Wells – Grapple and well anchored lifting means
Reexamination Certificate
1999-07-16
2001-05-15
Bagnell, David (Department: 3672)
Wells
Grapple and well anchored lifting means
C166S301000, C294S086160, C294S086170
Reexamination Certificate
active
06230797
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates generally to operations performed in conjunction with subterranean wells and, in an embodiment described herein, more particularly provides a tool for retrieving items of equipment from within tubular strings in subterranean wells.
It is common for items of equipment to be releasably secured within tubular strings in subterranean wells. For example, a flow control device, such as a safety valve, may be releasably secured in a tubing string by means of a lock mandrel attached thereto. The lock mandrel typically includes an anchoring mechanism, which prevents displacement of the mandrel relative to the tubing string, and at least one seal, which engages a seal bore of the tubing string.
Over time, it may become very difficult to release the lock mandrel from its engagement with the tubing string in order to retrieve the lock mandrel and safety valve for service, replacement, etc. Often, the lock mandrel is difficult to displace relative to the tubing string due to the seal adhering to the seal bore. Thus, it is sometimes necessary to apply a very large amount of force to the lock mandrel to get it free from the tubing string. This may be accomplished by, for example, using jars to repetitively apply an impact to the lock mandrel. However, where the lock mandrel and/or safety valve are relatively heavy, where it is desired to prevent damage to the lock mandrel from impact, or where the lock mandrel is very stuck in the tubing string, it may not be desirable or effective to use the jarring method to retrieve the lock mandrel and safety valve.
Therefore, it may be seen that it would be very desirable to provide another method for retrieving an item of equipment from within a tubular string in a subterranean well. It is accordingly an object of the present invention to provide such a method and an associated retrieval tool.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
In carrying out the principles of the present invention, in accordance with an embodiment thereof, a retrieval tool is provided which solves the problem of retrieving items of equipment from within tubular strings in subterranean wells. The retrieval tool does not require any jarring or any excessive force to be applied thereto in order to retrieve heavy or stuck items of equipment. Associated methods of retrieving items of equipment are also provided.
In one aspect of the present invention, a retrieval tool is provided which includes an actuator for applying a controlled force to the item of equipment. The retrieval tool also includes an anchoring device and a latching mechanism. The anchoring device releasably secures the retrieval tool in a tubing string relative to the item of equipment. The latching mechanism latches the retrieval tool to the item of equipment. The actuator displaces at least a portion of the latching mechanism relative to the anchoring device to thereby displace the item of equipment relative to the tubing string.
In another aspect of the present invention, a retrieval tool is provided which includes a releasing device. The releasing device is configured to release an item of equipment from securement to a tubular string. For example, the item of equipment may include a portion thereof which maintains the item of equipment secured in position in a tubing string. The releasing device displaces the item of equipment portion, thereby permitting release of the item of equipment from the tubing string.
Various methods are provided for accomplishing the release of the item of equipment from securement to the tubing string. In one embodiment, the releasing device displaces the item of equipment portion when the retrieval tool is inserted into the item of equipment. In another embodiment, the releasing device is included in a latching mechanism of the retrieval tool, such that the item of equipment is released for displacement relative to the tubing string when at least a portion of the latching mechanism is displaced to latch the retrieval tool to the item of equipment.
In yet another aspect of the present invention, a method of retrieving an item of equipment from within a tubular string is provided by the present invention. The method includes the steps of conveying a retrieval tool into the tubular string, anchoring the retrieval tool within the tubular string, latching the retrieval tool to the item of equipment and displacing at least a portion of a latching mechanism of the retrieval tool relative to an anchoring device of the retrieval tool. An actuator may be included in the retrieval tool for displacing the latching mechanism in the method.
These and other features, advantages, benefits and objects of the present invention will become apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art upon careful consideration of the detailed description of representative embodiments of the invention hereinbelow and the accompanying drawings.
REFERENCES:
patent: 2984302 (1961-05-01), Churchj
patent: 4715445 (1987-12-01), Smith, Jr.
patent: 4883120 (1989-11-01), Schasteen et al.
patent: 5398753 (1995-03-01), Obrejanu et al.
patent: 5765638 (1998-06-01), Taylor
patent: 5947202 (1999-09-01), Gazewood
Bagnell David
Dougherty Jennifer R.
Halliburton Energy Service,s Inc.
Herman Paul I.
Smith Marlin R.
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