Wells – Processes – Placing or shifting well part
Reexamination Certificate
1999-09-23
2001-06-26
Neuder, William (Department: 3672)
Wells
Processes
Placing or shifting well part
C166S241300, C166S241600, C166S241700, C175S325300
Reexamination Certificate
active
06250394
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to an apparatus for assisting the advancement of a tubular work string. More particularly, but not by way of limitation, this invention relates to an apparatus and method for advancing a tubular work string in a highly deviated or horizontal concentric tubular member.
As those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize, tubular members are used to transport liquids and gases from a first processing facility to a second processing facility. Also, tubular members are used to convey hydrocarbons from subterranean reservoirs to surface production facilities. The hydrocarbons are then transported from the production facilities to processing plants, such as an oil and gas refinery.
In each instance of conveyance, the tubular member may become coated with deposits that impede the transportation. The deposits may cause and/or accelerate corrosion. Also, it is sometimes necessary to perform certain types of remedial work to the inner diameters of the tubular members. For instance, in the case were the tubular member is a well bore completed to a subterranean reservoir, down hole tools may need to be set within the well bore, or alternatively, down hole tools may need to be retrieved. Regardless of the specific application, a concentric tubular member can be run in order to perform the desired work.
One means for accomplishing these task includes use of a coiled tubing string. The coiled tubing string is inserted into the inner diameter of the tubular member. The coiled tubing string will have the necessary down hole assembly in order to perform the desired task. For instance, the coiled tubing may have a wash tool adapted on one end, with the wash tool configured to deliver a cleaning solution to the inner diameter of the tubular walls. Another example is the coiled tubing may have a tool selectively attached thereto, with the tool being designed to be set into the inner diameter of the tubular member. Examples of tools used in this instance includes packers, plugs, screens, liners, etc. The examples herein given are illustrative and not exhaustive.
A problem encountered during operation is that the concentrically placed work string will lie on and rub the inner diameter portion of the tubular string. This causes problems in the advancement of the tubular work string as well as adding to the potential wear and tear which in turn could lead to failure of the work string. Sometimes, the problem of friction becomes so severe that it is not possible to retrieve the work string.
Operators have devised certain devices to aid in the advancement of the work strings. For instance, there has been developed a centralizer that works to center and stabilize the work string within the inner diameter of the tubular member. However, there is need for an apparatus that will centralize the work string and also reduce the friction between the work string and the inner diameter wall so that advancement is accelerated. Also, objects within the tubular member may impede advancement of the work string. Thus, there is a need for an apparatus that will deflect these objects which in turn will allow for proper advancement of the work string.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
An apparatus for assisting the advancement of a work string is disclosed. In the preferred embodiment, the work string is concentrically disposed within a highly deviated tubular member. The apparatus comprises a cylindrical member having a first half body having an arcuate inner portion and a second half body having an arcuate inner portion, and wherein a hinge connects said first half body with said second half body about the tubular work string. The inner portion of the first and second half bodies may include a series of teeth that engage the tubular work string. The apparatus further includes a first housing member attached to said first half body and a second housing member attached to the second half body.
The apparatus further comprises a first roller member inserted into the first housing member and a second roller member inserted into the second housing member. In the preferred embodiment, the first and second roller members are spherical members, with the spherical members being rotatable within the housings in a 360 degree phase. A clamping means for attaching the first half body with the second half clamp about the tubular work string is also included.
In the preferred embodiment, the first and second housing contains a cylindrical projection mounted perpendicular relative to the tubular work string, an insert disposed within the cylindrical projection, and a cap member having an opening therein, with the cap member being attached to the insert. The cap member and the insert form a chamber that contains the spherical member, with a portion of the spherical member protruding from the cap's opening.
The apparatus may further comprise a first deflector plate operatively associated with a first side of the first housing and the second housing. The first deflector plate has a first end adjacent the cap member and a second end adjacent the first half body so that an angled end is formed. A second deflector plate may also be included, with the second plate being operatively associated with a second side of the first and the second housing, with the first deflector plate having a first end adjacent the cap member and a second end adjacent the first half clamp so that an angled end is formed.
The apparatus may further comprise a third housing member containing a first half-cylindrical projection mounted perpendicular relative to the first half clamp and a second half-cylindrical projection mounted perpendicular relative to the second half clamp, and wherein said first half-cylindrical projection and the second half-cylindrical projection form a cylindrical member. An insert, disposed within the cylindrical member, and a cap member having an opening therein is also included. The cap member is attached to the insert, with the cap member and the insert forming a chamber having a third spherical member disposed therein. A portion of the third spherical member protrudes from the opening of the cap.
In the preferred embodiment, the clamping means comprises a passage through the first half-cylindrical projection and the second half-cylindrical projection; a pin placed within the passage; external thread means located on the pin; internal thread means located in the passage and adapted to threadedly engage the external thread means; and wherein the engagement of the pin via the threads within the passage tightens the first half clamp and the second half clamp about the tubular work string. There may also be included a lock means for locking the housing onto the apparatus so that the housing does not back off from the sleeve and wherein the lock means is a notch profile on the deflector plate engaging a shoulder on the housing.
Also disclosed is a method for advancing a tubular work string within a highly deviated well bore. The method comprises clamping a skate apparatus about the tubular work string. The skate apparatus comprises: a clamp; a first, second, and third housing member attached to the clamp, with the first, second and third housing member having a first, second and third spherical rollers disposed therein; a first deflector plate operatively associated with a first side of the first, second and third housing. The first deflector plate will contain a first end adjacent a top end of the first, second and third housing and a second end adjacent the clamp so that an angled end is formed.
The method includes placing the skate apparatus about the tubular work string in the highly deviated well bore and contacting the first spherical roller and the second spherical roller on an inner portion of the tubular work string. Next, the operator would impart a force in a first direction on the tubular work string which in turn causes the first and second spherical rollers to roll on the inner portion of the tubular work string which in turn advances the tubular work string in the first direction in
Domingue & Waddell PLC
Hawkins Jennifer M
Neuder William
LandOfFree
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