Liner setting tool

Abstract

A liner setting tool. A system for conveying a liner string into a subterranean well includes a liner setting tool which selectively connects and disconnects a work string and a liner string. The liner setting tool is configured to transmit compressive force, tensile force and torque between the work string and the liner string. In another system, the liner setting tool is operable to disconnect the work string from the liner string in response to a predetermined pressure differential applied to the liner setting tool. In yet another system, the liner setting tool is operable to disconnect the work string from the liner string in response to displacement of a release member of the liner setting tool followed by displacement of the work string relative to the liner string.

Description

BACKGROUND

The present invention relates generally to equipment utilized and operations performed in conjunction with subterranean wells and, in an embodiment described herein, more particularly provides a liner setting system.

Difficulties are sometimes encountered in conveying liner strings into wells. For example, a wellbore into which a liner string is conveyed may have a restriction (such as, due to a partial cave-in of the wellbore) which makes it difficult to convey the liner string through the wellbore. These problems are especially significant in highly deviated or horizontal wellbores where the liner string rubs against a lower side of the wellbore with the weight of the liner string pressing against the side of the wellbore, and where the weight of a work string used to convey the liner string into the wellbore may not be sufficient to push the liner string through the wellbore.

It would be helpful to be able to manipulate the liner string in various ways using the work string when such difficulties are encountered. Unfortunately, typical liner setting tools are not able to apply tensile force, compressive force and torque from a work string to a liner string. Thus, typical liner setting tools are hampered by this inability to adequately manipulate a liner string.

Therefore, it may be seen that improvements are needed in the art of liner setting tools. It will also be appreciated by those skilled in the art that improved liner setting tools should provide convenient and reliable release of a work string from a liner string.

SUMMARY

In carrying out the principles of the present invention, a liner setting system is provided which solves at least one problem in the art. An example is described below in which a liner setting tool is releasably connected to a liner setting sleeve in a manner which permits enhanced manipulation of a liner string by a work string, but which also permits multiple convenient and reliable methods of releasing the liner string from the work string.

In one aspect of the invention, a system for conveying a liner string into a subterranean well is provided. The system includes a liner setting tool which selectively connects and disconnects a work string and the liner string. The liner setting tool is configured to transmit compressive force, tensile force and torque between the work string and the liner string.

In another aspect of the invention, a system for conveying a liner string into a subterranean well includes a liner setting tool which is operable to disconnect the work string from the liner string in response to a predetermined pressure differential applied to the liner setting tool. The liner setting tool may also be operable to disconnect the work string from the liner string in response to a predetermined force applied to a release member of the liner setting tool.

In yet another aspect of the invention, a system for conveying a liner string into a subterranean well includes a liner setting tool which is operable to disconnect the work string from the liner string in response to displacement of a release member of the liner setting tool followed by displacement of the work string relative to the liner string. The relative displacement may be displacement of the work string toward the liner string. 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 a representative embodiment of the invention hereinbelow and the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a schematic partially cross-sectional view of a liner setting system embodying principles of the present invention;

FIGS. 2A-C are cross-sectional views of successive axial sections of a liner setting tool which may be used in the system of FIG. 1, the tool embodying principles of the present invention;

FIG. 3 is an enlarged detail of the tool of FIGS. 2A-C; and

FIG. 4 is another enlarged detail of the tool of FIGS. 2A-C.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Representatively illustrated in FIG. 1 is a system 10 which embodies principles of the present invention. In the following description of the system 10 and other apparatus and methods described herein, directional terms, such as “above”, “below”, “upper”, “lower”, etc., are used for convenience in referring to the accompanying drawings. In the context of operations and equipment in a wellbore, the upper direction is representatively toward the earth's surface along the wellbore. Additionally, it is to be understood that the various embodiments of the present invention described herein may be utilized in various orientations, such as inclined, inverted, horizontal, vertical, etc., and in various configurations, without departing from the principles of the present invention. The embodiments are described merely as examples of useful applications of the principles of the invention, which is not limited to any specific details of these embodiments.

As depicted in FIG. 1, a work string 12 (such as a string of drill pipe, coiled tubing, etc.) is used to convey a liner string 14 into a wellbore 16. The wellbore 16 is highly deviated from vertical, and so it is more likely that difficulties will be encountered in conveying the liner string 14 through the wellbore than would be the case if the wellbore were more vertically oriented.

It should be clearly understood that it is not necessary in keeping with the principles of the invention for a liner string to be conveyed into a horizontal or highly deviated wellbore. This is merely one example of a situation in which the principles of the invention may be applied with beneficial effect.

As used herein, the term “liner string” is used to indicate any type of tubular string which functions to line a wellbore. A liner string may be comprised of continuous and/or segmented tubular members, metal and/or non-metal materials, and/or any other type of tubular string.

Referring additionally now to FIGS. 2A-C, an enlarged cross-sectional view is representatively illustrated of the work string 12 and liner string 14 apart from the remainder of the system 10. In this view a liner setting tool 20 may be seen which releasably connects the work string 12 and liner string 14. The tool 20 is connected (for example, by threading) to a lower end of the work string 12. The tool 20 secures the work string 12 to the liner string 14 in a unique manner described more fully below, while also allowing the work string to be conveniently and reliably disconnected from the liner string when desired (such as, when the liner string has been appropriately positioned in the wellbore 16).

The tool 20 includes an outer liner setting sleeve 22 which is attached at an upper end of the liner string 14. The sleeve 22 may also be considered as a part of the liner string 14, since it remains attached at the upper end of the liner string when the remainder of the tool 20 is retrieved with the work string 12 at the end of the liner setting operation. The sleeve 22 provides convenient access for tools, tubing strings, etc., into the liner string 14 by virtue of a muleshoe shaped upper end 24. Note that it is not necessary for the upper end 24 to have the muleshoe shape.

The remainder of the tool 20 is engaged with the sleeve 22 (and, thereby, with the liner string 14) by means of internal recesses or profiles 26, 28 and a splined connection 30. These forms of engagement permit tensile force, compressive force and torque to be transmitted via the tool 20 between the work string 12 and the liner string 14, so that the liner string may be manipulated as needed to convey the liner string through the wellbore 16.

A tensile force between the work string 12 and the liner string 14 may be considered as a “pull” which tends to separate the work string from the liner string (such as, the weight of the liner string suspended by the work string, or a tensile force resulting from upward displacement of the liner string by the work string, etc.). A compressive force between the work string 12 and the liner string 14 may be considered as a “push” which tends to bias the work string and liner string toward each other (such as, a weight of the work string applied to the liner string, etc.).

Referring additionally now to FIG. 3, an enlarged detail of the tool 20 is illustrated. In this view it may be seen that a C-shaped ring 32 carried on the tool 20 is engaged with the profile 28 in the sleeve 22. The ring 32 is biased outwardly into engagement with the profile 28 by means of multiple circumferentially distributed balls 34 maintained in an outwardly displaced position by a radially enlarged portion 36 formed on a release member 38. Note that the balls 34 could instead be pins, lugs, keys, or another type of engagement device.

If the release member 38 is displaced downward, the balls 34 will be permitted to displace inwardly, thereby permitting the ring 32 to displace inwardly out of engagement with the profile 28. Note that, as long as the release member 38 is in the position depicted in FIG. 3, the engagement between the ring 32 and the profile 28 permits compressive force to be transmitted between the tool 20 and the liner string 14. However, when the release member 38 is displaced downward, so that the balls 34 are no longer outwardly supported by the portion 36, then the ring 32 retracts (preferably due to its own elasticity) out of engagement with the profile 28, and compressive force may no longer be transmitted, due to such disengagement between the ring and the profile.

Referring additionally now to FIG. 4, another enlarged detail of the tool 20 is depicted. In this view it may be seen that another C-shaped ring 40 is carried on the tool 20 and is engaged with the profile 26. The ring 40 is outwardly supported in engagement with the profile 26 by a housing assembly 42 of the tool 20.

Note that a shoulder 44 formed on the housing assembly 42 permits a tensile force to be transmitted between the work string 12 and the liner string 14 due to the engagement between the ring 40 and the profile 26. However, there is no corresponding shoulder to permit a compressive force to be transmitted. Therefore, engagement between the ring 32 and profile 28 transmits compressive force as described above, and the engagement between the ring 40 and profile 26 transmits tensile force. The benefits of this arrangement will be more fully appreciated after considering the further description of the tool 20 below.

A radially reduced portion 46 is formed on the housing assembly 42 above the ring 40. Downward displacement of the housing assembly 42 relative to the sleeve 22 will eventually result in the radially reduced portion 46 being positioned beneath the ring 40, at which point the housing assembly will no longer outwardly support the ring in engagement with the profile 26. The ring 40 will consequently retract (preferably due to its own elasticity) out of engagement with the profile 26.

The splined connection 30 transmits torque between the housing assembly 42 and the sleeve 22, and thus between the work string 12 and the liner string 14. The splined connection 30 also permits relative axial displacement between the housing assembly 42 and the sleeve 22. This relative axial displacement is used to advantage in the tool 20 when it is desired to disconnect the work string 12 from the liner string 14.

The release member 38 is provided in the form of a sleeve which is retained in position relative to the housing assembly 42 by shear pins 48. A flow passage 50 extends longitudinally through the member 38 and the remainder of the tool 20. The flow passage 50 permits fluid to be circulated through the work string 12 and liner string 14 while the liner string is conveyed through the wellbore 16.

The member 38 may be displaced downward to retract the ring 32 out of engagement with the profile 28 when it is desired to disconnect the work string 12 from the liner string 14. A predetermined downwardly directed mechanical force may be applied to the member 38 to shear the shear pins 48 and displace the member downwardly. For example, a conventional slickline or wireline conveyed jar could be used for this purpose.

Alternatively, a plug 52 (such as a ball or dart, etc.) may be dropped and/or pumped through the work string 12 into the passage 50 to engage a seat 54 or other sealing surface on the member 38. Sealing engagement between the plug 52 and the seat 54 closes off the passage 50 so that pressure applied to the work string 12 will result in a pressure differential being applied to the tool 20. When the pressure differential reaches a predetermined level across the plug 52 and member 38, the shear pins 48 will shear and the pressure differential will bias the member to displace downwardly.

When the member 38 has displaced downwardly a sufficient distance, openings 56 formed through a sidewall of the member, which were formerly sealed off by seals 58, will no longer be sealed off and will permit flow through the passage 50, thereby relieving (or at least significantly reducing) the pressure differential across the member. This reduction in the pressure differential can be conveniently detected at the surface as a reduction in pressure on the work string 12, or as circulating flow to the annulus. Thus, proper actuation of the tool 20 can be easily verified.

In operation, the tool 20 is connected between the work string 12 and the liner string 14 as depicted in FIGS. 1 and 2A-C. If difficulty is encountered in conveying the liner string 14 into or through the wellbore 16, fluid may be circulated through the work string 12 and liner string via the passage 50, and the work string may be used to raise, lower and rotate the liner string, to thereby aid in overcoming such difficulty.

When it is desired to disconnect the work string 12 from the liner string 14, a pressure differential may be applied from the interior to the exterior of the tool 20 (e.g., by applying increased pressure to the interior passage 50 as a cementing plug lands in a float collar connected at a lower end of the liner string 14). This pressure differential will act across a differential piston area on the release member 38 (i.e., the annular area between the seals shown in FIG. 4 and the seals 58 shown in FIG. 2C) to apply a downwardly directed force to the release member. When the pressure differential reaches a predetermined level, the shear pins 48 will shear and thereby permit the release member 38 to displace downwardly.

If the application of the pressure differential between the interior and exterior of the tool 20 is unsuccessful, then the plug 52 may be dropped and/or circulated into the passage 50 and engaged with the seat 54. Pressure is then applied to the work string 12 to cause a predetermined pressure differential to shear the shear pins 48 and downwardly displace the member 38. Such downward displacement of the member 38 will be readily detected at the surface, due to flow being restored through the passage 50.

Note that, due to the somewhat restricted flow area of the passage 50 in the release member 38, a pressure differential in the passage across the release member could be created by flowing fluid through the passage, without installing the plug 52 in the passage. Thus, fluid flow through the passage 50 could be increased until the predetermined pressure differential across the release member 38 is produced, at which point the shear pins 48 would shear and the member would be downwardly displaced by the pressure differential.

If this pressure actuation of the tool 20 is unsuccessful, then a mechanical force may be applied to the member 38 to shear the shear pins 48 and downwardly displace the member. Again, downward displacement of the member 38 will be detected at the surface. Note that it is not necessary for mechanical actuation to follow an unsuccessful pressure actuation of the tool 20. For example, the tool 20 could be initially mechanically actuated, if desired.

Note that an upwardly directed mechanical force could be applied to the member 38 to shear the shear pins 48 and upwardly displace the member, if desired.

Displacement of the member 38 results in disengagement of the ring 32 from the profile 28, thereby permitting relative displacement of the work string 12 toward the liner string 14, since the resulting disengagement between the ring and profile no longer permits transmission of compressive force between the work string and the liner string. However, engagement between the other ring 40 and profile 26 still permits transmission of tensile force between the work string 12 and the liner string 14, and the splined connection 30 still permits transmission of torque between the work string and the liner string.

The work string 12 is then displaced toward the liner string 14 (for example, by lowering the work string). This results in downward displacement of the housing assembly 42 relative to the sleeve 22. When the housing assembly 42 displaces downward sufficiently far, the ring 40 will disengage from the profile 26. At this point, neither tensile nor compressive force will be transmitted between the work string 12 and liner string 14, although the splined connection 30 will still transmit torque between the work string and liner string.

The work string 12 is then retrieved from the well with the tool 20 (with the exception of the sleeve 22 which remains attached to the liner string 14). The splined connection 30 is disengaged as the housing assembly 42 is withdrawn from within the sleeve 22.

It may now be fully appreciated that the tool 20 permits the liner string 14 to be disconnected from the work string 12 by conveniently pressure actuating the tool (which may be readily verified), displacing the work string toward the liner string, and then retrieving the work string. The tool 20 can be mechanically actuated if desired, whether or not an attempt is also made to pressure actuate the tool.

Of course, a person skilled in the art would, upon a careful consideration of the above description of a representative embodiment of the invention, readily appreciate that many modifications, additions, substitutions, deletions, and other changes may be made to the described embodiment, and such changes are within the scope of the principles of the present invention. For example, the rings 32, 40 and profiles 26, 28 could be replaced by pins, lugs, dogs, keys, recesses, shoulders, projections, or any other type of engagement mechanisms. Accordingly, the foregoing detailed description is to be clearly understood as being given by way of illustration and example only, the spirit and scope of the present invention being limited solely by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A system for conveying a liner string into a subterranean well, the system comprising:

a liner setting tool which selectively connects and disconnects a work string and the liner string, the liner setting tool being configured to transmit each of a compressive force, a tensile force and a torque between the work string and the liner string.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein the liner setting tool disconnects the work string from the liner string in response to displacement of a release member of the liner setting tool.

3. The system of claim 2, wherein the liner setting tool disconnects the work string from the liner string further in response to displacing the work string toward the liner string after displacement of the release member.

4. The system of claim 2, wherein the release member displaces in response to application of a predetermined pressure differential to the liner setting tool.

5. The system of claim 4, wherein the liner setting tool includes a flow passage, installation of a plug in the flow passage permitting the pressure differential to be applied to the liner setting tool.

6. The system of claim 4, wherein the pressure differential is relieved upon displacement of the release member.

7. The system of claim 2, wherein the liner setting tool continues to transmit the tensile force and torque between the work string and the liner string after displacement of the release member.

8. A system for conveying a liner string into a subterranean well, the system comprising:

a liner setting tool which selectively connects and disconnects a work string and the liner string, the liner setting tool being operable to disconnect the work string from the liner string in response to a predetermined pressure differential applied to the liner setting tool.

9. The system of claim 8, wherein the liner setting tool is further operable to disconnect the work string from the liner string in response to application of a predetermined force to the liner setting tool.

10. The system of claim 8, wherein the liner setting tool is configured to transmit each of a compressive force, a tensile force and a torque between the work string and the liner string.

11. The system of claim 8, wherein a release member of the liner setting tool displaces in response to application of the predetermined pressure differential to the liner setting tool.

12. The system of claim 11, wherein the liner setting tool disconnects the work string from the liner string further in response to displacing the work string toward the liner string after displacement of the release member.

13. The system of claim 11, wherein the pressure differential is relieved upon displacement of the release member.

14. The system of claim 11, wherein the liner setting tool continues to transmit tensile force and torque between the work string and the liner string after displacement of the release member.

15. A system for conveying a liner string into a subterranean well, the system comprising:

a liner setting tool which selectively connects and disconnects a work string and the liner string, the liner setting tool being operable to disconnect the work string from the liner string in response to displacement of a release member of the liner setting tool followed by displacement of the work string toward the liner string.

16. The system of claim 15, wherein the liner setting tool is configured to transmit each of a compressive force, a tensile force and a torque between the work string and the liner string.

17. The system of claim 16, wherein the liner setting tool continues to transmit the tensile force and torque between the work string and the liner string after displacement of the release member.

18. The system of claim 15, wherein the release member displaces in response to application of a predetermined pressure differential to the liner setting tool.

19. The system of claim 18, wherein the pressure differential is relieved upon displacement of the release member.

20. The system of claim 15, wherein the release member displaces in response to application of a predetermined force to the liner setting tool.