Packer releasing system

Details Packer releasing system Packer releasing system

2001-05-15

2003-10-07

Bagnell, David (Department: 3672)

Wells

Packers or plugs

With expanding anchor

C166S120000, C166S182000, C166S242600

Reexamination Certificate

active

06629563

ABSTRACT:

FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The field of this invention is a releasing system for downhole packers and more particularly, a system where the release mechanism is protected from accidental release and damage from flowing fluids.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
In the past, downhole packers were released in three different ways. Dogs were unsupported to let the body be extended for release. Collets became unsupported to have the same effect. Finally, the packer could be cut downhole to allow release.
FIGS. 1
a
-
1
c
illustrate a prior art mechanically set packer with a collet release system. A setting tool (not shown) pushes down on setting sleeve
10
while pulling up on the top sub
12
of mandrel
14
. The setting sleeve
10
pushes down on the sealing elements
16
, the upper cone
18
and the slips
20
, while the mandrel
14
, through collets
22
, pulls up on the lower cone
24
. The set position is held by body lock ring
26
, which works like a ratchet to keep the set packer from relaxing. As seen in
FIGS. 1
c
and
2
, a support sleeve
28
is held on to the collets
22
by shear pins
30
. In the position shown in
FIG. 1
c
the support sleeve transmits the upward pull force from the top sub
12
to the lower cone
24
during the setting procedure. To release the packer, a release tool (not shown) is run downhole to engage the support sleeve
28
and pick it up so as to break shear pins
30
and to undermine the contact between the collets
22
and bottom sub
32
(see FIG.
3
). The releasing tool brings up the support sleeve
28
against the mandrel
14
to allow the slips
20
to be undermined as the upper cone
18
is pulled out from under them. In a similar manner, the elements
16
are allowed to relax.
In a similar manner, the prior art design of
FIGS. 4 and 5
operated to allow the packer to set and, later, to release, when a release tool (not shown) moved up release sleeve
34
undermining the segmented dogs
36
for a release from the bottom sub
38
. These structures were also used with hydraulically set packers.
The potential problem with these designs is the exposed placement of the support sleeve
28
or the release sleeve
34
. Lowing well fluids can cause damage due to erosion or corrosion. Additionally, tools are frequently run through such packers to actuate other devices below the packer. These tools could, inadvertently, engage the support sleeve
28
or the release sleeve
34
and trigger a release of the packer. This problem could be avoided with another known design which requires the packer to be cut loose after being set downhole. This technique is complicated and requires very experienced personnel to perform the operation. This technique also generates cuttings which can be left in the well and the packer is destroyed in the process, preventing reuse.
The present invention presents a unique mechanism for release which overcomes the drawbacks of the prior art as described above. The release mechanism is minimally exposed to the wellbore to give it protection from well fluid attack and accidental release from contact by other tools. Additionally, the packer is simply released and can be reused. These and other advantages of the present invention will be more readily understood from a review of the description of the preferred embodiment, which appears below. Other known packer release designs are illustrated in U.S. Pat. Nos.: 3,311,171; 3,361,207; 3,976,133; 4,216,827; 4,436,150; 4,518,037; 4,565,247; 4,664,188; 5,333,685; 5,718,291; and 5,787,982.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
A release system for a packer is disclosed. The release ring is minimally exposed in the wellbore and is actuated by a release tool, which comprises a collet and cone with a relative movement feature. In the preferred embodiment, the release ring has alternating cuts and a built in radially outward bias. The ring is held in locked position by bands, which are broken by the action of the releasing tool.


REFERENCES:
patent: 3311171 (1967-03-01), Castro
patent: 3361207 (1968-01-01), Chenoweth
patent: 3976133 (1976-08-01), Allen
patent: 4216827 (1980-08-01), Crowe
patent: 4393929 (1983-07-01), Akkerman
patent: 4436150 (1984-03-01), Barker
patent: 4518037 (1985-05-01), Youngblood et al.
patent: 4565247 (1986-01-01), Tapp et al.
patent: 4664188 (1987-05-01), Zunkel et al.
patent: 4967844 (1990-11-01), Brooks et al.
patent: 5333685 (1994-08-01), Gilbert
patent: 5718291 (1998-02-01), Lorgen et al.
patent: 5727632 (1998-03-01), Richards
patent: 5787982 (1998-08-01), Bakke
patent: 5826652 (1998-10-01), Tapp
patent: 5941306 (1999-08-01), Quinn
patent: 216527 (1987-04-01), None

Affiliated with

Also associated with

Rating

Packer releasing system does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this patent.

If you have personal experience with Packer releasing system, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Packer releasing system will most certainly appreciate the feedback.

Rate now

Comments { 0 }

Profile ID: LFUS-PAI-O-3160075