Liner Top Test Tool and Method of Use

Abstract

An exemplary embodiment of the liner top test tool comprises a mandrel that is coupled to a sealing assembly, which contains at least one radially extendable sealing element, and a test tool support which is axially displaceable in relation to the mandrel. The test tool support contains at least one shearable element preventing axial movement of the test tool support in relation to the mandrel. The mandrel has at least one axial groove that can be coupled to the test tool support in order to limit the amount of axial movement between the two components. Once the tool is in place on a liner top, the shearing of the shearable element will activate the tool by allowing the mandrel to be displaced axially in relation to the test tool support thereby applying axial pressure on the sealing element causing it to radially extend and seal the bore of the liner.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claim the benefit of U.S. Provisional Ser. No. 61/754,505 that was filed on Jan. 18, 2013 in the United States Patent and Trademark Office, which application is incorporated herein by reference as if fully reproduced below.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

Not Applicable.

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

The disclosure relates to the industrial arts of subterranean well drilling. More particularly, the disclosure is directed to an apparatus and method for use in wellbore integrity test procedures.

BACKGROUND

A liner may be utilized and inserted into the wellbore of oil and/or gas wells for a number of reasons, such as achieving a reduced material costs or having greater flexibility in selecting the completion components. Generally, a liner is coupled to and extends from the bottom of surface casing, other adjacent casing, or from adjacent liners. The joints between the liner being hung and the adjacent casing/liner are sealed such that the interior of the casing/liner is isolated from the exterior of same. The liner typically has a smaller inner diameter in relation to the casing/liner that it is attached to which provides a seat for the liner top testing tool described herein.

It is desirable to test the integrity of the liner and the liner seals for any cracks, gaps, or other irregularities in the lining of the well bore or in the cement that is used in relation to the tubulars lining the wellbore. Testing is performed by sealing off portions of the liner so that the downhole and/or uphole pressures may be manipulated in accordance with whatever specific items the operator wishes to test.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

The exemplary embodiments of the liner top test tool generally have a mandrel that is coupled to a sealing assembly, which contains at least one radially extendable sealing element, and a test tool support which is axially displaceable in relation to the mandrel. The test tool support contains at least one shearable element preventing axial movement of the test tool support in relation to the mandrel. The mandrel has at least one axial groove that can be coupled to the test tool support in order to limit the amount of axial movement between the two components.

A tell-tale sign that the shearable elements have been sheared is a visual drop on weight indicator.

The axial groove can also provide indication to the user, a further tell-tale sign that the seal has been achieved, of the setting of the sealing element and the sealing of the bore of the liner as the axial groove length will be known. The user may observe the downward travel of the workstring once the liner top test tool is in the process of being set such that when the downward travel equals the length set for the mandrel to travel in relation to the test tool support in order to fully set the tool, then the user will know that the sealing element has been set and the bore of the liner has been sealed. The seal may be initially tested by the user prior to performance of any actual testing of the liner. If the initial testing shows the seal is not holding, then the tool may be repositioned and set again as needed until a proper seal is attained.

The liner top test tool may also be removed from the wellbore and redressed and torqued at the rig site as needed. The tool is removed from the wellbore and the tool is reset with new shearable elements for the next run. The sealing element may be switched out as needed. The test tool support may be swapped for another having the same or a differing outer diameter, depending on the inner diameter of the liner that is to be tested, or a different component may be desired, such as a different mill type, etc. Any other components of the workstring may be switched out as well depending on what is desired.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of the liner top test tool.

FIG. 1A is a cross sectional view of the liner top test tool of FIG. 1.

FIG. 2 is a side view of the liner top test tool of FIG. 1 without a bottom sub attached.

FIG. 2B is a transverse cross sectional view through line 2B-2B in FIG. 2.

FIG. 2C is a transverse cross sectional view through line 2C-2C in FIG. 2.

FIG. 3 is a side view of an exemplary embodiment of a mandrel.

FIG. 3A is a cross sectional view of the mandrel of FIG. 3.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of an exemplary sealing assembly.

FIG. 4A is a cross sectional view of the sealing assembly of FIG. 4.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of an exemplary seal carrier.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of an exemplary sealing element.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of both the upper and bottom gauge rings, which are also referred to as compression elements.

FIG. 8 is a side view of an exemplary embodiment of the liner top test tool showing the test tool support axially displaced and making initial contact with the bottom gauge ring of the sealing assembly when it is in its at rest position.

FIG. 8A is a side view of the embodiment of FIG. 8, sealing element 40 not shown, wherein the test tool support is axially displaced and bearing down on the sealing assembly such that it has axially displaced the bottom gauge ring into its fully active position.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of an exemplary test tool support.

FIG. 9A is a cross sectional view of the test tool support of FIG. 9.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

The exemplary embodiments are best understood by referring to the drawings, like numerals being used for like and corresponding parts of the various drawings. As used herein, the term “upper” will refer to the direction of the internal threading of the mandrel 52 that connects the liner top test tool 10 to a work string or tubing (not shown). As used herein, the term “lower” will refer to the direction of bottom sub 50. However, it will be understood that these terms are simply for ease of reference and are used for descriptive purposes only and have no bearing on the actual use of this tool.

Referring to FIGS. 1-2, an exemplary embodiment of a liner top test tool 10 is shown which generally comprises a mandrel 12, a test tool support 20, and a sealing assembly 45.

Referring to FIGS. 3 and 3A, the mandrel 12 is a generally cylindrical and elongated component having a larger outer diameter 14 proximate its internal threaded end 52 and a smaller outer diameter 15, in relation to the preceding, proximate its external threaded end 54. The mandrel 12 has a bore extending therethrough capable of functioning as a passageway for fluids. The internally threaded end 52 of the mandrel 12 facilitates coupling of the liner top test tool 10 to the work string or tubing either directly or through coupling with other components.

Likewise, the external threaded end 54 of the mandrel 12 facilitates coupling of the liner top test tool 10 to the lower portion, i.e., below the liner top test tool 10, of the work string or tubing. Interchangeable bottom subs 50 may be utilized for this purpose. The bottom sub 50, depicted in FIGS. 1 and 1A, is capable of coupling to the mandrel 12 at the mandrel's 12 external threading 54 through the use of complementary internal threading 60 on the bottom sub 50. One or more bottom subs 50 having differing threading dimensions, differing threaded end diameters, differing connectors with or without differing diameters, or otherwise having alternative dimensions and/or connectors for connecting the liner top test tool 10 to the work string may be made available to be utilized with the liner top test tool 10 such that the bottom subs 50 may facilitate the coupling of the liner top test tool 10 to various components that may have differing threading dimensions, differing threaded end diameters, differing connectors with or without differing diameters, or otherwise having alternative dimensions and/or connectors, such that the work string may be manipulated as needed or desired and any components may be changed out while still allowing many if not all to be utilized with the liner top test tool 10.

Referring to FIGS. 1, 1A, 2C, 3, 3A, 9 and 9A, the liner top test tool 10 contains test tool support 20 which is axially displaceable, or may be axially displaced, in relation to the mandrel 12 under certain conditions. Test tool support 20 may be any such tool desired to accommodate downhole procedures. For example only, test tool support 20 may be a mill, including without limitation a dressing mill, cutting mill, polish mill or the like. Another example would be a casing scraper. The test tool support 20 has at least one support surface 24 that extends between an area of smaller outer diameter 17 on the test tool support 20, proximate its bottom end 85, and an area of larger outer diameter 18, proximate its upper end 86. The support surface 24 extends at least partially radially away from the axis of the test tool support 20 forming a surface 24 that may be engaged with the top of a liner such that the surface 24 will rest securely on top of the liner to be tested. This partial radial extension may be angled upward in a configuration that is sufficient to rest securely on top of the liner. The support surface 24 may extend in a continuous manner completely around a portion of the test tool support 20 thereby providing a level, continuous surface for placement on the liner top. Alternatively, the support surface 24 may extend around a portion of the test tool support 20 in an intermittent manner, such as shown in FIG. 9, such that the support surface 24 still provides a level surface for placement on the liner top; however, that level surface is not a continuous platform or uninterrupted surface.

In the exemplary embodiment shown, the test tool support 20 comprises a plurality of axially extending protrusions 21 extending along at least a portion of the length of the test tool support 20. The protrusions 21 create the larger outer diameter 17 of the test tool support 20. The protrusions 21 shown have intermediate sections of smaller diameter areas 17 interspersed throughout such that the protrusions 21 protrude from the test tool support 20 in sections. Alternatively, the larger outer diameter 18 may encompass a continuous portion of the test tool support 20 proximate its upper end 86 or various geometries of surfaces which will allow the test tool support 20 to rest atop the liner top and prevent slippage of the test tool support 20 into the liner. A function of the test tool support 20 is to position the tool 10 in functional relation to the liner top in order to position the tool for setting of the sealing element 40 so that the liner's annulus may be sealed proximate the sealing element 40 and the desired tests and procedures may be performed. The positioning of the tool 10 is accomplished by have a section of the test tool support 20 that is larger in outer diameter than a lower section of the test tool support thereby allowing a support surface 24 to be formed between the two which provides an interface for placement on the liner top while the larger outer diameter 18 prevents the tool 10 from slipping through into the liner.

The test tool support 20 has at least one axial groove interface 26, which comprises an aperture that extends through the wall of the test tool support 20. The axial groove interface 26 corresponds to an axial groove 19 that extends along at least part of the length of the smaller outer diameter 15 of the mandrel 12. When the test tool support 20 is positioned around the mandrel 12, each axial groove interface 26 to be used is lined up with its corresponding axial groove 19. An axial groove connector 27 is inserted into the axial groove interface 26 and secured therein wherein the lower portion of the axial groove connector 27 is inserted into at least a portion of the axial groove 19 itself. The axial groove connector 27, in combination with the axial groove 19, limits the amount of axial travel between the mandrel 12 and the test tool support 20 to the length of the axial groove 19. This will prevent over compression of the sealing element 40 and will allow for a visual indicator to the user of the sealing of the bore of the liner by the observance of the downward travel of the tool for the length of the axial groove 19 which will be known. This connection may also prevent rotational movement of the test tool support 20 in relation to the mandrel 12. When the test tool support 20 is free from restraint prohibiting axial movement between it and the mandrel 12, it is free to move axially up and down the shaft of the mandrel along the axial grooves 19. The axial groove will continue to prevent independent rotational movement of the test tool support 20.

In the exemplary embodiment shown, there are 4 axial grooves 19 spaced equally around at least a portion of the smaller outer diameter 15 of the mandrel 12. See FIG. 2C. The number of axial grooves 19 may vary depending on the requirements of the job and/or the operator. Further, not all axial grooves 19 located on the mandrel 19 may be utilized during operation; meaning there may be one or more that do not contain a corresponding axial groove connector 27 therein in operation.

In operation, the axial groove interfaces 26, found along the body of the test tool support 20, are lined up with the desired axial grooves 19 on the mandrel 12. The desired amount of axial groove connectors 27 are then inserted into and secured within the axial groove interface 26 with their lower ends being inserted into the corresponding axial groove 19.

Referring to FIGS. 3 and 3A, the mandrel 12 contains at least one shearable element receptor 88 positioned intermediate the axial grooves 19 and the external threading 54 of the mandrel 12. The shearable element receptor 88 does not extend through the entire wall of the mandrel 12. It is a receptor that extends at least partially into the wall of the mandrel 88 and allows for the securing of the shearable element 22 to the mandrel 12, thereby securing the test tool support 20 to the mandrel 12 to prevent axial movement between the two, through the use of appropriate connectors. The test tool support 20, FIGS. 9 and 9A, has corresponding shear element apertures 23 that extend through the wall of the test tool support 20 such that a shearable element 22 may be inserted from the outside of the tool 10 into the shear element aperture 23 through the wall of the support 20 and into the receptor 88. The shearable element 22 is connected to both the shearable element receptor 88 and the shear element aperture 23 in order to connect the mandrel 12 to the test tool support 20 thereby preventing independent movement of those two elements in relation to each other. This secured connection between the test tool support 20 and the mandrel 12 will prevent axial movement between same until a set amount of force is imposed which will shear the shearable element(s) 22 thereby allowing such axial movement. In operation, the shearable elements 22 should not be sheared until the liner top test tool 10 is set in its proper position in relation the subject liner and it is desired that the sealing assembly 45 be activated to seal the bore of the liner.

A plurality of shearable element receptors 88 and shear element apertures 23 are located on their respective structures: the mandrel 12 and the test tool support 20. The exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 9A shows five shear element apertures extending along half of the inner circumference of the test tool support 20. The shear element apertures 23 are shown extending along the same radial plane around the circumference of the test tool support 20 but other configurations may be utilized as needed or desired. It is noted in the exemplary embodiment shown that only four shearable element receptors 88 are located around the body of the mandrel 12. As with the axial groove connectors 27 and the axial grooves 19, differing amounts may be present and/or the grooves 19 and connectors 27 or the receptors 88 and apertures 23, as the case may be, may not all be utilized in the operation of the tool for any given run. In an alternative embodiment, there are an equal number of shearable element receptors 88 and shear element apertures 23. Further, in an alternative embodiment, there are an unequal number of axial groove connectors 27 and axial grooves 19. Even if there are an equal number of shearable element receptors 88 and shear element apertures 23, not all of these receptors 88 and apertures 23 need be used in any given run. The user will utilize the number of shearable elements 22 necessary to activate the tool 10 at the desired pressure and this may not equate to a total number of shearable elements 22 that matches the total number of receptors 88 and/or apertures 23.

The shearable elements 22 may be of any material and form that can securely connect the mandrel 12 to the test tool support 20 but be manufactured to shear in response to certain forces. For example, but said example shall in no way limit the foregoing, the shearable elements 22 may be screws or pins and they may be made of brass or steel. Shearable elements 22 with various shear values may be utilized depending on the amount of force desired to be present before the elements 22 will shear and set the tool 10. In an exemplary embodiment, brass shear screws 22 may be utilized, wherein the brass shear screws 22 require 1,360.8 kilograms (3,000 pounds) of force to shear. This will be downward force as the force will come from the weight of the workstring both below and above the tool 10 with additional weight being added above the tool 10 in order to set the sealing element 40. The force required may be manipulated by the number of shear elements 22 and/or by the shear values of the shear elements 22 used. For example, if you wish to require 10,886.4 kilograms (24,000 pounds) of force to be required in order to set the tool 10, then you could use eight shear elements 22 wherein each shear element 22 has a shear value of 1,360.8 kilograms (3,000 pounds) such that it will require 10,886.4 kilograms (24,000 pounds) of downward force to shear all eight elements 22. Therefore, the shearing force required is fully adjustable either by the number of shear element 22, by the shear values of the shear elements 22, or by a combination of the foregoing.

Referring to FIGS. 2B, 3, 3A, 4, 4A, and 5-7, the sealing assembly 45 is contained along at least a portion of the length of the mandrel 12 along its smaller outer diameter 15 proximate its larger diameter 14 length. Once the sealing assembly 45 is activated, the sealing element 40 expands and makes contact with the inner diameter of the liner proximate the sealing element 40. The sealing element 40 acts to seal the proximate passageway of the liner such that the pressures both above and below the seal may be manipulated independently and various procedures and tests, such as positive and/or negative liner tests, may be run.

The sealing element 45 is a generally cylindrical element made of rubber or any other elastomer capable of radial expansion when axially compressed, having a bore therethrough for accepting the seal carrier 42. In the exemplary embodiment shown, the sealing element 40 is of smaller length than the seal carrier 42 such that compression rings or gauge rings 30, 32 may be positioned at opposite ends of the sealing element 40. It is not necessary that the sealing element 40 have a smaller axial length than the seal carrier 42 as the gauge rings 30, 32 may be coupled to the sealing element 40 by other means, such as through partial attachment to the seal carrier 42 and partial coupling to the mandrel 12 itself wherein the upper gauge ring 32 is contained on the mandrel body and the bottom gauge ring 30 is coupled to the seal carrier 42 or coupled to the mandrel 12 directly. Alternatively, the bottom gauge ring 30 may be coupled to the axially displaceable test tool support 20 wherein the bottom gauge ring 30 may act to expand the sealing element 40 upon contact by the test tool support 20/bottom gauge ring 30 combination rather than contact upon the bottom gauge ring 30 by the test tool support 20 as occurs in the exemplary embodiment depicted.

The seal carrier 42 is a generally cylindrical element sized to fit at least partially around, if not fully around, the smaller outer diameter 15 of the mandrel 12. Referring to FIG. 5, the seal carrier 42 contains a lip 34 along one of its openings. The lip 34 acts as a support for the bottom gauge ring 30 to keep same from sliding off of the seal carrier 42. Any means to keep the bottom gauge ring 30 in place on the seal carrier 42 may be utilized as long as the means allow the bottom gauge ring 30 to be axially displaced from its at rest position 74 to its fully active position 75 or any intermediate position between the two.

Referring to FIGS. 3, 5 and 2B, the open end of the seal carrier 42 distal its lip 34 contains a set of internal threading 77 proximate thereto. The internal threading 77 allows for coupling of the seal carrier 42 to the mandrel 12 at the mandrel's corresponding external threading 16 proximate its larger outer diameter section 14. This coupling functions to securely position the seal carrier 42 onto the mandrel 12.

The larger diameter portion 14 of the mandrel 12, proximate its external threading 16, optionally contains a circular groove 80 extending around the axis of the mandrel 12. The circular groove 80 is sized to accept the connecting end 81 of the seal carrier 42 which is positioned along the opening distal the lip 34 of the seal carrier 42 and proximate the internal threading 77. When connected, the connecting end 81 of the seal carrier 42 slides into the circular groove 80 and is secured by a plurality of connectors (not shown) which are securely insertable into the sealing assembly connection interfaces 43 on the mandrel 12. The connectors travel through the sealing assembly connection interface 43 on the mandrel 12 and are retained within the corresponding mandrel connection interface 44 on the seal carrier 42. The connection securely retains the seal carrier 42 to the mandrel 12. The connection may be accomplished by any known or after discovered means.

Referring to FIGS. 2B, 3, 3A, 4, 4A, and 5-7, prior to connection to the mandrel 12, the seal carrier 42 is loaded with the bottom gauge ring 30 which is positioned proximate the lip 34, then the sealing element 40 which is positioned proximate the bottom gauge ring 30 and will be intermediate the bottom gauge ring 30 and the upper gauge ring 32, and then the upper gauge ring 30 is positioned proximate the sealing element 40 and distal the lip 34. The bottom gauge ring 30 optionally rests against the lip 34 of the seal carrier 42. The upper gauge ring 32 is positioned proximate the connecting end 81 of the seal carrier 42. The components are secured to the seal carrier 42 via the shoulder 89 on the mandrel 12 once the carrier 42 is connected to the mandrel 12. A shoulder 89 on the mandrel 12 is formed at the location the larger outer diameter 14 meets the smaller outer diameter 15 of the mandrel 12. Once the sealing assembly 45 is secured in place on the mandrel 12, the upper gauge ring 32 abuts the shoulder 89 thereby securing the gauge rings 32, 30 and the sealing element 40 between the shoulder 89 and the lip 34.

At least two O-rings 83, 84 are positioned along the interior diameter of the seal carrier 42. The O-rings 83,84 are positioned parallel to the openings of the seal carrier 42 with one being positioned at each end thereof.

In its secured position, the bottom gauge ring 30 is axially displaceable along at least a portion of the length of the seal carrier 42 in relation to the upper gauge ring 32. Referring also to FIGS. 8 and 8A, while in its initial secured position, the bottom gauge ring 30 is located at its at rest position 74. Once acted upon by the test tool support 20, wherein the mandrel 12 is being axially displaced in relation to the test tool support 20 due to the weight being applied to it, the bottom gauge ring 30 will begin to exert pressure onto the sealing element 40. The sealing element 40 is not capable of any appreciable unfettered axial movement as it is firmly in place between the upper gauge ring 32 and the bottom gauge ring 30. The pressure exerted on the sealing element 40 by the bottom gauge ring 30 will cause it to be compressed upward between the bottom gauge ring 30 and the upper gauge ring 32 thereby causing the sealing element 40 to expand radially against the liner wall proximate same. The expansion is aided by the upper gauge ring 32 which is abutting the shoulder 89 of the mandrel 12 thus preventing it to move from its secured position. The expansion of the sealing element 40 will seal the proximate area of the liner wall thereby providing a seal between the wellbore above the sealing element 40 and the wellbore below the sealing element 40.

In an alternative embodiment, the upper gauge ring 32 is not present and the shoulder 89 of the mandrel 12 abuts the sealing element thus preventing its movement in the upward direction and aiding in causing it to expand radially so that it may seal the proximate area of the liner. Utilizing the gauge rings 30, 32 may allow the sealing assembly 45 to have a larger outer diameter, at least along a portion thereof, than the larger outer diameter 14 of the mandrel 12. The sealing of the bore will allow the user to conduct positive and/or negative tests on the liner to test the liner integrity, wherein the positive test involves applying pressure above the sealed area, and the negative test involves generating pressure below the sealed area.

FIG. 8A, without the sealing element 40 shown, shows the bottom gauge ring 30 in its fully active position 75. It is noted that the wellbore may be effectively sealed prior to the bottom gauge ring 30 reaching this fully active position 75. Therefore, the sealing may be effected when the bottom gauge ring 30 is in a position other than its at rest position 74.

In operation, the liner top test tool 10 is attached to a work string and the work string is lowered into the wellbore and positioned proximate the liner to be tested. The larger outer diameter 18 of the test tool support 20 is chosen to be larger than the inner diameter of the liner to be tested such that when the test tool support 20 reaches the liner top, the support surface 24 will engage the liner top and will sit at least partially on the liner top. The larger outer diameter 18 will prevent the liner test tool 10 from moving through the subject liner and will facilitate the positioning of the tool 10. Once the tool 10 is in place, the tool 10 may be set by increasing the weight above the tool, thereby increasing the pressure on the top of the tool 10, to an amount that will exert enough force to shear the shearable elements 22.

The system has built into it two tell-tale signs that the sealing assembly 45 is being engaged. The first is a visual drop on the weight indicator that will occur once the shearable elements 22 are sheared. The second tell-tale sign is the downward travel of the tool 10 as it strokes downward after the sharable elements 22 are sheared, thereby allowing the mandrel 12 to be axially displaced downward in relation to the stationary test tool support 20 that is positioned on the liner top which acts to set the sealing element and seal the bore of the liner. The downward travel may be known prior to placing the tool 10 into the wellbore. The distance of travel will depend on the length of the axial grooves 19 in relation to the position of the test tool support 20, as the axial groove connectors 27 will prevent axial movement further than the length of the axial grooves 19, and the position of the sealing assembly 45 in relation thereto, and the amount of displacement by way of radial expansion of the sealing element 40 needed to seal the wellbore. In an exemplary embodiment, the downward travel of 45.72 cm (18 inches) is observed in the tool deployment running string. This is the length of travel for the test tool support 20 to contact the bottom gauge ring 30 and set the sealing element 40 against the inner wall of the liner thereby forming the seal. This observable movement provides the user with an indicator that the tool 10 is in a profile and that the sealing element 40 has expanded and formed the seal thereby allowing the user to begin applying pressure to the system depending on which test the user wishes to run.

If needed, perhaps the liner top test tool 10 is not set properly and the seal is not holding the necessary pressure, the liner top test tool may be repositioned. The user will slack off the weight which will release at least some of the pressure on the sealing element 40 and allow the radial expansion of the sealing element to relax. The user can them pull up the tool 10 in order to reposition the support surface 24 of the test tool support 20. The repositioning may involve the rotation of the tool 10. Once the tool 10 has been repositioned, weight may be applied to the tool 10 in order to apply pressure to the sealing element 40. The sealing element 40 sill then compress axially causing it to expand radially in order to seal the liner bore proximate the sealing element 40. This repositioning step may be utilized any number of times in order to properly set the sealing element 40.

The liner top test tool 10 may be reused at the rig site. The user will slack off the weight which will release at least some of the pressure on the sealing element 40 and allow the radial expansion of the sealing element to relax. The user can them pull the tool 10 back up to the surface in order to reset the tool by installing new shearable elements 22. The user may optionally replace the sealing element 40 or any other component on the tool 10. Optionally, the user may switch out the test tool support 20 for another having a different (i.e., larger or smaller) larger outer diameter 18. The change may allow the user to run the tool 10 in a different part of the wellbore in order to test a new liner section. The different dimensions of the test tool support 20 would allow for its use in a smaller or larger liner. The tool 10 would be set up in the same way as before and would be lowered into the wellbore and set as before.

The coupling of any components herein may be accomplished by any known or later discovered connection options. For example, connection of the liner top test tool 10 to the work string may be accomplished in ways other than threading so long as the liner top test tool 10 is functionally connected to said work string or tubing.

The depicted exemplary embodiments may be altered in a number of ways while retaining the inventive aspect, including ways not specifically disclosed herein.

Throughout the description and claims of this specification, the words “comprise” and “contain” and variations of the words, for example “comprising” and “comprises”, means “including but not limited to”, and is not intended to (and does not) exclude other moieties, additives, components, integers or steps.

Throughout the description and claims of this specification, the singular encompasses the plural unless the context otherwise requires. In particular, where the indefinite article is used, the specification is to be understood as contemplating plurality as well as singularity, unless the context requires otherwise.

Features and characteristics described in conjunction with a particular aspect, embodiment or example of the invention are to be understood to be applicable to any other aspect, embodiment or example described herein unless incompatible therewith.

All of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), and/or all of the steps of any method or process so disclosed, may be combined in any combination, except combinations where at least some of such features and/or steps are mutually exclusive. In other words, the method steps have not been provided for in any particular sequential order and may be rearranged as needed or desired, with some steps repeated sequentially or at other times, during use.

Each feature disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), may be replaced by alternative features serving the same, equivalent, or similar purpose, unless expressly stated otherwise. Thus, unless expressly stated otherwise, each feature disclosed is one example only of a generic series of equivalent or similar features.

The invention is not restricted to the details of any foregoing embodiments. The invention extends to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), or to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the steps of any method or process so disclosed.

Claims

1. A liner top test tool comprising:

a mandrel;

a radially expandable sealing element positioned around a portion of said mandrel;

a test tool support having a support surface extending at least partially around said test tool support, wherein said test tool support is positioned around at least a portion of said mandrel below said sealing element;

said mandrel and said test tool support being capable of axial movement in relation to each other;

said mandrel and said test tool support being coupled by at least one shearable element, wherein said shearable element prevents axial movement between the two; and

wherein once said at least one shearable element is sheared, said mandrel is axially displaced in relation to said test tool support thereby resulting in the axial compression of the sealing element which will cause the sealing element to radially expand and form a seal within the bore of a liner.

2. The liner top test tool of claim 1, further comprising:

at least one axial groove running along at least a portion of the length of said mandrel; and

at least one axial groove connector connecting said test tool support and said mandrel along said at least one axial groove, wherein said axial groove connector allows for axial movement between the test tool support and the mandrel along the axial groove.

3. The liner top test tool of claim 1, wherein:

said mandrel having a section of its length that has a larger outer diameter in relation to another section of its length having a smaller outer diameter, wherein the interface between said larger outer diameter and said smaller outer diameter forms a shoulder; and

wherein said sealing element is positioned intermediate said shoulder and said test tool support.

4. The liner top test tool of claim 3, further comprising:

a seal carrier, having a lip protruding from its outer diameter along a side thereof, wherein at least a portion of the outer diameter of said seal carrier is smaller than the inner diameter of said sealing element;

a bottom gauge ring and an upper gauge ring, both being capable of placement along the outer diameter of said seal carrier;

wherein said bottom gauge ring is positioned around said seal carrier proximate the seal carrier's lip, said sealing element is positioned around said seal carrier intermediate said bottom gauge ring and said upper gauge ring, and wherein said seal carrier is positioned around at least a portion of the smaller diameter of said mandrel;

said bottom gauge ring axially movable between an initial at rest position to its fully active position, and any position in between when acted upon; and

said seal carrier is coupled to said mandrel proximate said mandrel's shoulder, wherein said upper gauge ring substantially abuts said shoulder.

5. The liner top test tool of claim 1, wherein said support surface is defined by the interface between a section of smaller outer diameter on said test tool support and a section of larger outer diameter on said test tool support.

6. The liner top test tool of claim 5, wherein said larger outer diameter of said test tool support is comprised of interspaced protrusions extending along at least a portion of the length of said test tool support.

7. The liner top test tool of claim 1, further comprising:

a bottom sub that is connectable to said mandrel proximate the test tool support; and

wherein said bottom sub is interchangeable with other bottom subs having varying types and/or sizes of connectors.

8. A liner top test tool comprising:

a mandrel, wherein said mandrel has a section of its length that has a larger outer diameter in relation to another section of its length having a smaller outer diameter, and wherein the interface between said larger outer diameter and said smaller outer diameter forms a shoulder;

a test tool support being capable of axial displacement in relation to said mandrel, wherein said test tool support is positioned at least partially along said smaller outer diameter of said mandrel;

a substantially cylindrical sealing element that is capable of radial expansion when axially compressed, wherein said sealing element is positioned at least partially along said smaller outer diameter of said mandrel intermediate said test tool support and said shoulder;

said sealing element prevented from upward axial movement by said shoulder of said mandrel;

at least one shearable element connecting said test tool support to said mandrel distal said sealing element and preventing axial movement between said test tool support and said mandrel until sheared by sufficient force.

9. The liner top test tool of claim 8, further comprising:

at least one axial groove running along at least a portion of the length of said mandrel; and

at least one axial groove connector connecting said test tool support and said mandrel along said at least one axial groove, wherein said axial groove connector allows for axial movement between the test tool support and the mandrel along the axial groove.

10. The liner top test tool of claim 9, further comprising:

a support surface extending at least partially around the circumference of said test tool support.

11. The liner top test tool of claim 10, further comprising:

a cylindrical seal carrier, having a lip protruding from its outer diameter along a side thereof, wherein at least a portion of the outer diameter of said seal carrier is smaller than the inner diameter of said sealing element;

a bottom gauge ring and an upper gauge ring, both being capable of placement along the outer diameter of said seal carrier;

wherein said bottom gauge ring is positioned around said seal carrier proximate the seal carrier's lip, said sealing element is positioned around said seal carrier intermediate said bottom gauge ring and said upper gauge ring, and wherein said seal carrier is positioned around at least a portion of the smaller diameter of said mandrel;

said bottom gauge ring axially movable between an initial at rest position to its fully active position, and any position in between when acted upon;

said seal carrier is coupled to said mandrel proximate said mandrel's shoulder, wherein said upper gauge ring substantially abuts said shoulder; and

wherein said support surface is defined by the interface between a section of smaller outer diameter on said test tool support and a section of larger outer diameter on said test tool support.

12. The liner top test tool of claim 11, wherein said larger outer diameter of said test tool support is comprised of interspaced protrusions extending along at least a portion of the length of said test tool support, and wherein said at least one axial groove comprises four axial grooves having a said axial groove connector for each respective axial groove.

13. The liner top test tool of claim 8, wherein said at least one shearable elements each have a shear value of 1,360.8 kilograms (3,000 pounds).

14. A method of using a liner top test tool comprising:

obtaining a liner top test tool capable of being positioned at a liner top and sealing the bore of a liner through use of a sealing element capable of radial expansion when axially compressed wherein said liner top test tool is weight set and the mechanism allowing for compression of the sealing element is prevented from axially movement by at least one shearable element wherein said shearable elements have a set shear value;

lowering said liner top test tool into a wellbore such that said tool is supported on the top of a liner; and

sealing said bore of said liner by shearing said shearable elements thereby causing said sealing element to be radially expanded.

15. The method of claim 14, further comprising incorporating the tell-tale sign of visual confirmation of the setting of said liner top test tool into the system by pre-setting the amount of travel of the liner top test tool in order to expand said radially expandable sealing element and accomplish sealing of said bore of said liner, said visual confirmation being the observance of the drop in the tool deployment running string of said pre-determined amount of travel.

16. The method of claim 15, further comprising incorporating the tell-tale sign of visual confirmation of the shearing of said shearable elements by observing the visual drop on the weight indicator thereby informing the user that said shearable elements have been sheared.

17. The method of claim 14, further comprising choosing a test tool support for each run into the well that has a sufficient section of outer diameter capable of preventing insertion of that section of the test tool support into the liner to be tested whereby said tool will be properly positioned at said subject liner.

18. The method of claim 17, further comprising:

repositioning of said tool if a seal has not been properly formed by slacking off the weight on said tool to release at least some of the pressure on said sealing element thereby allowing it to start to relax and break any seal that has been formed, pulling the tool up out of position and repositioning the tool, once the tool is repositioned then the user can introduce weight onto said tool in order to set said sealing element and seal the liner's bore;

testing said seal to determine if testing may proceed or if the repositioning step should be performed again; and

repeating said repositioning step as needed.

19. The method of claim 14, further comprising:

removing said tool from said wellbore by slacking off the weight on said tool thereby releasing some pressure on said sealing element and allowing it to relax, and retrieving said tool from the wellbore to the surface; and

resetting said tool for another run into the wellbore by redressing and torquing up said tool at the rig site.

20. The method of claim 17, wherein said resetting step includes the options of:

installing new shearable elements;

switching out said sealing element for another with a different outer diameter;

switching out said sealing element for another with a different length;

switching out said sealing element for another non-used element; and/or

switching out said test tool support for another with a different size of section of outer diameter to match the liner that is to be tested next.