REVERSIBLE PORTED SUB ASSEMBLY

Abstract

A reversible ported sub assembly has an upper connection assembly, a ported lower end assembly and a reversible ported jetting member. The reversible ported jetting member has a central through-bore and jet ports extending laterally from the central through-bore to the outer surface of the ported jetting member at an acute angle relative to the longitudinal axis of the central through-bore. The reversible ported jetting member can be flipped or reversed so that the jet ports can be optionally oriented generally upwardly or downwardly within a wellbore, as desired. A removable plug member can be optionally installed to prevent fluid flow through the ported lower end assembly.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

Priority of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No 61/680,831, filed Aug. 8, 2012, incorporated herein by reference, is hereby claimed.

STATEMENTS AS TO THE RIGHTS TO THE INVENTION MADE UNDER FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT

None

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention pertains to a ported sub that can be beneficially included within a length of drill pipe or other tubular string within a well. In the preferred embodiment, the ported sub of the present invention comprises a plurality of ports, and optional nozzles, directionally oriented to beneficially provide optional upward or downward fluid jetting.

2. Brief Description of the Prior Art

Drilling of an oil or gas well is frequently accomplished using a surface drilling rig and tubular drill pipe and other equipment. When installing drill pipe (or other tubular goods) into a well, such pipe is typically inserted into a wellbore in a number of sections of roughly equal length commonly referred to as “joints”. As a well penetrates deeper into the earth, additional joints of pipe must be added to the ever lengthening “drill string” at the drilling rig in order to increase the overall depth of the well.

During drilling operations, a fluid known as drilling mud or drilling fluid is typically pumped down the longitudinally extending bore of the tubular drill string, and circulated up the annular space which is formed between the external surface of said drill string and the internal surface of the wellbore. Basic functions of drilling fluid can include, without limitation: (1) to cool and lubricate a drill bit and downhole equipment during drilling operations; (2) to transport pieces of drilled-up rock and other debris from the bottom of the hole to the surface; (3) to suspend such rock and debris during periods when circulation is stopped; (4) to provide hydrostatic pressure to control encountered subsurface pressures; and (5) to seal the porous rock in the well with an impermeable filter cake.

After a well is drilled to a desired depth, relatively large diameter pipe known as casing is typically installed within a well. After the casing is installed, such casing is typically secured in place by pumping a predetermined volume of cement slurry into the well, usually with high-pressure pumps. The cement slurry is typically pumped down the inner bore of the casing, out the distal end of the casing, and around the outer surface of the casing.

After a predetermined volume of cement has been pumped, a plug or wiper assembly is typically pumped down the inner bore of the casing using drilling mud or other fluid in order to fully displace the cement from the inner bore of the casing. In this manner, cement slurry leaves the inner bore of the casing and enters the annular space existing between the outer surface of the casing and the inner surface of the wellbore. After such cement hardens, it beneficially secures the casing in place and forms a fluid seal to prevent fluid flow along the outer surface of the casing.

During such drilling and cementing operations, as well as other downhole well operations, it is frequently beneficial to jet fluid within a wellbore. Such fluid is typically pumped through the inner bore of drill pipe or other tubular string, and out at least one port or jet nozzle extending from said inner bore, through the body of such drill pipe or other tubular member(s) and into the wellbore. In some instances, said nozzles are directionally oriented in order to direct such jetted fluid in a particular direction (for example, upward or downward within a wellbore).

Currently, when downward jetting is desired, a ported jetting assembly having downwardly oriented jet nozzles is utilized. Conversely, when upward jetting is desired, a separate ported jetting assembly having upwardly oriented jet nozzles is utilized. Depending on the application, fluid can also be jetted through the bottom of said ported jetting assembly; when “blanking” (closing) of lower port(s) is required, yet another assembly must be used. Such multiple different conventional jetting assemblies must typically all be transported to a rig location. Further, when not in use, such multiple different jetting assemblies must be stored, taking up valuable space on such rig.

Thus, there is a need for a reversible jetting assembly that permits optional directional fluid jetting, while eliminating the need for a variety of separate jetting tools.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In the preferred embodiment, the reversible ported sub assembly of the present invention comprises an upper connection assembly, a lower end assembly and a reversible ported jetting member. Said upper connection assembly comprises an upper threaded section, a lower threaded section and a central bore extending there through; said upper threaded section comprises threads adapted to engage with mating threads disposed at the bottom (distal end) of a length of drill pipe or other tubular string. Similarly, said lower threaded section comprises threads adapted to engage with mating threads of ported jetting assembly.

Said reversible ported jetting member has an upper threaded connection, a lower threaded connection, and a central through-bore extending along the longitudinal axis of said ported jetting member. Said central through-bore of said reversible ported jetting member is generally aligned and in fluid communication with central through-bore of said upper connection assembly, as well as a through bore of a lower end assembly.

Said reversible ported jetting member further comprises a plurality of jet ports extending from said central through-bore to the outer surface of said ported jetting member. In the preferred embodiment, said jet ports are oriented at an acute angle relative to the longitudinal axis of said central through-bore. When said reversible jetting member is oriented in one direction, said jet ports are oriented generally in the direction of upper connection assembly; that is, said jet ports are generally directed in an “up hole” or substantially upward direction when said assembly is deployed in a well. However, when desired, said reversible ported jetting member can be flipped or reversed so that said jet ports are oriented generally in the direction of said lower connection assembly. When oriented in such a manner, said jet ports are generally directed in a “down hole” or substantially downward direction when said assembly is deployed in a well.

A removable plug member can be optionally disposed within said central through bore of said lower end assembly. In the preferred embodiment, said removable plug member includes an elastomeric sealing member (such as an O-ring or the like) that can provide a fluid pressure seal between said plug member and said lower end assembly, thereby preventing or “blanking off” fluid flow through said lower end assembly.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS/FIGURES

The foregoing summary, as well as any detailed description of the preferred embodiments, is better understood when read in conjunction with the drawings and figures contained herein. For the purpose of illustrating the invention, the drawings and figures show certain preferred embodiments. It is understood, however, that the invention is not limited to the specific methods and devices disclosed in such drawings or figures.

FIG. 1 depicts a side sectional view of the reversible ported sub assembly of the present invention, wherein jetting ports are oriented in a “downward” direction and having a closed bottom port.

FIG. 2 depicts a side sectional view of the reversible ported sub assembly of the present invention, wherein jetting ports are oriented in an “upward” direction and having a closed bottom port.

FIG. 3 depicts a side sectional view of the reversible ported sub of the present invention, wherein jetting ports are oriented in an “upward” direction and having an open bottom port.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF A PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

Referring to the drawings, FIG. 1 depicts a side sectional view of the reversible ported sub assembly of the present invention. In the preferred embodiment, said reversible ported sub assembly comprises upper connection assembly 20, bottom end assembly 30 and ported jetting member 10.

Still referring to FIG. 1, upper connection assembly 20 comprises upper threaded section 21, lower threaded section 23 and central through-bore 22. In the preferred embodiment, upper threaded section 21 comprises female threads adapted to engage with mating male threads disposed at the bottom (distal end) of a length of drill pipe or other tubular string, according to industry custom. Similarly, lower threaded section 23 comprises female threads adapted to engage with mating threads of ported jetting member 10, as more fully described below. However, it is to be observed that said female threads can be male threads, and vice versa, without detracting from the scope of the present invention.

Reversible ported jetting member 10 has upper threaded connection 12, lower threaded connection 13, and central through-bore 11 extending along the longitudinal axis of said ported jetting member 10. In the preferred embodiment, and in accordance with industry custom, upper threaded connection 12 and lower threaded connection 13 comprise male threads; upper threaded connection 12 mates with lower threaded connection 23 of upper connection assembly 20, while lower threaded connection 13 mates with female threads 35 of bottom end assembly 30. Again, it is to be observed that said female threads can be male threads, and vice versa, without detracting from the scope of the present invention. Central through-bore 11 of reversible ported jetting member 10 is generally aligned and in fluid communication with central through-bore 22 of upper connection assembly 20, as well as through bore 32 of bottom end assembly 30 (described in detail below).

Reversible ported jetting member 10 further comprises body section 15 and a plurality of jet ports 14 extending from central through-bore 11 through body section 15 to the outer surface of said ported jetting member 10. It is to be observed that said jet ports can be oriented substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of said central through bore 11, such that jetted fluid is directed radially outward. However, in the preferred embodiment, said jet ports are oriented at an acute angle relative to the longitudinal axis of said central through-bore. As depicted in FIG. 1, said jet ports 14 are oriented generally in the direction of lower connection assembly 20. Thus, as depicted in FIG. 1, said jet ports are generally directed in a “down hole” or substantially downward direction when said assembly is deployed in a well.

Bottom end assembly 30 has upper female thread section 35 (for mating with male threaded section 13 of ported jetting member 10), as well as bull-nose 36 having lower port 31. Bottom end assembly 30 further comprises central through bore 32, which is generally aligned and in fluid communication with central through-bore 11 of ported jetting member 10. Said central through-bore 32 is also in fluid communication with lower port 31 when removable plug member 40 is not received within said central through bore 32.

FIG. 2 depicts a side sectional view of the reversible ported sub assembly of the present invention. Jet ports 14 are oriented generally in the direction of upper connection assembly 20. Thus, as depicted in FIG. 2, said jet ports are generally directed in an “up hole” or substantially upward direction when said assembly is deployed within a well.

Still referring to FIG. 2, removable plug member 40 is optionally disposed within central bore 32 of bottom end assembly 30. Further, extension member 41 extends into lower port 31. In the preferred embodiment, extension member 41 includes elastomeric sealing member 42 (such as an O-ring or the like) that can provide a fluid pressure seal between extension member 41 of said plug member 40 and bottom end assembly 30. When said removable plug member 40 is installed within central bore 32 of bottom end assembly 30, lower port 31 is blocked or sealed, preventing fluid flow through said lower port 31.

As such, FIG. 2 depicts a side sectional view of the reversible ported sub assembly of the present invention, wherein jetting ports 14 are oriented in an upward position and having a closed bottom port. Specifically, jet ports 14 are oriented generally in the direction of upper end assembly 20.

FIG. 3 depicts a side sectional view of the reversible ported sub assembly of the present invention, wherein jetting ports 14 are oriented in an “upward” direction and having an open bottom port 31. Jet ports 14 are oriented generally in the direction of upper connection assembly 20; as depicted in FIG. 3, said jet ports 14 are generally directed in an “up hole” or substantially upward direction when said assembly is deployed within a well.

Still referring to FIG. 3, removable plug member 40 is not disposed within central bore 32 of bottom end assembly 30. In this configuration, lower port 31 is not blocked or sealed by said removable plug member 40, thereby permitting fluid to flow through said lower port 31.

The reversible ported sub assembly of the present invention provides maximum versatility and functionality. When downward fluid jetting is desired, ported jetting member 10 is installed so that jet ports 14 are oriented generally in the direction of bottom end assembly 30 (as depicted in FIG. 1). Conversely, when upward jetting is desired, reversible ported jetting member 10 is “flipped” and installed so that jet ports 14 are oriented generally in the direction of upper connection assembly 20 (as depicted in FIGS. 2 and 3).

Regardless of the orientation of said jet ports 14, fluid can be permitted to flow through lower port 31 of bottom end assembly 30. When “blanking” (closing) of lower port 31 is required, removable plug member 40 can be installed. Such changes can be made on a rig or other remote location, thereby reducing the amount of equipment needed on such a location. In other words, the reversible ported sub of the present invention can take the place of multiple different jetting subs having up jets, down jets and open/closed bottom ports.

The reversible ported sub of the present invention is highly versatile and can be used with other technology including, without limitation, the “Method and Apparatus for Catching Darts and Other Dropped Objects During Well Cementing Operations” disclosed in U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/554,255, filed Nov. 1, 2011. However, it is to be observed that use of the reversible ported sub assembly of the present invention is not limited to use with such technology, and can be employed in many different applications when downhole fluid jetting is desired.

The above-described invention has a number of particular features that should preferably be employed in combination, although each is useful separately without departure from the scope of the invention. While the preferred embodiment of the present invention is shown and described herein, it will be understood that the invention may be embodied otherwise than herein specifically illustrated or described, and that certain changes in form and arrangement of parts and the specific manner of practicing the invention may be made within the underlying idea or principles of the invention.

Claims

1. A reversible fluid jetting assembly comprising:

a) a connection assembly having a first end, a second end and a central bore extending there between;

b) a jetting sub having a first end, a second end, a central bore extending there between and at least one jet port extending from said central bore to the outer surface of said ported sub, wherein said first end of said ported sub is connected to said second end of said connection assembly; and

c) an end sub having a first end, a second end, a central bore extending there between and at least one port extending from said central bore through said second end, wherein said first end of said end sub is connected to said second end of said jetting sub.

2. The reversible fluid jetting assembly of claim 1. wherein said at least one jet port is oriented substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of said central bore of said jetting sub.

3. The reversible fluid jetting assembly of claim 1, wherein said at least one jet port is oriented at an acute angle relative to the longitudinal axis of said central bore of said jetting sub.

4. The reversible fluid jetting assembly of claim 3, wherein said at least one jet port is oriented substantially downward within a well.

5. The reversible fluid jetting assembly of claim 3, wherein said at least one jet port is oriented substantially upward within a well.

6. The reversible fluid jetting assembly of claim 1, further comprising a plug for sealing said at least one port of said end sub.

7. The reversible fluid jetting assembly of claim 6, wherein said plug is received within said central bore of said end sub.

8. A reversible fluid jetting assembly comprising:

a) a connection assembly comprising: i. a first end having a first threaded connection; ii. a second end having a second threaded connection; and iii. a central bore extending from said first end to said second end;

b) a jetting sub comprising: i. a first end having a first threaded connection; ii. a second end having a second threaded connection; iii. a central bore extending from said first end to said second end; and iv. at least one jet port extending from said central bore to the outer surface of said ported sub, wherein said first end of said ported sub is connected to said second end of said connection assembly; and

c) an end sub comprising: i. a first end having a threaded connection; ii. a second end; iii. a central bore extending from said first end to said second end; and iv. at least one port extending from said central bore through said second end, wherein said first end of said end sub is connected to said second end of said jetting sub.

9. The reversible fluid jetting assembly of claim 8, wherein said at least one jet port is oriented substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of said central bore of said jetting sub.

10. The reversible fluid jetting assembly of claim 8, wherein said at least one jet port is oriented at an acute angle relative to the longitudinal axis of said central bore of said jetting sub.

11. The reversible fluid jetting assembly of claim 10, wherein said at least one jet port is oriented substantially downward within a well.

12. The reversible fluid jetting assembly of claim 10, wherein said at least one jet port is oriented substantially upward within a well.

13. The reversible fluid jetting assembly of claim 8, further comprising a plug for sealing said at least one port of said end sub.

14. The reversible fluid jetting assembly of claim 13, wherein said plug is received within said central bore of said end sub.

15. A reversible fluid jetting assembly comprising:

a) a connection assembly comprising: i. a first end having a first female threaded connection; ii. a second end having a second female threaded connection; and iii. a central bore extending from said first end to said second end;

b) a jetting sub comprising: i. a first end having a first male threaded connection; ii. a second end having a second male threaded connection;

iii. a central bore extending from said first end to said second end; and iv. at least one jet port extending from said central bore to the outer surface of said ported sub, wherein said first end of said ported sub is connected to said second end of said connection assembly; and

c) an end sub comprising: i. a first end having a female threaded connection; ii. a second end; iii. a central bore extending from said first end to said second end; and iv. at least one port extending from said central bore through said second end, wherein said first end of said end sub is connected to said second end of said jetting sub.

16. The reversible fluid jetting assembly of claim 15, wherein said at least one jet port is oriented substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of said central bore of said jetting sub.

17. The reversible fluid jetting assembly of claim 15, wherein said at least one jet port is oriented at an acute angle relative to the longitudinal axis of said central bore of said jetting sub.

18. The reversible fluid jetting assembly of claim 17, wherein said at least one jet port is oriented substantially downward within a well.

19. The reversible fluid jetting assembly of claim 17, wherein said at least one jet port is oriented substantially upward within a well.

20. The reversible fluid jetting assembly of claim 15, further comprising a plug for sealing said at least one port of said end sub.