodies housing the sealing members.

63. The method of claim 62, wherein the sealing members comprise a cylindrical piston that seals against the inner surfaces of the top portions of the tubular bodies.

64. The method of claim 63, wherein the sealing members further comprise a plurality of o-rings for maintaining the seals between the sealing members and the inner surfaces of the top portions of the tubular bodies.

65. The method of claim 64, wherein the bottom portions of the bottom sections further comprise a plurality of windows through which the first and second material to be set within a zone of interest is transferred into the bore of the tubular bodies of the bottom sections, and through the plurality of windows into the zone of interest.

66. The method of claim 65, further comprising a bull nose disposed below the second bottom section for guiding the placement of the apparatus into a wellbore.