RELEASABLE TOOL FOR EFFECTING COUPLING WITHIN A WELLBORE

• US 20200131873A1
• Filed: 03/15/2018
• Published: 04/30/2020
• Est. Priority Date: 03/15/2017
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: Schlumberger Canada Limited (Schlumberger NV)
• Original Assignee: HEAL Systems LP
• Inventors: Saponja, Jeffrey Charles, Hari, Robbie Singh, Keith, Tim, Kimery, Dave, Wall, Trystan, Deugo, Shawn
• Application Number:
  US16/494,119
• Publication Number:
  US 20200131873A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• CPC Class Codes: E21B 17/06 Releasing-joints, e.g. safety joints
• CPC Class Codes: E21B 2200/06 Sleeve valves
• CPC Class Codes: E21B 23/006 "J-slot" systems, i.e. lug and slot indexing mechanisms
• CPC Class Codes: E21B 34/12 operated by movement of casings or tubings
• CPC Class Codes: E21B 43/35 specially adapted for separating solids down-hole drilling fluid separation systems E21B21/002; separating solids from drilling fluids E21B21/065
• CPC Class Codes: E21B 43/38 in the well

Abstract

There is provided a connecting device includes first and second device counterparts. The first device counterpart and the second device counterpart are co-operatively configured such that: releasable coupling between the first device counterpart and the second device counterpart is effectible, while the first device counterpart is releasably coupled to the second device counterpart in a releasably coupled position: (i) displacement of the first device counterpart, relative to the second device counterpart, along an axis in a first direction, is prevented or substantially prevented; and (ii) the first device counterpart is displaceable, relative to the second device counterpart, along an axis in a second direction that is opposite, or substantially opposite, to the first direction, for effecting in release of the first device counterpart from the coupling to the second device counterpart, with effect that the first device counterpart becomes disposed in a released position. The release of the first device counterpart from the releasable coupling to the second device counterpart is effectible in absence, or substantial absence, of torque applied to the first device counterpart about an axis that is parallel, or substantially parallel, to the central longitudinal axis of the first device counterpart.

Claims

1-84. -84. (canceled)

85. A reservoir fluid conduction assembly for disposition within a wellbore string, that is lining a wellbore that is extending into a subterranean formation, such that an intermediate wellbore space is defined within a space that is disposed between the wellbore string and the assembly, wherein the assembly comprises:

a reservoir fluid-supplying conductor for receiving reservoir fluid from a downhole wellbore space of the wellbore;

a flow diverter body comprising (a) a diverter body-defined reservoir fluid conductor for conducting reservoir fluid, that is supplied from the reservoir fluid-supplying conductor, to a reservoir fluid separation space of an uphole wellbore space of the wellbore, the uphole wellbore space being disposed uphole relative to the downhole wellbore space, and (b) a diverter body-defined gas-depleted reservoir fluid conductor for receiving gas-depleted reservoir fluid and conducting the received gas-depleted reservoir fluid for effecting supplying of the gas-depleted reservoir fluid to a gas-depleted reservoir fluid-producing conductor; and

a sealed interface effector for co-operating with the wellbore string for establishing a sealed interface for preventing, or substantially preventing, flow communication, via the intermediate wellbore space, between the downhole wellbore space and the uphole wellbore space;

wherein;

the flow diverter body, the sealed interface effector, and the reservoir fluid conductor are co-operatively configured such that, while the assembly is disposed within the wellbore string, such that the sealed interface is defined, and the reservoir fluid-supplying conductor is receiving reservoir fluid from the downhole wellbore space that has been received within the downhole wellbore space from the subterranean formation;

(i) the reservoir fluid is conducted to the diverter body-defined reservoir fluid conductor via the reservoir fluid-supplying conductor;

(ii) the reservoir fluid is conducted by the diverter body-defined reservoir fluid conductor and discharged to a reservoir fluid separation space of the uphole wellbore space;

(iii) within the reservoir fluid separation space, a gas-depleted reservoir fluid is separated from the discharged reservoir fluid, in response to at least buoyancy forces; and

(iv) the separated gas-depleted reservoir fluid is conducted to the diverter body-defined gas-depleted reservoir fluid conductor, via the intermediate wellbore space, for conduction to the surface via a gas-depleted reservoir fluid producing conductor;

the reservoir fluid separation space defines a separation-facilitating space portion of the intermediate wellbore space; and

the reservoir fluid-supplying conductor comprising a connecting device disposed uphole relative to the sealed interface effector for connecting an uphole-disposed portion of the reservoir fluid-supplying conductor to a downhole-disposed portion of the reservoir fluid supplying-conductor;

the connecting device comprising;

a first device counterpart; and

a second device counterpart;

wherein;

the first device counterpart is releasably coupled to the second device counterpart in a releasably coupled position; and

in the releasably coupled position;

(i) displacement of the first device counterpart, relative to the second device counterpart, along an axis in a downhole direction, is prevented or substantially prevented; and

(ii) the first device counterpart is displaceable, relative to the second device counterpart, along an axis in an uphole direction, for effecting release of the first device counterpart from the coupling to the second device counterpart, with effect that the first device counterpart becomes disposed in a released position and, in the released position, is disposed for separation from the second device counterpart in response to a separating displacement of the first device counterpart, relative to the second device counterpart, along an axis in the downhole direction; and

the release of the first device counterpart from the releasable coupling to the second device counterpart is effectible in absence, or substantial absence, of torque applied to the first device counterpart about an axis that is parallel, or substantially parallel, to the central longitudinal axis of the first device counterpart.

86. The assembly as claimed in claim 85, wherein:

the first device counterpart and the second device counterpart are co-operatively configured such that, while there is an absence, or substantial absence, of releasable coupling between the first device counterpart and the second device counterpart, the releasable coupling is effected in response to a sequence of displacements of the first device counterpart relative to the second device counterpart, wherein the sequence of displacements comprises;

(i) a pre-coupling displacement, wherein, during the pre-coupling displacement, the first device counterpart is displaced, relative to the second device counterpart, along an axis in the second direction, such that the second device counterpart becomes disposed in a pre-coupling position; and

(ii) from the pre-coupling position, a releasable coupling-effecting displacement, wherein, during the releasable-coupling effecting displacement, the first device counterpart is displaced, relative to the second device counterpart, along an axis in the first direction such that the first device counterpart becomes disposed in the releasably coupled position.

87. The assembly as claimed in claim 86, wherein:

the second device counterpart comprises a receptacle for receiving insertion of the first device counterpart;

the first device counterpart and the second device counterpart are co-operatively configured such that;

while the first device counterpart is aligned with the receptacle, the first device counterpart is insertable within the second device counterpart, via the receptacle, by displacement of the first device counterpart, relative to the second device counterpart, in a first direction along an axis that is parallel, or substantially parallel, to the central longitudinal axis of the first device counterpart;

the releasable coupling between the first device counterpart and the second device counterpart is effectible while the first device counterpart is disposed within the second device counterpart; and

the separation from the second device counterpart, for which the first device counterpart is disposed, in response to displacement of the first device counterpart, relative to the second device counterpart, in the first direction, comprises withdrawal of the first device counterpart from the second device counterpart; and

the pre-coupling displacement comprises insertion of the first device counterpart through the receptacle.

88. The assembly as claimed in claim 85, wherein:

the second device counterpart comprises a receptacle for receiving insertion of the first device counterpart;

the first device counterpart and the second device counterpart are co-operatively configured such that;

while the first device counterpart is aligned with the receptacle, the first device counterpart is insertable within the second device counterpart, via the receptacle, by displacement of the first device counterpart, relative to the second device counterpart, in a first direction along an axis that is parallel, or substantially parallel, to the central longitudinal axis of the first device counterpart;

the releasable coupling between the first device counterpart and the second device counterpart is effectible while the first device counterpart is disposed within the second device counterpart; and

the separation from the second device counterpart, for which the first device counterpart is disposed, in response to displacement of the first device counterpart, relative to the second device counterpart, in the first direction, comprises withdrawal of the first device counterpart from the second device counterpart.

89. The assembly as claimed in claim 87, wherein the first device counterpart and the second device counterpart are further co-operatively configured to define a j-tool configured for mediating each one of:

(i) the releasable coupling between the first device counterpart and the second device counterpart, and (ii) the release of the first device counterpart from the releasable coupling to the second device counterpart, independently.

90. The assembly as claimed in claim 89, wherein:

the j-tool comprises a j-slot counterpart and a follower counterpart;

the j-slot counterpart is mounted to the first device counterpart for rotation relative to the first device counterpart and comprises a j-slot; and

the follower counterpart extends from the second device counterpart and comprises a follower disposed for guided displacement, relative to the first device counterpart, through the j-slot.

91. The assembly as claimed in claim 90, wherein the follower counterpart and the second device counterpart are co-operatively configured such that the j-slot counterpart translates axially with the first device counterpart.

92. The assembly as claimed in claim 90, wherein:

the second device counterpart comprises a plurality of apertures for effecting flow communication between an environment external to the second device counterpart and the j-slot of the j -tool; and

the first device counterpart and the second device counterpart are co-operatively configured such that the apertures are disposed in alignment with the j-slot, while the follower is disposed within the j-slot.

93. The assembly as claimed in claim 87, wherein the receptacle is defined by an overshot.

94. The assembly as claimed in claim 85, wherein:

the first device counterpart comprises a first device counterpart fluid passage;

the second device counterpart comprises a second device counterpart fluid passage; and

the first device counterpart and the second device counterpart are co-operatively configured such that, while the first device counterpart is releasably coupled to the second device counterpart, the first device counterpart fluid passage is disposed in flow communication with the second device counterpart fluid passage.

95. The assembly as claimed in claim 85, wherein:

the first device counterpart comprises a torque transmitter; and

the torque transmitter and the second device counterpart are co-operatively configured for rotatable coupling, such that torque, being applied to the first device counterpart, is transmittable to the second device counterpart via the torque transmitter for effecting rotation of the second device counterpart.

96. A reservoir fluid conduction assembly for disposition within a wellbore string, that is lining a wellbore that is extending into a subterranean formation, such that an intermediate wellbore space is defined within a space that is disposed between the wellbore string and the assembly, wherein the assembly comprises:

a reservoir fluid-supplying conductor for receiving reservoir fluid from a downhole wellbore space of the wellbore;

a flow diverter body comprising (a) a diverter body-defined reservoir fluid conductor for conducting reservoir fluid, that is supplied from the reservoir fluid-supplying conductor, to a reservoir fluid separation space of an uphole wellbore space of the wellbore, the uphole wellbore space being disposed uphole relative to the downhole wellbore space, and (b) a diverter body-defined gas-depleted reservoir fluid conductor for receiving gas-depleted reservoir fluid and conducting the received gas-depleted reservoir fluid for effecting supplying of the gas-depleted reservoir fluid to a gas-depleted reservoir fluid-producing conductor; and

a sealed interface effector for co-operating with the wellbore string for establishing a sealed interface for preventing, or substantially preventing, flow communication, via the intermediate wellbore space, between the downhole wellbore space and the uphole wellbore space;

wherein;

the flow diverter body, the sealed interface effector, and the reservoir fluid conductor are co-operatively configured such that, while the assembly is disposed within the wellbore string, such that the sealed interface is defined, and the reservoir fluid-supplying conductor is receiving reservoir fluid from the downhole wellbore space that has been received within the downhole wellbore space from the subterranean formation;

(i) the reservoir fluid is conducted to the diverter body-defined reservoir fluid conductor via the reservoir fluid-supplying conductor;

(ii) the reservoir fluid is conducted by the diverter body-defined reservoir fluid conductor and discharged to a reservoir fluid separation space of the uphole wellbore space;

(iii) within the reservoir fluid separation space, a gas-depleted reservoir fluid is separated from the discharged reservoir fluid, in response to at least buoyancy forces; and

(iv) the separated gas-depleted reservoir fluid is conducted to the diverter body-defined gas-depleted reservoir fluid conductor, via the intermediate wellbore space, for conduction to the surface via a gas-depleted reservoir fluid producing conductor;

the reservoir fluid separation space defines a separation-facilitating space portion of the intermediate wellbore space; and

the reservoir fluid-supplying conductor comprises a connecting device disposed uphole relative to the sealed interface effector for connecting an uphole-disposed portion of the reservoir fluid-supplying conductor to a downhole-disposed portion of the reservoir fluid supplying-conductor;

the connecting device comprising;

a first device counterpart; and

a second device counterpart;

wherein;

the first device counterpart is releasably coupled to the second device counterpart in a releasably coupled position;

while the first device counterpart is releasably coupled to the second device counterpart in the releasably coupled position;

(i) displacement of the first device counterpart, relative to the second device counterpart, along an axis in a downhole direction, is prevented or substantially prevented; and

(ii) the first device counterpart is displaceable, relative to the second device counterpart, along an axis in an uphole direction that is opposite, or substantially opposite, to the first direction, for effecting release of the first device counterpart from the releasable coupling to the second device counterpart, with effect that the first device counterpart becomes disposed in a released position and, in the released position, is disposed for separation from the second device counterpart in response to a separating displacement of the first device counterpart, relative to the second device counterpart, along an axis in the downhole direction; and

the first device counterpart and the second device counterpart are further co-operatively configured for defining a j-tool configured for mediating one of both of;

(i) the release of the first device counterpart from the releasable coupling to the second device counterpart, and (ii) the releasable coupling.

97. The assembly as claimed in claim 96, wherein:

the first device counterpart and the second device counterpart are co-operatively configured such that, while there is an absence, or substantial absence, of releasable coupling between the first device counterpart and the second device counterpart, the releasable coupling is effected in response to a sequence of displacements of the first device counterpart relative to the second device counterpart, wherein the sequence of displacements comprises;

(i) a pre-coupling displacement, wherein, during the pre-coupling displacement, the first device counterpart is displaced, relative to the first device counterpart, along an axis in the second direction, such that the first device counterpart becomes disposed in a pre-coupling position; and

(ii) from the pre-coupling position, a releasable coupling-effecting displacement, wherein, during the releasable-coupling effecting displacement, the first device counterpart is displaced, relative to the second device counterpart, along an axis in the first direction such that the first device counterpart becomes disposed in the releasably coupled position.

98. The assembly as claimed in claim 97, wherein:

the second device counterpart comprises a receptacle for receiving insertion of the first device counterpart; and

the first device counterpart and the second device counterpart are co-operatively configured such that;

while the first device counterpart is aligned with the receptacle, the first device counterpart is insertable within the second device counterpart, via the receptacle, by displacement of the first device counterpart, relative to the second device counterpart, in a first direction along an axis that is parallel, or substantially parallel, to the central longitudinal axis of the first device counterpart;

the releasable coupling between the first device counterpart and the second device counterpart is effectible while the first device counterpart is disposed within the second device counterpart; and

the pre-coupling displacement comprises insertion of the first device counterpart through the receptacle; and

the separation from the second device counterpart, for which the first device counterpart is disposed, in response to displacement of the first device counterpart, relative to the second device counterpart, in the first direction, comprises withdrawal of the first device counterpart from the second device counterpart.

99. The assembly as claimed in claim 96, wherein:

the second device counterpart comprises a receptacle for receiving insertion of the first device counterpart;

the first device counterpart and the second device counterpart are co-operatively configured such that;

while the first device counterpart is aligned with the receptacle, the first device counterpart is insertable within the second device counterpart, via the receptacle, by displacement of the first device counterpart, relative to the second device counterpart, in a first direction along an axis that is parallel, or substantially parallel, to the central longitudinal axis of the first device counterpart;

the releasable coupling between the first device counterpart and the second device counterpart is effectible while the first device counterpart is disposed within the second device counterpart; and

the separation from the second device counterpart, for which the first device counterpart is disposed, in response to displacement of the first device counterpart, relative to the second device counterpart, in the first direction, comprises withdrawal of the first device counterpart from the second device counterpart.

100. The parts as claimed in claim 98, wherein:

the j-tool comprises a j-slot counterpart and a follower counterpart;

the j-slot counterpart is mounted to the first device counterpart for rotation relative to the first device counterpart and comprises a j-slot; and

the follower counterpart extends from the second device counterpart and comprises a follower disposed for guided displacement, relative to the first device counterpart, through the j-slot.

101. The parts as claimed in claim 100, wherein:

the second device counterpart comprises a plurality of apertures for effecting flow communication between an environment external to the second device counterpart and the j-slot of the j -tool; and

the first device counterpart and the second device counterpart are co-operatively configured such that the apertures are disposed in alignment with the j-slot, while the follower is disposed within the j-slot.

102. The parts as claimed in claim 98, wherein the receptacle is defined by an overshot.

103. The parts as claimed in claim 96, wherein:

the first device counterpart comprises a first device counterpart fluid passage;

the second device counterpart comprises a second device counterpart fluid passage; and

the first device counterpart and the second device counterpart are co-operatively configured such that, while the first device counterpart is releasably coupled to the second device counterpart, the first device counterpart fluid passage is disposed in flow communication with the second device counterpart fluid passage.

104. The parts as claimed in claim 96, wherein:

the first device counterpart comprises a torque transmitter; and

the torque transmitter and the second device counterpart are co-operatively configured for rotatable coupling, such that torque, being applied to the first device counterpart, is transmittable to the second device counterpart via the torque transmitter for effecting rotation of the second device counterpart.