Apparatus for operating wireline tools in wellbores
First Claim
1. In a system for positioning a tool in a wellbore and for moving said tool longitudinally in said wellbore to a predetermined position;
- an elongated, coilable tube adapted to be inserted in said wellbore, said tube being engageable with means for traversing said tube into and out of said wellbore;
electrical cable means extending through said tube from substantially one end thereof to the opposite end of said tube;
connector means at said one end of said tube for connecting said cable means to electrical conductor means; and
a connector assembly disposed at said opposite end of said tube which is insertable in said wellbore for connecting a downhole tool to said tube, said connector assembly including means forming a coupling including a sub connected to said opposite end of said tube and means engageable with said sub to permit angular displacement and limited lateral excursion of said tool with respect to said tube to minimize lateral pressure on said tool in said wellbore while precluding substantial rotation of said tool relative to said tube.
2 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
A downhole tool is supported by coilable tubing extending into the wellbore from a tubing injection and withdrawal apparatus and includes an elongated electrical signal transmitting cable extending through the tube between the tool and the injection apparatus. The tool is connected to one end of the tube by a connector assembly which provides for limited swiveling movement of the tool relative to the end of the tube to preclude excessive lateral loads from being exerted on the tool during positioning of the tool in the wellbore. The connector assembly includes a frangible coupling comprising coupling members which are interconnected by shearable pins whereby separation from the tool will occur at the connector assembly in the event the tool becomes stuck in the wellbore. One of the coupling members includes a fishing neck for engagement with a suitable fishing tool whereby the downhole tool may be retrieved if separated from the tubing. Fluids may be pumped downhole through the tube and the connector assembly to provide improved downhole operating methods.
62 Citations
21 Claims
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1. In a system for positioning a tool in a wellbore and for moving said tool longitudinally in said wellbore to a predetermined position;
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an elongated, coilable tube adapted to be inserted in said wellbore, said tube being engageable with means for traversing said tube into and out of said wellbore; electrical cable means extending through said tube from substantially one end thereof to the opposite end of said tube; connector means at said one end of said tube for connecting said cable means to electrical conductor means; and a connector assembly disposed at said opposite end of said tube which is insertable in said wellbore for connecting a downhole tool to said tube, said connector assembly including means forming a coupling including a sub connected to said opposite end of said tube and means engageable with said sub to permit angular displacement and limited lateral excursion of said tool with respect to said tube to minimize lateral pressure on said tool in said wellbore while precluding substantial rotation of said tool relative to said tube. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12)
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13. A connector for use in a system for positioning a tool in a wellbore and for moving said tool longitudinally in said wellbore to a predetermined position using an elongated, coilable tube adapted to be inserted in said wellbore, said tube being connected to means for traversing said tube into and out of said wellbore, and said tube including electrical cable means extending through said tube from substantially one end thereof to the opposite end of said tube;
said connector being adapted to be connected to said opposite end of said tube which is insertable in said wellbore for connecting a downhole tool to said tube, said connector including means forming a coupling including a sub connected to said opposite end of said tube and means engageable with said sub to permit angular displacement and limited lateral excursion of said tool with respect to said tube to minimize lateral pressure on said tool in said wellbore while precluding substantial rotation of said tool relative to said tube. - View Dependent Claims (14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21)
Specification