RIGLESS CASING CUTTING/PULLING STAND

Abstract

A tool for removing a portion of a casing from a wellbore. The tool includes a base having an opening or bore formed therethrough. A plurality of hydraulic cylinders may each have a first end portion coupled to the base and a second end portion distal the base. A first crane may be coupled to the base. A tong may be coupled to the first crane, and the first crane may be adapted to move the tong into alignment with the opening in the base. A second crane may be coupled to the base. An attachment may be coupled to the second crane, and the second crane may be adapted to move the attachment into alignment with the opening in the base and proximate the second end portions of the cylinders.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of related U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/654624 filed Jun. 1, 2012, titled, “Rigless Casing Cutter/Pulling Stand,” to Eric Boudreaux, the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

BACKGROUND

When a wellbore is no longer producing, the wellbore is plugged, and a portion of the casing above the plug is removed. To remove the casing, a drill pipe is lowered into the wellbore to a point above the plug. A pipe (or casing) cutter coupled to the lower end portion of the drill pipe is then actuated such that one or more knives or blades extend radially-outward to engage an inner surface of the casing. A swivel stand at the surface grips the drill pipe and causes the drill pipe and the pipe cutter to rotate. The rotating pipe cutter cuts the casing into upper and lower axial segments.

After the cutting is complete, the swivel stand is moved, and in its place is positioned a casing jack stand. The casing jack stand is used to pull the upper axial segment of the casing up and out of the wellbore. When the upper segment of the casing is no longer disposed in the wellbore, the wellbore will eventually fill in over time, returning the formation to its original state.

Replacing the swivel stand with the casing jack stand is a time consuming process, which results in lost profits in the field. Further, oftentimes the casing is not fully cut into the two axial segments (i.e., the two casing segments are still partially coupled together), and the casing jack is unable to pull the upper axial segment to the surface. When this occurs, the casing jack stand is moved, and in its place is repositioned the swivel stand to finish the cutting of the casing. This further increases the time to remove the upper segment of the casing.

What is needed, therefore, is an improved apparatus and method for cutting the casing in a wellbore into two segments and removing the upper segment from the wellbore.

SUMMARY

This summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts that are further described below in the detailed description. This summary is not intended to identify key or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used as an aid in limiting the scope of the claimed subject matter.

A tool for removing a portion of a casing from a wellbore is provided. The tool may include a base having an opening or bore formed therethrough. A plurality of hydraulic cylinders may have first end portions coupled to the base and second end portions distal the base. A first crane may be coupled to the base. A tong may be coupled to the first crane, and the first crane may move the tong into alignment with the opening or bore in the base. A second crane may be coupled to the base. An attachment may be coupled to the second crane, and the second crane may move the attachment into alignment with the opening or bore in the base and proximate the second end portions of the plurality of hydraulic cylinders.

A method for removing a portion of a casing from a wellbore is also provided. The method may include moving a tong into alignment with an opening or bore formed through a base of a tool using a first crane coupled to the base. The tool may include a plurality of hydraulic cylinders. The hydraulic cylinders may have first end portions coupled to the base and second end portions distal the base. Two or more segments of a drill pipe may be screwed together using the tong. The drill pipe may be introduced into a wellbore disposed below the base and aligned with the opening or bore. A casing may be disposed in the wellbore and disposed radially outward from the drill pipe. A first attachment may be moved into a first position aligned with the opening or bore in the base and proximate the second end portions of the cylinders using a second crane coupled to the base. The first attachment may couple to the drill pipe.

In another embodiment, the method may include moving a tong into alignment with an opening or bore formed through a base of a tool using a first crane coupled to the base. The tool may include a plurality of hydraulic cylinders having first end portions coupled to the base and second end portions distal the base. Two or more segments of a drill pipe may be screwed together using the tong. The drill pipe may be introduced into a wellbore disposed below the base and aligned with the opening or bore. A casing is disposed in the wellbore and disposed radially outward from the drill pipe. A first attachment may be moved into a first position aligned with the opening or bore in the base and proximate the second end portions of the cylinders using a second crane coupled to the base. The first attachment may couple to the drill pipe. The drill pipe may be rotated via the first attachment to cut the casing into first and second segments with one or more knives coupled to the drill pipe. The first attachment may be moved into a second position using the second crane such that the first attachment is not aligned with the opening or bore in the base and is not coupled to the drill pipe. A second attachment may be moved into the first position with the second crane. The second attachment may couple to the drill pipe when in the first position. The drill pipe may couple to the first segment of the casing. The drill pipe and the first segment of the casing may be lifted, e.g., out of the wellbore, using the second attachment.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

So that the recited features can be understood in detail, a more particular description, briefly summarized above, can be had by reference to one or more embodiments, some of which are illustrated in the appended drawings. It is to be noted, however, that the appended drawings illustrate only typical embodiments, and are, therefore, not to be considered limiting of its scope, for the invention can admit to other equally effective embodiments.

FIG. 1 depicts a perspective view of an illustrative tool for removing a casing from a wellbore, according to one or more embodiments disclosed.

FIG. 2 depicts a front view of the tool having a plurality of cylinders in an extended position, according to one or more embodiments disclosed.

FIG. 3 depicts a side view of the tool having the plurality of cylinders in the extended position, according to one or more embodiments disclosed.

FIG. 4 depicts a perspective view of the tool having a swivel head attachment coupled to a second crane, according to one or more embodiments disclosed.

FIG. 5 depicts a perspective view of the tool having the swivel head attachment coupled to connectors disposed above a plurality of cylinders, according to one or more embodiments disclosed.

FIG. 6 depicts a perspective view of the tool having a casing jack attachment coupled to the second crane, according to one or more embodiments disclosed.

FIG. 7 depicts a perspective view of the casing jack attachment coupled to the connectors disposed above the cylinders, according to one or more embodiments disclosed.

FIG. 8 depicts a cross-sectional view of the tool introducing a drill pipe into a wellbore, according to one or more embodiments disclosed.

FIG. 9 depicts a cross-sectional view of the swivel head attachment coupled to the drill pipe, according to one or more embodiments disclosed.

FIG. 10 depicts a cross-sectional view of the casing jack attachment coupled to the drill pipe, according to one or more embodiments disclosed.

FIG. 11 depicts a cross-sectional view of the cylinders lifting the drill pipe and the upper segment of the casing, according to one or more embodiments disclosed.

FIG. 12 depicts a cross-sectional view of the wellbore after the upper section of the casing has been removed, according to one or more embodiments disclosed.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

As generally shown in FIG. 1, a tool 100 for removing a portion of a casing 404 (FIG. 8) from a wellbore 400 (FIG. 8) is provided. The tool 100 may include a base 102 having an opening or bore 104 formed therethrough. A plurality of hydraulic cylinders 106-1, 106-2, 106-3, 106-4 may each have a first end portion 107 coupled to the base 102 and a second end portion 109 distal the base 102. A first crane 110 may be coupled to the base 102. A tong 120 may be coupled to the first crane 110, and the first crane 110 may move the tong 120 into alignment with the opening 104 in the base 102. As generally shown in FIG. 2, a second crane 130 may be coupled to the base 102. An attachment 200 (FIG. 4), 300 (Figure 6) may be coupled to the second crane 130, and the second crane 130 may move the attachment 200, 300 into alignment with the opening 104 in the base 102 and proximate the second end portions 109 of the cylinders 106-1, 106-2, 106-3, 106-4.

FIG. 1 depicts a perspective view of an illustrative tool 100 for removing a casing from a wellbore, according to one or more embodiments. The tool 100 includes a base 102 that may be positioned on the surface above a wellbore. The base 102 has a length L and a width W, each ranging from a low of about 1.5 m, about 2 m, or about 2.5 m to a high of about 3.5 m, about 4 m, about 4.5 m, or more. For example, the length L may be between about 2.75 m and about 3.25 m, and the width W may be between about 2.25 m and about 2.75 m. The base 102 has a height H ranging from a low of about 10 cm, about 15 cm, or about 20 cm to a high of about 30 cm, about 40 cm, about 50 cm, or more. For example, the base 102 may have a height H between about 20 cm and about 35 cm.

An opening or bore 104 is formed in the base 102 through which a drill string or drill pipe may be introduced to the wellbore. The opening 104 may have a cross-sectional length (e.g., diameter) ranging from a low of about 20 cm, about 30 cm, about 40 cm, or about 50 cm to a high of about 70 cm, about 80 cm, about 90 cm, about 100 cm, or more. For example, the cross-sectional length of the opening 104 may be between about 20 cm and about 50 cm or between about 50 cm and about 80 cm.

A plurality of hydraulic cylinders (four are shown 106-1, 106-2, 106-3, 106-4) may be coupled to the base 102 and extend generally upward therefrom. More particularly, the cylinders 106-1, 106-2, 106-3, 106-4 may each have a first end portion 107 coupled to the base 102 and a second end portion 109 distal the base 102. The terms “couple,” “coupled,” “connect,” “connection,” “connected,” “in connection with,” and “connecting” refer to “in direct connection with” or “in connection with via one or more elements or members.” The terms “inner” and “outer;” “up” and “down;” “upper” and “lower;” “upward” and “downward;” “above” and “below;” and other like terms as used herein refer to relative positions to one another and are not intended to denote a particular direction or spatial orientation.

A connector 108 may be coupled to the second end portion 109 of each cylinder 106-1, 106-2, 106-3, 106-4. In at least one embodiment, support beams (two are shown 111, 113) may be coupled to the second end portions 109 of the cylinders 106-1, 106-2, 106-3, 106-4, and the connectors 108 may be coupled to the support beams 111. As shown, a first support beam 111 may be coupled to the second end portions 109 of the first and second cylinders 106-1, 106-2, and a second support beam 113 may be coupled to the second end portions 109 of the third and fourth cylinders 106-3, 106-4. As such, the connectors 108 may be coupled to the second end portions 109 of the cylinders 106-1, 106-2, 106-3, 106-4 via the support beams 111, 113. A swivel head attachment 200 may be coupled to the connectors 108, as discussed in greater detail with respect to FIG. 4.

The cylinders 106-1, 106-2, 106-3, 106-4 may be positioned in two rows of two such that they form a rectangle on the base 102. For example, the first row may include the first and second cylinders 106-1, 106-2, and the second row may include the third and fourth cylinders 106-3, 106-4. The distance between the first and second cylinders 106-1, 106-2, and the distance between the third and fourth cylinders 106-3, 106-4, may range from a low of about 1 m, about 1.25 m, or about 1.5 m to a high of about 2 m, about 2.5 m, about 3 m, or more. For example, the distance between the first and second cylinders 106-1, 106-2, and the distance between the third and fourth cylinders 106-3, 106-4, may be between about 1.4 m and about 1.6 m. The distance between the first and second rows may range from a low of about 1 m, about 1.25 m, or about 1.5 m to a high of about 2 m, about 2.5 m, about 3 m, or more. For example, the distance between the first and second rows may be between about 1.4 m and about 1.6 m. The opening 104 may be positioned between the first and second rows.

The cylinders 106-1, 106-2, 106-3, 106-4 may each have a diameter ranging from a low of about 10 cm, about 14 cm, or about 18 cm to a high of about 22 cm, about 26 cm, about 30 cm, or more. For example the cylinders 106-1, 106-2, 106-3, 106-4 may have a diameter between about 18 cm and about 22 cm.

A first or “jib” crane 110 may be coupled to the base 102. The first crane 110 may include a mast 112 coupled to the base 102 and extending upward therefrom. A jib 114 may be coupled to the upper end portion of the mast 112 and extend laterally outward therefrom. The jib 114 may be adapted to rotate around the mast 112 up to about 270°, about 290°, about 310°, about 330°, about 350°, or about 360°.

A trolley 116 may be coupled to the jib 114 and adapted to move or slide axially along the jib 114 (i.e., toward and away from the mast 112). A first end portion of a cable 118 may be coupled to the trolley 116, and a second end portion of the cable 118 may be coupled to a drill pipe tong 120. The trolley 116 may be arranged and designed to lift the tong 120 upward toward the jib 114 and/or lower the tong 120 downward away from the jib 114 via the cable 118.

The first crane 110 may be adapted to move the tong 120 from a first or “inactive” position, where the tong 120 is not positioned over the base 102 (or the opening 104 in the base 102), to a second or “active” position, where the tong 120 is disposed above and aligned with the opening 104 in the base 102 (see FIG. 8). When the tong 120 is in the second position, the tong 120 may screw two sections of drill pipe together before they are introduced into the wellbore via the opening 104, or unscrew two sections of drill pipe from one another as they are being pulled out of the wellbore via the opening 104, as described in more detail below.

FIG. 2 depicts a front view of the tool 100 having the cylinders 106-1, 106-2, 106-3, 106-4 in an extended position, and FIG. 3 depicts a side view of the tool 100 having the cylinders 106-1, 106-2, 106-3, 106-4 in the extended position, according to one or more embodiments. The cylinders 106-1, 106-2, 106-3, 106-4 may each include a piston 117-1, 117-2, 117-3, 117-4 that is adapted to move or stroke up and down with respect to the base 102. The distance of the stroke may range from a low of about 0.1 m, about 0.2 m, about 0.4 m, about 0.6 m, about 0.8 m, or about 1 m to a high of about 1.6 m, about 1.8 m, about 2.0 m, about 2.5 m, about 3.0 m, or more. For example, the distance of the stroke may be between about 1.6 m and about 2 m. The cylinders 106-1, 106-2, 106-3, 106-4 may be adapted to lift a load (e.g., the drill pipe and/or a casing) weighing up to about 150,000 kg, about 200,000 kg, about 250,000 kg, or more. For example, the cylinders 106-1, 106-2, 106-3, 106-4 may be adapted to lift between about 220,000 kg and about 240,000 kg.

The tool 100 may further include a second or “knuckleboom” crane 130 coupled to the base 102. The first crane 110 may be coupled to a first side 103 of the base 102, and the second crane 130 may be coupled to a second side 105 of the base 102 (see FIG. 3). The second crane 130 may include two or more segments (three are shown 132, 134, 136). Each segment 132, 134, 136 may range from a low of about 0.5, about 1 m, or about 1.5 m to a high of about 2 m, about 2.5 m, about 3 m, or more. For example, the segments 132, 134, 136 may be between about 1.75 m and about 2.25 m. The segments 132, 134, 136 may be coupled together with one or more knuckles or joints (two are shown 138, 140). The joints 138, 140 may enable the second crane 130 to extend vertically and/or laterally into multiple positions. FIGS. 2 and 3 each depict three illustrative positions for the second crane 130. In the first position, the first segment 132 is substantially vertical, and the second and third segments 134, 136 are substantially lateral. In the second position, the first and second segments 132, 134 are substantially vertical, and the third segment 136 is substantially lateral. In the third position, the first, second, and third segments 132 134, 136 are each substantially vertical. However, as may be appreciated, these positions are merely illustrative, and each of the first, second, and third segments 132, 134, 136 may be adapted to be vertical, lateral, or any angle therebetween.

The second crane 130 may also rotate around a vertical axis 131 up to about 270°, about 290°, about 310°, about 330°, about 350°, or about 360°. Accordingly, this range of motion may enable the second crane 130 to pick up an attachment from a position external to the tool 100 (e.g., the ground or the back of a truck) and place it on top of the cylinders 106-1, 106-2, 106-3, 106-4, as described in more detail below. Similarly, the second crane 130 may remove the attachment from the top of the cylinders 106-1, 106-2, 106-3, 106-4 and place it in a position external to the tool 100.

FIG. 4 depicts a perspective view of the tool 100 having a swivel head attachment 200 coupled to the second crane 130, and FIG. 5 depicts a perspective view of the tool 100 having the swivel head attachment 200 coupled to the connectors 108 disposed above the cylinders 106-1, 106-2, 106-3, 106-4, according to one or more embodiments. The swivel head attachment 200 may include two parallel beams 202, 204 coupled together with one or more cross beams 206, 208. An end portion of each parallel beam 202, 204 may include a connector 210.

The swivel head attachment 200 may also include an engagement member 212 extending downwardly therefrom. The engagement member 212 may be coupled to and adapted to rotate a drill pipe, as described in more detail below. The engagement member 212 may also inject a fluid into the drill pipe. When the engagement member 212 is coupled to the drill pipe, the swivel head attachment 200 may be adapted to support a load up to about 100,000 kg, about 125,000 kg, about 150,000 kg, or more.

One or more cables 144 may be used to couple a distal end portion 142 of the second crane 130 to the swivel head attachment 200. The second crane 130 may be adapted to move the swivel head attachment 200 from a first or “inactive” position, where the swivel head attachment 200 is not positioned over the base 102 or the opening 104 in the base 102 (as shown in FIG. 4), to a second or “active” position, where the swivel head attachment 200 is positioned above the cylinders 106-1, 106-2, 106-3, 106-4 and aligned with the opening 104 in the base 102 (as shown in FIG. 5). When in the second position, the connectors 210 on the swivel head attachment 200 may be coupled to the corresponding connectors 108 disposed on the second end portions 109 of the cylinders 106-1, 106-2, 106-3, 106-4 with a pin or bolt 115.

FIG. 6 depicts a perspective view of the tool 100 having a casing jack attachment 300 coupled to the second crane 130, and FIG. 7 depicts a perspective view of the tool 100 having the casing jack attachment 300 coupled to the connectors 108 disposed above the cylinders 106-1, 106-2, 106-3, 106-4, according to one or more embodiments. As explained in more detail below, after the swivel head attachment 200 has been used, the second crane 130 may remove the swivel head attachment 200 from the second end portions 109 of the cylinders 106-1, 106-2, 106-3, 106-4. The cables 144 may then be used to couple the distal end portion 142 of the second crane 130 to a casing jack attachment 300.

The casing jack attachment 300 may include two parallel beams 302, 304 coupled together with one or more cross beams 306, 308. An end portion of each parallel beam 302, 304 may include a connector 310. The casing jack attachment 300 may include a jack 312 coupled thereto. In at least one embodiment, the jack 312 may be coupled to an upper surface 314 of the casing jack attachment 300, as shown. The jack 312 may be a mechanical jack, a hydraulic jack, a pneumatic jack or the like. The jack 312 may be adapted to support and/or lift a load (e.g., drill pipe and/or casing) up to about 150,000 kg, about 200,000 kg, about 250,000 kg, or more. For example, the jack 312 may be adapted to lift between about 220,000 kg and about 240,000 kg.

The second crane 130 may be adapted to move the casing jack attachment 300 from a first or “inactive” position, where the where the casing jack attachment 300 is not positioned over the base 102 or the opening 104 in the base 102 (as shown in FIG. 6), to a second or “active” position, where the casing jack attachment 300 is positioned above the cylinders 106-1, 106-2, 106-3, 106-4 and over the opening 104 in the base 102 (as shown in FIG. 7). When in the second position, the connectors 310 on the casing jack attachment 300 may be coupled to the corresponding connectors 108 disposed on the second end portions 109 of the cylinders 106-1, 106-2, 106-3, 106-4 with the pins 115.

The tool 100 may include one or more power sources (not shown). The power source(s) may be adapted to supply hydraulic power to the cylinders 106-1, 106-2, 106-3, 106-4, the first crane 110, the second crane 130, the swivel head attachment 200 and/or the casing jack attachment 300. The power source(s) may include one or more engines, one or more pumps, and one or more diesel and/or hydraulic tanks For example, the power source may include two engines, two pump packages, and two diesel and/or hydraulic tanks The tool 100 may be controlled remotely with one or more remote controls or “belly packs” (not shown) 360° around the tool 100.

FIGS. 8-12 depict an illustrative method for removing a portion of a casing 404 from a wellbore 400. More particularly, FIG. 8 depicts a cross-sectional view of the tool 100 introducing a drill pipe 406 into the wellbore 400, according to one or more embodiments. A plug 408 may be introduced into a wellbore 400 having a casing 404 disposed therein. The plug 408 may be expanded radially outward and into contact with the inner surface of the casing 404 to prevent fluid from flowing therethrough in both directions. The tool 100 may then be positioned over the wellbore 400 such that the opening 104 in the base 102 is aligned with the wellbore 400 and the casing 404. The first crane 110 may then be rotated into the active position where the tong 120 is vertically aligned with the opening 104 in the base 102. In at least one embodiment, the first crane 110 may include a hydraulic piston or cylinder or other device adapted to lift the jib 114 up and over one or more of the cylinders 106-1, 106-2, 106-3, 106-4 while the first crane 110 is rotated into the active position.

A drill pipe 406 may be introduced to the wellbore 400 and disposed radially inward from the casing 404. The drill pipe 406 may include one or more segments (three are shown 406-1, 406-2, 406-3). The tong 120 may hold one segment stationary (e.g., 406-2) while rotating an axially adjacent segment (e.g., 406-1) to screw or couple the segments 406-1, 406-2 together as the drill pipe 406 is being introduced to the wellbore 404. When the drill pipe 406 reaches the desired depth in the wellbore 400, the first crane 110 may rotate the tong 120 to the inactive position where it is no longer vertically aligned with the opening 104 in the base 102. A gripping device (shown proximate 104), such as a rotary table, may be used to grip the drill pipe 406 while the tong 120 couples the segments 406-1, 406-2 together and/or after the tong 120 releases the drill pipe 406 and moves to the inactive position.

FIG. 9 depicts a cross-sectional view of the swivel head attachment 200 coupled to the drill pipe 406, according to one or more embodiments. The swivel head attachment 200 may be coupled to the distal end portion 142 of the second crane 130, and the second crane 130 may move and/or rotate to place the swivel head attachment 200 above the cylinders 106-1, 106-2, 106-3, 106-4. The pins 115 may be inserted to secure the connectors 210 of the swivel head attachment 200 to the connectors 108 of the tool 100. The engagement member 212 of the swivel head attachment 200 may be coupled to the upper segment 406-1 of the drill pipe 406.

The lower segment 406-3 of the drill pipe 406 may include a pipe cutter having one or more blades or knives 410 coupled thereto. The knives 410 may be folded against (or inward of) the outer surface of the drill pipe 406 as the drill pipe 406 is lowered into the wellbore 400. The engagement member 212 of the swivel head attachment 200 may then introduce a fluid (e.g., a drilling fluid) into the drill pipe 406. The fluid may cause the knives 410 to expand radially outward and into contact with the inner surface of the casing 404. The engagement member 412 may then rotate the drill pipe 406 and the knives 410, thereby causing the knives 410 to cut the casing 404 into a first or “upper” casing segment 404-1 and a second or “lower” casing segment 404-2.

FIG. 10 depicts a cross-sectional view of the casing jack attachment 300 coupled to the drill pipe 406, according to one or more embodiments. Once the knives 410 have cut through the casing 404, the fluid flow into the drill pipe 406 may be reduced or cut off. When the fluid flow stops, the knives 410 may move or fold radially inward such that they are no longer in contact with the casing 404. The drill pipe 406 may then be pulled out of the wellbore 400.

Once the drill pipe 406 is out of the wellbore 400, the pipe cutter may be removed from the drill pipe 406. The pipe cutter may be replaced with a spear (e.g., a casing spear) 420 that is coupled to the lower segment 406-3 of the drill pipe 406. The tong 120 may be rotated back into alignment with the opening 104 in the base 102 to screw the segments 206-1, 406-2, 406-3 of the drill pipe 406 together as they are run into the wellbore 404 in the same manner as shown in FIG. 8. A casing spear 420 may then be actuated by, for example, lifting and rotating the drill pipe 406 (e.g., counterclockwise). When the casing spear 420 is actuated, one or more arms of the casing spear 420 expand radially outward and into contact with the inner surface of the first segment 404-1 of the casing 404 to couple the first segment 404-1 of the casing 404 to the drill pipe 406.

The distal end portion 142 of the second crane 130 may be re-coupled to the swivel head attachment 200, and the second crane 130 may move the swivel head attachment 200 to the inactive position external to the tool 100. The casing jack attachment 300 may then be coupled to the distal end portion 142 of the second crane 130, and the second crane 130 may move and/or rotate to place the casing jack attachment 300 in the active position above the cylinders 106-1, 106-2, 106-3, 106-4 and aligned with the opening 104. The pins 115 may be inserted to secure the connectors 310 of the casing jack attachment 300 to the connectors 108 of the tool 100. The jack 312 of the casing jack attachment 300 may be coupled to the upper segment 406-1 of the drill pipe 406.

FIG. 11 depicts a cross-sectional view of the cylinders 106-1, 106-2, 106-3, 106-4 lifting the drill pipe 406 and the first segment 404-1 of the casing 404, according to one or more embodiments. While the spear 420 is coupled to the first segment 404-1 of the casing 404, the cylinders 106-1, 106-2, 106-3, 106-4 may extend upward to hydraulically lift the drill pipe 406 and the first segment 404-1 of the casing 404 about 0.1 m or more, about 0.25 m or more, about 0.5 m or more, about 1 m or more, about 1.5 m or more, or about 2 m or more. Lifting the drill pipe 406 and the first segment 404-1 of the casing 404 may confirm that the casing 404 has been successfully cut into first and second segments 404-1, 404-2. Once confirmed, the cylinders 106-1, 106-2, 106-3, 106-4 may be lowered back into their original position.

FIG. 12 depicts a cross-sectional view of the wellbore 400 after the first segment 404-1 of the casing 404 has been removed, according to one or more embodiments. The jack 312 may lift the drill pipe 406 and the first segment 404-1 of the casing 404 up and out of the wellbore 400. After the first segment 404-1 of the casing 404 has been removed from the wellbore 400, the wellbore 400 may be filled in with cement and/or filled in by the formation to abandon the wellbore 400.

Although only a few example embodiments have been described in detail above, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that many modifications are possible in the example embodiments without materially departing from “Rigless Casing Cutting/Pulling Stand.” Accordingly, all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of this disclosure as defined in the following claims. In the claims, means-plus-function clauses are intended to cover the structures described herein as performing the recited function and not only structural equivalents, but also equivalent structures. Thus, although a nail and a screw may not be structural equivalents in that a nail employs a cylindrical surface to secure wooden parts together, whereas a screw employs a helical surface, in the environment of fastening wooden parts, a nail and a screw may be equivalent structures. It is the express intention of the applicant not to invoke 35 U.S.C. §112, paragraph 6 for any limitations of any of the claims herein, except for those in which the claim expressly uses the words ‘means for’ together with an associated function.

Certain embodiments and features have been described using a set of numerical upper limits and a set of numerical lower limits. It should be appreciated that ranges including the combination of any two values, e.g., the combination of any lower value with any upper value, the combination of any two lower values, and/or the combination of any two upper values are contemplated unless otherwise indicated. Certain lower limits, upper limits and ranges appear in one or more claims below. All numerical values are “about” or “approximately” the indicated value, and take into account experimental error and variations that would be expected by a person having ordinary skill in the art.

Various terms have been defined above. To the extent a term used in a claim is not defined above, it should be given the broadest definition persons in the pertinent art have given that term as reflected in at least one printed publication or issued patent. Furthermore, all patents, test procedures, and other documents cited in this application are fully incorporated by reference to the extent such disclosure is not inconsistent with this application and for all jurisdictions in which such incorporation is permitted.

Claims

1. A tool for removing a portion of a casing from a wellbore, comprising:

a base having an opening formed therethrough;

a plurality of hydraulic cylinders having first end portions coupled to the base and second end portions distal the base;

a first crane coupled to the base;

a tong coupled to the first crane, wherein the first crane is adapted to move the tong into alignment with the opening in the base;

a second crane coupled to the base; and

an attachment coupled to the second crane, wherein the second crane is adapted to move the attachment into alignment with the opening in the base and proximate the second end portions of the plurality of hydraulic cylinders.

2. The tool of claim 1, wherein the first crane is a jib crane, and wherein the second crane is a knuckleboom crane.

3. The tool of claim 1, wherein the attachment is coupled to the second end portions of the plurality of hydraulic cylinders.

4. The tool of claim 3, wherein the plurality of hydraulic cylinders are adapted to extend upward, thereby lifting the attachment.

5. The tool of claim 1, wherein the tong is adapted to screw two or more sections of drill pipe together or to unscrew the two or more sections of drill pipe from one another.

6. The tool of claim 5, wherein the attachment comprises a swivel head attachment for rotating the drill pipe.

7. The tool of claim 6, wherein the swivel head attachment is adapted to introduce a fluid to the drill pipe.

8. The tool of claim 5, wherein the attachment comprises a casing jack attachment.

9. The tool of claim 8, wherein the casing jack attachment is adapted to lift the drill pipe.

10. A method for removing a portion of a casing from a wellbore, comprising:

moving a tong into alignment with an opening formed through a base of a tool using a first crane coupled to the base, wherein the tool comprises a plurality of hydraulic cylinders having first end portions coupled to the base and second end portions distal the base;

screwing two or more segments of a drill pipe together with the tong;

introducing the drill pipe into a wellbore disposed below the base and aligned with the opening, wherein a casing is disposed in the wellbore and disposed radially outward from the drill pipe; and

moving a first attachment into a first position aligned with the opening in the base and proximate the second end portions of the cylinders using a second crane coupled to the base, the first attachment coupling to the drill pipe.

11. The method of claim 10, further comprising:

introducing a plug into the wellbore; and

expanding the plug radially outward and into contact with an inner surface of the casing.

12. The method of claim 10, wherein the drill pipe comprises one or more knives coupled thereto, and further comprising introducing a fluid into the drill pipe with the first attachment to cause the one or more knives to move radially outward and into contact with the casing.

13. The method of claim 12, further comprising rotating the drill pipe via the first attachment to cut the casing into first and second segments with the knives.

14. The method of claim 13, further comprising:

moving the first attachment into a second position with the second crane, wherein the first attachment when in the second position is not aligned with the opening in the base and is not coupled to the drill pipe; and

moving a second attachment into the first position with the second crane, the second attachment coupling with the drill pipe when in the first position.

15. The method of claim 14, further comprising:

coupling the drill pipe to the first segment of the casing; and

extending the cylinders upward, thereby lifting the second attachment, the drill pipe, and the first segment of the casing.

16. The method of claim 15, wherein a spear couples the drill pipe to the first segment of the casing.

17. A method for removing a portion of a casing from a wellbore, comprising:

moving a tong into alignment with an opening formed through a base of a tool using a first crane coupled to the base, wherein the tool comprises a plurality of hydraulic cylinders having first end portions coupled to the base and second end portions distal the base;

screwing two or more segments of a drill pipe together with the tong;

introducing the drill pipe into a wellbore disposed below the base and aligned with the opening, wherein a casing is disposed in the wellbore and disposed radially outward from the drill pipe;

moving a first attachment into a first position aligned with the opening in the base and proximate the second end portions of the cylinders using a second crane coupled to the base, the first attachment coupling to the drill pipe;

rotating the drill pipe via the first attachment to cut the casing into first and second segments with one or more knives coupled to the drill pipe;

moving the first attachment into a second position with the second crane, wherein the first attachment when in the second position is not aligned with the opening in the base and is not coupled to the drill pipe;

moving a second attachment into the first position with the second crane, the second attachment coupling with the drill pipe when in the first position;

coupling the drill pipe to the first segment of the casing; and

lifting the drill pipe and the first segment of the casing using the second attachment.

18. The method of claim 17, further comprising:

decoupling the one or more knives from the drill pipe; and

coupling one or more spears to the drill pipe.

19. The method of claim 18, further comprising engaging the one or more spears with the first segment of the casing to couple the first segment of the casing to the drill pipe.

20. The method of claim 19, further comprising removing the drill pipe and the first segment of the casing from the wellbore.