Downhole Clamp and Methods of Using Same

Abstract

One or more specific embodiments disclosed herein includes a clamp for use with downhole equipment, comprising a clamp top, which comprises a first hinged side and a first adjustable side; a clamp bottom, which comprises a second hinged side and a second adjustable side, wherein the first hinged side and the second hinged side are connected to form a clamp hinge, and further wherein the first adjustable side and the second adjustable side are adjacent to each other; a clip attached to the outer diameter of the clamp top, wherein the clip and the clamp top form a clip hinge on the outer diameter of the clamp top; and one or more rub bars attached to the outer diameter of the clamp top.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/033,340 filed Jun. 2, 2020, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

Not applicable.

BACKGROUND

1. Field of Inventions

The field of this application and any resulting patent is downhole products for the protection and/or securing of cables, tubing, and the like, as well as methods of using the downhole products.

2. Description of Related Art

Various products and methods have been proposed and utilized for protecting and/or securing cables, tubing, and the like, including some of the processes and systems disclosed in the references appearing on the face of this patent. However, those products and methods lack all the steps or features of the products and methods covered by any patent claims below. As will be apparent to a person of ordinary skill in the art, any products and methods covered by claims of the issued patent solve many of the problems that prior art products and methods have failed to solve. Also, the products and methods covered by at least some of the claims of this patent have benefits that could be surprising and unexpected to a person of ordinary skill in the art based on the prior art existing at the time of invention.

SUMMARY

One or more specific embodiments disclosed herein includes a clamp for use with downhole equipment, comprising a clamp top, which comprises a first hinged side and a first adjustable side; a clamp bottom, which comprises a second hinged side and a second adjustable side, wherein the first hinged side and the second hinged side are connected to form a clamp hinge, and further wherein the first adjustable side and the second adjustable side are adjacent to each other; a clip attached to the outer diameter of the clamp top, wherein the clip and the clamp top form a clip hinge on the outer diameter of the clamp top; and one or more rub bars attached to the outer diameter of the clamp top.

One or more specific embodiments disclosed herein includes a clamp for use with downhole equipment that comprises a plurality of clamping sections, wherein each clamping section comprises a clamp top comprising a first hinged side and a first adjustable side, and a clamp bottom comprising a second hinged side and a second adjustable side, wherein the first hinged side and the second hinged side are connected to form a clamp hinge, and further wherein the first adjustable side and the second adjustable side are adjacent to each other; and a continuous rub bar, wherein the continuous rub bar is attached to each of the clamping sections.

One or more specific embodiments disclosed herein includes a method of employing a clamp that comprises attaching a clamp to downhole equipment, wherein the clamp comprises a clamp top, a clamp bottom attached to the clamp top, a clip attached to the outer diameter of the clamp top, wherein the clip and the clamp top form a clip hinge on the outer diameter of the clamp top, and one or more rub bars attached to the outer diameter of the clamp top; and inserting the downhole equipment into a wellbore.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a clamp.

FIG. 2 is a side view of an embodiment of a clamp with the hinged side of the clamp on the right side of the figure.

FIG. 3 is a side view of an embodiment of a clamp with the hinged side of the clamp on the left side of the figure.

FIG. 4 is a side view of an embodiment of a clamp directly facing an adjustable side of the clamp.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a clamp attached to electric submersible pump (ESP) and/or downhole equipment of a different nature.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of an embodiment wherein multiple clamps are attached to the same piece of downhole equipment.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a clamp with a plurality of clamping sections attached to multiple pieces of downhole equipment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

1. Introduction

A detailed description will now be provided. The purpose of this detailed description, which includes the drawings, is to satisfy the statutory requirements of 35 U.S.C. § 112. For example, the detailed description includes a description of the inventions defined by the claims and sufficient information that would enable a person having ordinary skill in the art to make and use the inventions. In the figures, like elements are generally indicated by like reference numerals regardless of the view or figure in which the elements appear. The figures are intended to assist the description and to provide a visual representation of certain aspects of the subject matter described herein. The figures are not all necessarily drawn to scale, nor do they show all the structural details of the systems, nor do they limit the scope of the claims.

Each of the appended claims defines a separate invention which, for infringement purposes, is recognized as including equivalents of the various elements or limitations specified in the claims. Depending on the context, all references below to the “invention” may in some cases refer to certain specific embodiments only. In other cases, it will be recognized that references to the “invention” will refer to the subject matter recited in one or more, but not necessarily all, of the claims. Each of the inventions will now be described in greater detail below, including specific embodiments, versions, and examples, but the inventions are not limited to these specific embodiments, versions, or examples, which are included to enable a person having ordinary skill in the art to make and use the inventions when the information in this patent is combined with available information and technology. Various terms as used herein are defined below, and the definitions should be adopted when construing the claims that include those terms, except to the extent a different meaning is given within the specification or in express representations to the Patent and Trademark Office (PTO). To the extent a term used in a claim is not defined below or in representations to the PTO, it should be given the broadest definition persons having skill in the art have given that term as reflected in any printed publication, dictionary, or issued patent.

2. Certain Specific Embodiments

Now, certain specific embodiments are described, which are by no means an exclusive description of the inventions. Other specific embodiments, including those referenced in the drawings, are encompassed by this application and any patent that issues therefrom.

One or more specific embodiments disclosed herein includes a clamp for use with downhole equipment, comprising a clamp top, which comprises a first hinged side and a first adjustable side; a clamp bottom, which comprises a second hinged side and a second adjustable side, wherein the first hinged side and the second hinged side are connected to form a clamp hinge, and further wherein the first adjustable side and the second adjustable side are adjacent to each other; a clip attached to the outer diameter of the clamp top, wherein the clip and the clamp top form a clip hinge on the outer diameter of the clamp top; and one or more rub bars attached to the outer diameter of the clamp top.

One or more specific embodiments disclosed herein includes a clamp for use with downhole equipment that comprises a plurality of clamping sections, wherein each clamping section comprises a clamp top comprising a first hinged side and a first adjustable side, and a clamp bottom comprising a second hinged side and a second adjustable side, wherein the first hinged side and the second hinged side are connected to form a clamp hinge, and further wherein the first adjustable side and the second adjustable side are adjacent to each other; and a continuous rub bar, wherein the continuous rub bar is attached to each of the clamping sections.

One or more specific embodiments disclosed herein includes a method of employing a clamp that comprises attaching a clamp to downhole equipment, wherein the clamp comprises a clamp top, a clamp bottom attached to the clamp top, a clip attached to the outer diameter of the clamp top, wherein the clip and the clamp top form a clip hinge on the outer diameter of the clamp top, and one or more rub bars attached to the outer diameter of the clamp top; and inserting the downhole equipment into a wellbore.

In any one of the methods or systems disclosed herein, the inner diameter of the clamp top and/or the inner diameter of the clamp bottom may comprise a coarse surface.

In any one of the methods or systems disclosed herein, the coarse surface of the inner diameter of the clamp top and/or the inner diameter of the clamp bottom may engage the outer diameter of downhole equipment preventing rotation of the clamp relative to the downhole equipment.

In any one of the methods or systems disclosed herein, the coarse surface of the inner diameter of the clamp top and/or the inner diameter of the clamp bottom may engage the outer diameter of downhole equipment preventing linear movement of the clamp relative to the downhole equipment.

In any one of the methods or systems disclosed herein, the inner diameter of the clamp top and/or the inner diameter of the clamp bottom may comprise a knurled surface.

In any one of the methods or systems disclosed herein, the clamp is customizable to adjust to multiple orientations.

In any one of the methods or systems disclosed herein, the first adjustable side and the second adjustable side may be attached to each other by an adjustable screw.

In any one of the methods or systems disclosed herein, the clip may be adjustable.

In any one of the methods or systems disclosed herein, the continuous rub bar may comprise a recessed area.

In any one of the methods or systems disclosed herein, each of the clamping sections may be attached to a different part of the same downhole equipment.

In any one of the methods or systems disclosed herein, each of the clamping sections may be attached to different downhole equipment.

In any one of the methods or systems disclosed herein, the clamping sections may be attached to one or more pieces of downhole equipment.

In any one of the methods or systems disclosed herein, each of the clamping sections may be adjusted to a different inner diameter.

In any one of the methods or systems disclosed herein, each of the clamping sections may be adjusted to the same inner diameter.

In any one of the methods or systems disclosed herein, at least one of the clamping sections may comprise a clip attached to the outer diameter of the clamp top, wherein the clip and the clamp top may form a clip hinge on the outer diameter of the clamp top.

In any one of the methods or systems disclosed herein, the clip may be adjusted to contain one or more cables.

In any one of the methods or systems disclosed herein, the inner diameter of the clamp may be adjusted to prevent rotation of the clamp relative to the downhole equipment.

In any one of the methods or systems disclosed herein, the one or more rub bars are interchangeable.

3. Specific Embodiments in the Figures

The drawings presented herein are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of the claims. Rather, the drawings are intended to help enable one having ordinary skill in the art to make and use the claimed inventions.

FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of an embodiment of clamp 2. In embodiments, clamp 2 may comprise a clamp top 4, a clamp bottom 6, one or more rub bars 8, and a clip 10.

Continuing with FIG. 1, in embodiments, the clamp top 4 may comprise a hinged side 12 and an adjustable side 14. In embodiments, the hinged side 12 may comprise a knuckle 16 projecting from the hinged side 12 of the clamp top 4. Further, in embodiments, the knuckle 16 may comprise a bore 18 (not illustrated) for receiving a clamp roll pin 20. In embodiments, the adjustable side 14 of the clamp top 4 may comprise a recess with one or more extensions 22. In embodiments, each extension 22 may comprise a bore 24 to receive a dowel nut 26. In embodiments, the dowel nut 26 may receive an adjustable socket head cap screw (SHCS) 28 (illustrated in FIG. 2). Additionally, in embodiments the clamp top 4 may further comprise one or more clip knuckles 30 (illustrated in FIG. 2).

As also shown in FIG. 1, in embodiments the clamp bottom 6 may comprise a hinged side 32 and an adjustable side 34. In embodiments, the hinged side 32 may comprise one or more knuckles 36 projecting from the hinged side 32 of the clamp bottom 6. In embodiments, each knuckle 36 may comprise a bore 38 for receiving the clamp roll pin 20. In embodiments, the adjustable side 34 may comprise a recess 40 as shown in FIG. 4. Additionally, in embodiments, the clamp bottom 6 may comprise one or more threaded thru-holes 42, as shown in FIG. 3. In embodiments, the thru-holes 42 may be employed for bidirectional clamps (not illustrated). As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, in embodiments one or more anti-rotation bolts 44 may be screwed into the thru-holes 42. In embodiments, the one or more anti-rotation bolts 44 may interlock with downhole equipment and/or ESP equipment 54 in order to prevent rotation of the clamp 2. In embodiments, the downhole equipment and/or ESP equipment 54 may comprise a pump, gas separator, seal, motor gauge, sensor, tubing, packer, and the like.

Referring to FIG. 1, in embodiments the rub bars 8 may be positioned on the clamp top 4. In alternative embodiments, the rub bars 8 may be positioned on the clamp bottom or some other location on the clamp 2. In embodiments, the rub bars 8 may be held in place by rub bar set screws 46 or alternatively welds, springs, or other mechanisms which locate and secure the rub bar 8. Further, in alternative embodiments the rub bar 8 may be positioned on the clamp bottom 6 or on other components of the clamp 2. In embodiments, the clamp top 4 may comprise one or more threaded bores (not illustrated) for receiving the rub bar set screws 46. In some embodiments, the inner diameter of the clamp top 4 and/or the clamp bottom 6 may comprise a coarse surface and/or knurled surface to provide grip and anti-rotation features by gripping the outer diameter of the downhole equipment and/or ESP equipment 54. Additionally, in embodiments the inner surfaces of the clamp top 4 and/or the clamp bottom 6 may contact the downhole equipment and/or ESP equipment 54 to prevent sliding. Further, in embodiments, the clamp 2 may be positioned in order to restrict movement of the clamp linearly up and/or down the downhole equipment and/or ESP equipment 54.

Referring to FIG. 1, in embodiments the clip 10 may comprise a threaded bore (not illustrated) for receiving a clip socket head cap screw (SHCS) 48. Further, in embodiments, the clamp top 4 may comprise a threaded bore (not illustrated) for receiving the clip SHCS 48. Additionally, in embodiments, the clip 10 may comprise a knuckle 50. In embodiments, a clip roll pin 52 may be employed with knuckles 30 and knuckle 50 to partially hold the clip in place and allow for hinged movement.

Alternatively, in embodiments the thru-holes 42 shown in FIG. 3 may be any type of bore that allows a screw, bolt, lug, roll pin, bar, or other similar device to be inserted into the clamp 2, protruding out of the clamp 2, and interfacing with the downhole equipment and/or ESP equipment 54 or allowing interfacing with the downhole equipment or ESP equipment 54 in another way. These securing devices may be used on either side of the clamp 2 as well as on the clamp top 4 or clamp bottom 6. In FIG. 5, the embodiment illustrates how the clip 10 may be capable of housing multiple size cap lines or cables, and the central bore created by the clamp top 4 and the clamp bottom 6 is illustrated to show how an MLE cable may be oriented. In embodiments, these can have multiple arrangements of the cap lines being side by side and the MLE cable off to that side, or as shown, or without cap lines or without MLE cut outs—even none. In embodiments, by turning the clamp 2 around, the orientation of the MLE and cap line cutouts may be reversed and the modular interface of the rub bars 8 to the clamp 2 allows the rub bars 8 to be flipped to meet equipment configurations and needs. In embodiments, the rub bars 8 can be attached to the clamp top 4 or clamp bottom 6 and are removable, reattachable, and replaceable before and once installed onto the completed assembly either in the shop environment, once received, installed on the downhole equipment and/or ESP equipment 54, after use, or any time thereafter. In embodiments, the clip 10 can also be designed to clamp down on the cap lines and MLE cable regardless of MLE cap line orientation (not illustrated).

Generally, the embodiments of the clamp 2 can be located on the neck area (or different components) of the downhole equipment and/or ESP equipment 54. For example, embodiments of the clamp 2 may be placed on the outside or above/below the downhole equipment and/or ESP equipment 54 for downhole oil and gas production, or other production equipment including, but not limited to, gas separators, sand/solid separators, etc. In embodiments, a few of the purposes of the clamp 2 include, but are not limited to, the following: (1) providing standoff and/or centralization of an ESP string while the ESP string is conveyed downhole, when it is being operated, or when it is being retrieved back to surface; (2) securing a motor lead extension (MLE) or power cable of the ESP and any capillary (CAP), tubing lines, or sensor lines, such as electronic, tubing, or fiber optic, or any line that may run on the outside of the ESP string, as well as protecting the ESP string from the three methods of use/travel listed in (1); (3) the combination of (1) and (2); or (4) providing guided entry through reductions or rough areas in the downhole environment; this also is true for other type of downhole equipment. Thus, generally some of the purposes of the embodiments described herein may be to provide protection to the MLE cable, power cables, cap lines, and fiber optics, and/or other sensor lines of the ESP equipment 54, as well as guide the ESP equipment 54 safely downhole for installation, during operation, and back out of the hole during retrieval of equipment.

In embodiments, a plurality of clamps 2 may be used on the downhole equipment and/or ESP equipment 54, as illustrated in FIG. 6. Alternatively, in certain embodiments the clamp 2 may comprise a plurality of clamp sections 56, as shown in FIG. 7. Each of the clamp sections 56 may be attached to a joining rub bar 8a. FIG. 7 also illustrates an embodiment of the clamp 2 with the plurality of clamp sections 56. As shown in FIG. 7, in embodiments each of the clamp sections 56 may be attached to different areas of the downhole equipment and/or ESP equipment 54. In embodiments, the clamp sections 56 may be attached to different areas of the downhole equipment and/or ESP equipment 54, wherein the clamp sections 56 may attach to the downhole equipment and/or ESP equipment 54 at points with different outer diameter measurements. Further, in embodiments, the clamp sections 56 of clamp 2 may secure separate downhole equipment and/or ESP equipment 54, chemical injectors, sensors or well monitoring equipment, gas injectors, and the like. In the embodiment in FIG. 7, a separate tool 60 may be attached to one or more of the clamp sections 56. Additionally, in embodiments, the joining rub bar 8a may be continuous or the joining rub bar 8a may be comprised of an assembly of different pieces. Also, the joining rub bar 8a may comprise a recessed area 58, which may allow fluid to flow unimpeded when either entering or exiting the downhole equipment and/or ESP equipment 54. In embodiments, the plurality of clamps 2 or the plurality of clamp sections 56 may keep the downhole equipment and/or ESP equipment 54 on the same centerline, whether it is the centerline of the wellbore or an offset centerline (dependent on the size of the wellbore).

The embodiments described herein provide many advantages over currently known methods. In embodiments, the components of the clamp 2 are designed to create an overall clamp assembly that is novel and serves the purposes of allowing the assembly to: be modular; be able to be used in multiple orientations and configurations making the assembly customizable on the spot, per job situation; have a mechanism that serves as an anti-rotation feature that is configurable and functions regardless of assembly orientation, wherein this feature interfaces with the ESP or other downhole equipment; employ the cable hold down clip 10, wherein the clip 10 is orientated per job criteria, but the modular design allows the clamp to be adjusted/turned/oriented to fit any alterations or new orientations; employ the rub bars 8, which are devices that stand the ESP or other equipment off from the downhole casing or hole surface, wherein the rub bars 8 protrude past the outer diameter of the equipment, further wherein the rub bars 8 are fastened to the main body of the clamp 2 either the clamp top 4 and/or the clamp bottom 6 via a hard mechanical interface preventing them from moving in the direction of conveyance, and further wherein the rub bars 8 may also be interchanged or flipped between other clamps and itself due to modularity; hold cables or cap lines by mechanical, external means that are capable of securing multiple sizes of the cables or cap lines regardless of size, order, or configuration; employ a clamp that may be adjustable, and yet all parts are contained to prevent parts falling down hole; and comprise an embodiment in which all parts are contained and there are zero loose parts when installation is taking place, and therefore, no risk of parts falling down hole to later cause damage to well and/or equipment. Further, in embodiments the clamp 2, as well as its various components, may comprise stainless steel, carbon steel, metallic or composite alloy, or the like. Additionally, in embodiments the clamp 2 may be fitted to any equipment as long as the size of the clamp 2 and equipment together allow the clamp 2 and equipment to fit within the wellbore.

Generally, the above describes improved downhole products for the protection and/or securing of cables, tubing, and the like, as well as methods of using the downhole products.

Claims

1. A clamp for use with downhole equipment, comprising:

a clamp top comprising a first hinged side and a first adjustable side;

a clamp bottom comprising a second hinged side and a second adjustable side, wherein the first hinged side and the second hinged side are connected to form a clamp hinge, and further wherein the first adjustable side and the second adjustable side are adjacent to each other;

a clip attached to the outer diameter of the clamp top, wherein the clip and the clamp top form a clip hinge on the outer diameter of the clamp top; and

one or more rub bars attached to the outer diameter of the clamp top.

2. The clamp of claim 1, wherein the inner diameter of the clamp top and the inner diameter of the clamp bottom comprise a coarse surface.

3. The clamp of claim 2, wherein the coarse surface engages the outer diameter of the downhole equipment preventing rotation of the clamp relative to the downhole equipment.

4. The clamp of claim 2, wherein the coarse surface engages the outer diameter of the downhole equipment preventing linear movement of the clamp relative to the downhole equipment.

5. The clamp of claim 1, wherein the clamp is customizable to adjust to multiple orientations.

6. The clamp of claim 1, wherein the first adjustable side and the second adjustable side are attached to each other by an adjustable screw.

7. The clamp of claim 1, wherein the clip is adjustable.

8. A clamp for use with downhole equipment, comprising:

a plurality of clamping sections, wherein each clamping section comprises: a clamp top comprising a first hinged side and a first adjustable side, and a clamp bottom comprising a second hinged side and a second adjustable side, wherein the first hinged side and the second hinged side are connected to form a clamp hinge, and further wherein the first adjustable side and the second adjustable side are adjacent to each other; and

a continuous rub bar, wherein the continuous rub bar is attached to each of the clamping sections.

9. The clamp of claim 8, wherein the continuous rub bar comprises a recessed area.

10. The clamp of claim 8, wherein each of the clamping sections is attached to a different part of the same downhole equipment.

11. The clamp of claim 8, wherein each of the clamping sections is attached to different downhole equipment.

12. The clamp of claim 8, wherein the clamping sections are attached to one or more pieces of downhole equipment.

13. The clamp of claim 8, wherein each of the clamping sections is adjusted to a different inner diameter.

14. The clamp of claim 8, wherein the clamping sections are adjusted to the same inner diameter.

15. The clamp of claim 8, wherein at least one of the clamping sections comprises a clip attached to the outer diameter of the clamp top, wherein the clip and the clamp top form a clip hinge on the outer diameter of the clamp top.

16. A method of employing a clamp, comprising:

attaching a clamp to downhole equipment, wherein the clamp comprises: a clamp top, a clamp bottom attached to the clamp top, a clip attached to the outer diameter of the clamp top, wherein the clip and the clamp top form a clip hinge on the outer diameter of the clamp top, and one or more rub bars attached to the outer diameter of the clamp top; and

inserting the downhole equipment into a wellbore.

17. The method of claim 16, further comprising the step of adjusting the clip to contain one or more cables.

18. The method of claim 16, further comprising the step of adjusting the inner diameter of the clamp to prevent rotation of the clamp relative to the downhole equipment.

19. The method of claim 18, wherein the inner diameter of the clamp top and the inner diameter of the clamp bottom comprise a knurled surface.

20. The method of claim 18, wherein the one or more rub bars are interchangeable.